Wholly Quilts newsletter

G’day

 

I spent some time in my garden earlier this week cutting the basil down. It occurred to me how like quilting gardening is. The basil was cut into (very) small pieces and made into pesto All the while I was surrounded by a sense of well-being and lovely aromas. Much like the senses being challenged by a new quilting project and the satisfaction gained when it all comes together into something delectable.

 

Enough waxing lyrical – Easter is upon us and so is autumn – a great time for quilting - and the school holidays.

 

The beginners’ class will start next term. If you know anyone interested in taking up quilting or perhaps needs a hand then let me know their contact details? I am looking at two different session times on a Thursday – morning and evening but this will depend on the students.

 

Also next term I will have my signage done and out. This does not necessarily mean I am open regular hours so if you want to purchase or just come and see the layout then please call first. I have missed some visitors and I apologise for that. Most have come on our club day at Turua and the cell-phone coverage is extremely poor there so there has not been any chance of calling me home. Sorry – I do hope I can catch up with you some other time.

 

If there is nothing to take your fancy in the following classes but you just want to hang or seek help then you are most welcome at any of the sessions.

 

Children’s class

I have long hankered after holding a class for youngsters and there is no time like the present. Next Thursday (April 12) bring your daughters, sons or grandkids to a fun stencilling class that could be made into their first quilt. Start time 1pm through to 4-ish

I will supply all the materials for this first day though old clothes or a cover-up might be required as the paint is textile paint.

The cost: $20 per child (or adult if you want to stay and play and you are very welcome to do so).

 

Bordering on the Comical

This is a quilt that I have been teaching for some time. Essentially it is a scrappy centre with a critter appliquéd onto the border to give the look of a quilt within a quilt.

There is some demand for this class so I have scheduled the quilt over two days.

On Friday April 13 we will turn the tables on the black voodoo and enjoy ourselves making a scrappy centre.  

Time: 1-4pm

Requirements: about 100 5-inch swatches or similar scraps

Cost: $15

I have tentatively scheduled the second day for May 11 when your background will all be done and waiting for the critter. The critters include cat, rabbit, cow, dragon, mouse, pig, clown, frog, dogs etc so there is something for everyone.

 

Bag Class

This month’s bag is a cube shape – ideal for taking bits and bobs to class as it stands open beside you.

Your homework for this class is to make 20 5 or 6-inch blocks or you can just cut 20 pieces of fabric. You will also need to bring (or purchase from me) .5m of pellon or light batting.

Time: Monday (April 16) afternoon 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

It’s time to revisit a ‘what can you do with eight fat-quarters’ quilt so that is what you need to bring to this mystery.

Time: Friday (April 27) 5pm-ish to whenever

Cost: $15

 

Please book ahead so the catering (that’s meJ) department can be alerted.

 

Organise your own special day out for yourself or a group of friends. A lovely country lunch and a tutored session will cost $50 per person.

 

And don’t forget the retreats. Remember come for a class, a day or a stay.

 

Mail orders

You can order any of the following by email or phone

Rayon Threads are ideal for machine applique, quilting or embroidery

$2.50each or 5 for $10

 

Swatch Patterns - great scrappy quilts using five-inch swatches

$12each or 2 for $16

 

Swatches 60 different five-inch swatches

$20 each or 2 for $35

available in packs - Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, Brown, Neutral, Purple, Floral, Leaves, Brights, I Spy ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogger.com - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...

 

April newsletter

G’day

 

I spent some time in my garden earlier this week cutting the basil down. It occurred to me how like quilting gardening is. The basil was cut into (very) small pieces and made into pesto All the while I was surrounded by a sense of well-being and lovely aromas. Much like the senses being challenged by a new quilting project and the satisfaction gained when it all comes together into something delectable.

 

Enough waxing lyrical – Easter is upon us and so is autumn – a great time for quilting - and the school holidays.

 

The beginners’ class will start next term. If you know anyone interested in taking up quilting or perhaps needs a hand then let me know their contact details? I am looking at two different session times on a Thursday – morning and evening but this will depend on the students.

