Wholly Quilts Newsletter

9 Church Rd, Mangatarata RD 6 Thames 3576 phone 07 867 3085 mob phone 0210 223 1678 email: patchnat@nataliemurdoch.co.nz www.nataliemurdoch.co.nz

 

 

 

June Newsletter

 

G’day

 

Hope you’ve all got your tiaras and bling on today as you celebrate ‘her’ birthday though the start of winter is probably a better reason for us to have fun as we snuggle under our quilts.

 

My weekend has been quite a quiltie one as I was the merchant at the Auckland guild meeting on Saturday. Sunday I teamed up with others and went to the Quilt Waikato - the first of many, I hope. Seven quilt shops from ‘all over’ had got together to stage this event.

 

And today I’ve had a nostalgic journey back into my quilting past as I designed a beginners’ class. I will be teaching at night school (which is a first for me) at the local Hauraki College next term and wanted to get those new quilters enthused from the start. Do you remember your first quilt? And the fun you had doing it?

Sampler quilts have never appealed to me though they do have a place in our learning. I was trying to link block names to a story (sort of along the lines of the underground quilts made during the American civil war) to give the pattern more significance.  Perhaps the brain needed the day off as that plan wasn’t working at all. I think they will start on something different and leave the sample for later!

 

Calling all manipulative women!

This month I am going to be starting a weekly class that covers fabric manipulation (folding, scrunching, pleating), embellishments (thread work, beading, couching, embroidery) and flowers (3D, knitted, using wash-away and heat-away products).

We are going to create fabulous, over-the-top, funky bags and accessories, wall-hangings or decorations.

 

Onto classes then (remember, you can come to any of these classes and do you own thing. You would be very welcome):

 

Magnificent Manipulators or Bag Class

Bring basics, beads, buttons, baubles, bangles (make a statement when used as handles), bling, yarns, fabrics – almost anything goes!

Time: Fridays each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

This quilt pattern is guaranteed to shake off the mid-year blues, I’ve used brights, brights and more brights with a sober dash of black and white to bring it all together.

The requirements are two five-inch strips across the width of nine colours (more if you want a bigger quilt) plus a metre of contrast.

Time: Friday June 29^th, 5pm-ish to whenever

Cost: $15

 

Please book ahead so the catering department (that’s me J) 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...

 

wholly quilts newsletter

9 Church Rd, Mangatarata RD 6 Thames 3576 phone 07 867 3085 mob phone 0210 223 1678 email: patchnat@nataliemurdoch.co.nz www.nataliemurdoch.co.nz

 

 

 

June Newsletter

 

G’day

 

Hope you’ve all got your tiaras and bling on today as you celebrate ‘her’ birthday though the start of winter is probably a better reason for us to have fun as we snuggle under our quilts.

 

My weekend has been quite a quiltie one as I was the merchant at the Auckland guild meeting on Saturday. Sunday I teamed up with others and went to the Quilt Waikato - the first of many, I hope. Seven quilt shops from ‘all over’ had got together to stage this event.

 

And today I’ve had a nostalgic journey back into my quilting past as I designed a beginners’ class. I will be teaching at night school (which is a first for me) at the local Hauraki College next term and wanted to get those new quilters enthused from the start. Do you remember your first quilt? And the fun you had doing it?

Sampler quilts have never appealed to me though they do have a place in our learning. I was trying to link block names to a story (sort of along the lines of the underground quilts made during the American civil war) to give the pattern more significance.  Perhaps the brain needed the day off as that plan wasn’t working at all. I think they will start on something different and leave the sample for later!

 

Calling all manipulative women!

This month I am going to be starting a weekly class that covers fabric manipulation (folding, scrunching, pleating), embellishments (thread work, beading, couching, embroidery) and flowers (3D, knitted, using wash-away and heat-away products).

We are going to create fabulous, over-the-top, funky bags and accessories, wall-hangings or decorations.

 

Onto classes then (remember, you can come to any of these classes and do you own thing. You would be very welcome):

 

Magnificent Manipulators or Bag Class

Bring basics, beads, buttons, baubles, bangles (make a statement when used as handles), bling, yarns, fabrics – almost anything goes!

Time: Fridays each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

This quilt pattern is guaranteed to shake off the mid-year blues, I’ve used brights, brights and more brights with a sober dash of black and white to bring it all together.

The requirements are two five-inch strips across the width of nine colours (more if you want a bigger quilt) plus a metre of contrast.

Time: Friday June 29^th, 5pm-ish to whenever

Cost: $15

 

Please book ahead so the catering department (that’s me J) 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...

 

Scrap Quilts

The Scrap Heap

 

Scrap or scrappy quilts have a reputation like no other in the quilting world.

 

In some eyes they are at the bottom of the (scrap) heap because of their very name but one thing you can be sure of is that each truly scrappy quilt will be a unique quilt.

 

It will be able to tell many stories and plot the course of its maker’s quilt career. It will totally confuse the quilt historian in years to come as the scraps could conceivably come from two or more decades of sewing and collecting.

 

The dictionary defines scrap as fragments, left-overs or even to discard as useless and scrappy as unequal in quality and badly finished, so it is no wonder that, to the uninitiated, a scrap quilt could be a regarded as an inferior object. And yet they have a rich history.

 

Victorian crazy patch quilts have showcased some stunning examples of a scrap quilt. Another Victorian rite that was perhaps a precursor to the more modern scrappies was the button gathering. Young ladies of that era collected and strung 999 buttons in the hope that their true love would bring them number 1000.

 

During the 1920s scrap quilts were more of a necessity. Hard times were truly the mother of invention. When it came to keeping the family warm the quilting mother was quick to cobble together any scraps. Probably it was around this time that scrap quilts became known as beggar quilts (as in asking for scraps).

 

These quilts were also known as odd feller quilts – obviously because no two fabrics matched.

 

Another, and probably much more acceptable, name is a charm quilt, so called because if you made one out of 1000 pieces it is charmed and destined to bring reality to any dreams dreamt under the quilts.

 

The millennium produced a plethora of charm quilts with fabric swaps around the world so that each was made with 2000 different fabrics. Some makers quite deliberately include a matching pair to add allure. In earlier time this was done so that a sick child could be kept occupied under the quilt by looking for the match.

 

Though the title may diminish the scrap quilt they are, by their definition a true representation of the quilting craft. The necessity to cut perfectly good fabric into small pieces has already been done. There is no better therapy than scrambling and caressing your way through your scrap heap and producing a stunning quilt.

 

 

 

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...

 

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