 

Also next term I will have my signage done and out. This does not necessarily mean I am open regular hours so if you want to purchase or just come and see the layout then please call first. I have missed some visitors and I apologise for that. Most have come on our club day at Turua and the cell-phone coverage is extremely poor there so there has not been any chance of calling me home. Sorry – I do hope I can catch up with you some other time.

 

If there is nothing to take your fancy in the following classes but you just want to hang or seek help then you are most welcome at any of the sessions.

 

Children’s class

I have long hankered after holding a class for youngsters and there is no time like the present. Next Thursday (April 12) bring your daughters, sons or grandkids to a fun stencilling class that could be made into their first quilt. Start time 1pm through to 4-ish

I will supply all the materials for this first day though old clothes or a cover-up might be required as the paint is textile paint.

The cost: $20 per child (or adult if you want to stay and play and you are very welcome to do so).

 

Bordering on the Comical

This is a quilt that I have been teaching for some time. Essentially it is a scrappy centre with a critter appliquéd onto the border to give the look of a quilt within a quilt.

There is some demand for this class so I have scheduled the quilt over two days.

On Friday April 13 we will turn the tables on the black voodoo and enjoy ourselves making a scrappy centre.  

Time: 1-4pm

Requirements: about 100 5-inch swatches or similar scraps

Cost: $15

I have tentatively scheduled the second day for May 11 when your background will all be done and waiting for the critter. The critters include cat, rabbit, cow, dragon, mouse, pig, clown, frog, dogs etc so there is something for everyone.

 

Bag Class

This month’s bag is a cube shape – ideal for taking bits and bobs to class as it stands open beside you.

Your homework for this class is to make 20 5 or 6-inch blocks or you can just cut 20 pieces of fabric. You will also need to bring (or purchase from me) .5m of pellon or light batting.

Time: Monday (April 16) afternoon 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

It’s time to revisit a ‘what can you do with eight fat-quarters’ quilt so that is what you need to bring to this mystery.

Time: Friday (April 27) 5pm-ish to whenever

Cost: $15

 

Please book ahead so the catering (that’s meJ) department can be alerted.

 

Organise your own special day out for yourself or a group of friends. A lovely country lunch and a tutored session will cost $50 per person.

 

And don’t forget the retreats. Remember come for a class, a day or a stay.

 

Mail orders

You can order any of the following by email or phone

Rayon Threads are ideal for machine applique, quilting or embroidery

$2.50each or 5 for $10

 

Swatch Patterns - great scrappy quilts using five-inch swatches

$12each or 2 for $16

 

Swatches 60 different five-inch swatches

$20 each or 2 for $35

available in packs - Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, Brown, Neutral, Purple, Floral, Leaves, Brights, I Spy ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogger.com - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...

 

march newsletter

G’day

 

My loverly American sister, Jilli, has been and gone – but the good news is that she is returning for another five-day stay with me next week and she’s bringing my Nelson sister with her so it will be some long days and nights of catching up.

 

My brain has been in buzz mode working on classes that might appeal to you. I am thinking along the lines of monthly classes that will encourage you and increase your skill base.

Do please tell me what you would like – miniatures, candle-wicking, flowers (both appliqué and 3D), primitive or maybe samplers are your thing and you would like to learn more and share.

 

Up-coming events to remember:

 

The first is the Bag Class that has now been moved (again) to Monday (March 12) afternoon 1-3pm. There is a little homework for you to do but like most things if it’s not done then that is OK too. My sample was done in black and white and filled with goodies for Jilli.

Cost $10.

 

Prior to class:

            Cut two rectangles 10 x 14½ inches from two contrasting

fabric fat quarters (though I have done my bag all in black and

white fabrics, the contrast is quite obvious). Join one of each

together down long side, baste with a lightweight batting or pelon

and quilt lightly.

 

 

Other requirements:      8 inches fabric for ruffle

                                    1m for lining, handles, piping etc

                                    1.3m cotton filler cord

 

Friday’s Sew n Soup (March 30) is catch-up time. I have an Easter bunny wall-hanging for you to do or if you prefer, you can bring along previous patterns and catch up.

 

For the bunny you will need 1/2m background and backing fabric, 12 5-inch swatches for the Easter egg and 14-inch square of bunny fabric and vliesofix.

Reverse and normal appliqué, quick scrappy piecing and machine binding are the techniques covered with this wee project.

 

So start time is 5pm-ish to whenever. I can promise you though that we won’t be having chocolate soup to match!!

Cost $15.

 

 

The following day (Saturday March 31) is a repeat of our Pot Luck quilt and lunch that was such fun over the Christmas break. If you came then and made a hole in your scrap basket but want to go again, never fear, I have several other patterns you can do with almost the same techniques.

 

So start time is 10am-ish to whenever. Bring your scrap basket and lunch to share.

Cost $15.

 

If you want to do both Friday and Saturday classes and are travelling any distance, then you might like to join the Sleepover on Friday night. Bed and breakfast is just $25 per stitcher.

 

Please book ahead so the catering department can be alerted.

 

Organise your own special day out for yourself or a group of friends. A lovely country lunch and a tutored session will cost $50 per person.

 

And don’t forget the retreats. Remember come for a class, a day or a stay.

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

http://patchnat.blogger.com - my blog, where you can read the latest news that may or may not make the newsletter...

 

Bag Ladies class resheduled

Good morning

I thought the silly season was over and done with but not so. For various reasons (including the imminent arrival in NZed of my American sister), the Bag Ladies class scheduled for February 13 is now going to be held one week later. Feb 20 at 1pm is now the start time.

Requirements for this bag (three fabrics required) are :
Fabrics 1 and 2 should contrast - cut two strips the width of fabric (44 in) x 1¼ inches
Fabric 3 is for lining and trim (a check pattern looks good) - cut width of fabric (44 in)x 6 inches
One metre of fine cord for drawstring.
Sewing machine etc

February’s Sew n Soup on Friday the 23rd will be another pattern for you to use up you 2 ½ inch strips so bring them along to this popular class. Starts about 5pm

Natalie
Wholly Quilts
http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

Material Matters - an column for NANZQ

Here's an column I wrote for NANZQ newsletter recently when they asked me to discuss quilting matters as they pertain to how to prepare and run a successful class for both students and teachers...

Class requirements … that sometimes long, long list of ‘stuff’ needed for a class is often the first indication of the success, or otherwise, of the next step in your quilting education.

How many of us – students and teachers both – get it right every time?

From a student’s point of view, it seems that every class has a blend of those who have interpreted the tutor’s list and know exactly what to bring and what the end product is going to look like; those who cover all, and I mean all, the bases and bring their entire stash and equipment cache; and then there are those who just wish they had stuck with their favourite colour scheme that their table-sharer happens to be working on.

The smart student is off to a head start in the class. Patterns and fabrics sing together. The machine or other equipment works and works well. Organisation and flair shine. Her abilities however could well mean that she is second guessing the tutor and not necessarily leaving herself open to the learning experience.

Is this a combination of good management and interpretation of the tutor’s list? Or is it a great tutor’s list?

If it is the latter, then how come others in the class can get it so wrong?

The student with the entire contents of her sewing room spread out around her will inevitably be slower. She will be slowed down by choices to make and stuff to sort through. Though that does not necessarily detract from the finished product, she may well have learned more in the class with better organisation skills. On the other hand she may well be absorbing more of the teacher’s tips and techniques.

Each class always has one or two who have ventured along a new path. New techniques, new tutor and, yes, a whole new colour choice only to be confronted by a class that would be ideal for using the old favourite, comfortable colours. Now that you are there you discover your neighbour using those fabrics you eschewed and left behind.
A frustrated student does not necessarily make the most of her learning opportunity.

So what is required to get it right every time?
Do tutors need some training so that the perfect tutor with the perfect requirement list will get a class full of perfectly equipped and happy students?
Or is it that the human factor will always prevail and different interpretations of the same list will continue to create fabulous differences in classes?

After recent symposium classes for so many that were highly successful and productive – does it really matter?


Natalie
Wholly Quilts
http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

Quilting Classes
Term 1
(Feb 13 to April 5)
Quilting Bes
Tuesdays 10am to 12.30pm and 6pm to 8.30pm
Starts February 13 for 8 weeks
Costs $80
This class is for beginners, addicts and quilters alike who want help or company.
Requirements: Sewing machines, projects or a headful of ideas and plans.

Bag Ladies
Tuesdays 1pm to 3pm
Starts February 13 and runs monthly on the second Tuesday of the month.
Costs $10
Each bag is designed to be made, or nearly completed in a session.
Requirements: Will be given to each as they confirm their class place.

Sew n Soup
Friday 5pm-ish to whenever
Held on the last Friday of the month.
Costs $15
This session proved so popular last year that it may be necessary to hold it on two consecutive Fridays so you may want to book into either and take a chance. Each session limited to 10.
Requirements: Will be given to each as they confirm their class place though usually designed around the use of eight fat quarters or 21/2-inch strips.

Pot Luck Quilt & Lunch
Saturday March 31 10am-ish to whenever
Cost $15
Requirements: Your scrap basket, pages from the phone book and a shared lunch



Other Classes available (organise a group, your place or mine, and call me about available dates, numbers etc)

• Swatch Scraps is a class just made for using up your collection of 5-inch swatches. There are over 15 patterns with variations available including Ooey Gooey Hearts and a simple 9-patch.
• Pot Luck Quilts This class uses the smaller scraps (don’t toss ‘em, make a quilt) and covers string piecing, foundation piecing and simple template-making.
• Bordering on the Comical utilises a scrappy centre and adds an animal friend in the border to make an individual quilt for that special child while
• The Occasional Whimsy gives you a poster-size wallhanging to celebrate the occasion - Easter, Christmas, birthdays etc.
• Traditions Made Easy Maybe this class should be re-titled ‘it doesn’t matter’. When you learn the simple methods you can tackle anything and this sampler is a great place to start.
• Fat-Quarter Mystery is just that - a mystery and a fun way to learn new techniques that can be applied to almost any quilt-making venture. Just take eight fat-quarters and ... go for it!
• Faces and Flowers a side trip into the art quilt. Applique or Appliquilt - you choose. Challenge the artist in you on a portrait or still life. Picasso got away with it, you can too.

Send me an email for more information

Natalie

Wholly Quilts

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

Already Be-hind

Kia Ora

Well, it is Waitangi Day here in New Zealand - our national holiday.

I had planned on this day being one of those creative moments but already the year is running away from me and the class list must take priority. I’d hate to admit it but is it an age thing when every year someone with a dastardly sense of humour steals January?

Mind you this new year has begun with a most enjoyable symposium in Palmerston North and then a two-day class learning Surface Embellishment with Gloria Loughman at Whangamata.

Wholly Quilts is going to set a whole new level of quilting this year. Starting with the weekly Quilting Bes. Yes, that is Bes as in Be taught, Be inspired, Be creative, Be sociable and most importantly Be there.

These sessions are basically do your own thing but with help at hand. The Bes will also Be a Be-ginning for any aspiring quilters or fabric artistes. If you have a friend that wants to learn then this will Be the in place.

Be-cause we are all different the Bes will Be held at different times to suit and may Be altered depending on demand.

Just before I list the class times/costs etc can I please ask my symposium students if they can send me photos of their work. I just have to mention here one in particular - Lynley. For those of you who thought quilting was all little squares and triangles sewn together you need to see Lynley’s naked lady a la Picasso. She was beautiful.

Lynley you inspired me to come home and play with a naked lady (in the nicest, quiltiest way of course). Just wait until she is revealed to the world.

If you want to register for any of the following classes please email or phone. A cuppa and cookies are available at all classes.

See my next posting for the upcoming class list....


Great stitching

Natalie
Wholly Quilts
http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz