Wholly Quilts

Summer Newsletter

G'day (and a belated Happy New Year)

I have a confession – it is not that I haven't been working for a month or
two (though that's true) it's that I have been doing research. As those
numbers rise (you know, the one's that indicate how many moons you have seen
– probably easier to count by the number of Leap Years about now) the years
start slipping away faster n faster than ever. Well, I decided to mount a
watch to see who or indeed if anyone was stealing January. I sat on it and
can report that this year at least we have had a full month so there will be
no excuses later in the year.

Now I am about to embark on a campaign to educate the weather presenters on
the tv. Have they ever tried to sit under/work on a quilt when the
temperature is in the 30s? It is so dry around here even the weeds are dying
and yet those weather people continue to tell us how lucky we are to be
getting yet another sunny day.

Onto quiltie stuff and what an exciting year it's going to be. I have
retreats, classes and exhibitions coming up but more about that later.

Get back into quilting mode with the Summer Bash on Saturday February 9.
I'll show you another way to use up scraps so it is a repeat Pot Luck quilt
and Pot Luck lunch starting 10-ish and finishing whenever. Last year's rulez
didn't work very well – you know the one where you share and give as much as
you take. Well my scrap basket looked like it took n took. We were all meant
to end up with less not more and a quilt as well. Cost for the day is $15.

I have a couple of really exciting classes lined up for the first term:
The first is for those who want handwork – I will be teaching Candlewicking
– all those lovely effects and stitches that look superb on a cream on cream
quilt.
The second is a new take including lots of shortcuts on the traditional. I
have attached a picture of my quilt and you can see the old blocks
(Pinwheel, Flying Geese, Checkerboard. Churn Dash and Friendship Star). The
course covers stack cutting, appliqué, no fuss half-square triangles and new
ways with checkerboard borders.
These two classes will run for seven weeks starting on Thursday February 7
(handwork before lunch at 10am and 'traditions' from 1-3pm so you can bring
your lunch and spend the day if you like). The cost is $10 per session or
$60 for the term.
Contact me beforehand to get your list of requirements.

Friday night's sew n soup will continue on the last Friday of each month.
Unfortunately January fell off the calendar but book now for Leap Day,
Friday the 29th. Bring your machines for a scrap-happy session (I promise
the soup won't be quite so scrappy).

As always – if you want to come along and do your own thing, catch up on an
unfinished project or just visit then you are welcome. Please let the
catering department know of your plans.

Regards
Natalie Murdoch
www.nataliemurdoch.co.nz

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.11/1242 - Release Date: 24/01/2008
8:32 p.m.

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.11/1242 - Release Date: 24/01/2008
8:32 p.m.

No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.19.11/1242 - Release Date: 24/01/2008
8:32 p.m.

Wholly Quilts

December Newsletter

 

G’day and Season’s Greetings

 

It is certainly time to celebrate and reflect on another year.

I have my three adult ‘kids’ in the same country for the first time in three years; it is two years since I made the big move out of Auckland to Mangatarata and one year since Wholly Quilts was officially launched as a quilters’ studio and retreat and of course you all know now that Christmas marks the big 60 for me – what fun!

Ethan, the youngest home from England, and I drove to Taupo last week just so we could see my Papatuanuku - Earth Mother. It was the last day of the Elemental challenge exhibition in the city’s museum.

You know how you stand in front of your quilts with a silly grin on your face? Well my grin was extra wide cos it has been sold and is off to America. That is always very exciting when someone likes your work as much as you do.

I still have to convince my daughter that letting go is all part of the process. She would be my biggest fan and would hang on to all my creations given half a chance. Whenever I ask her input into naming a new quilt she always says ‘mine’!

 

And so to next year …

Obviously some things must be repeated. Friday night’s sew n soup will continue on the last Friday of each month. I will be teaching some techniques as opposed to projects this year but more about that early next year. You can also use this session or any others to catch up or do your own thing.

I will also be looking at two daytime sessions each week – one focussing on handwork such as candle-wicking or red-work and the other on problem-solving or helping  with techniques such as machine quilting, chenille work, appliqué etc.

These sessions will be run during term time and in the holidays I will be looking to get some juniors started on sewing and more particularly quilting.

 

Once I am done celebrating this month I will get down to specifics and let you all know more details.

 

Watch out for information on the Summer Bash – just when you were beginning to get over eating, drinking and endless visitors – another pot luck lunch and quilt will start the quiltie year off with a flourish!

 

Retreat bookings are beginning to happen. The prices will be going up in July but on offer till the end of January only is a 2008 retreat at today’s prices (that’s $145 per person per weekend including all food, accommodation and top tutoring). So book now.

 

My wish for you all is a very happy and safe festive time and a fabulous 2008

 

 

 

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

G’day - What a lot I have to celebrate this month. It is the first opportunity to tell all those new (and old) contacts that I made at Calico Christmas about my lovely little quilters’ haven AND it is the first birthday of Wholly Quilts as a retreat and studio.

 

Because I have just added so many names to my address book I thought I would tell you about the quilter’s secret here on the Hauraki Plains.

 

I have converted a little old church to a studio and classroom. Every quilt hanging in it is designed and made by me. Some, well most, reflect my love of a good scrap (quilt that is). Others are class samples developed for students of all capabilities and clearly showing all types of appliqué, piecing, layering and experiments with colour, fabrics and techniques.

Some quilts have won awards; some are total failures in the grander scheme of things. Some are art quilts and some use traditional blocks and shapes.

The ambience is to inspire me and all those using the facility, to move you out of your comfort zone and to encourage you to do your own thing.  

 

The accommodation is a year old, shared rooms and enough bathrooms to go around.

 

The food is seasonal and fresh. Some retreaters have asked to come back for cooking lessons instead of quilting so that indicates their satisfaction. There is only one house rule – it is BYO alcohol and you have to bring enough for meJ.

 

Travel no more than an hour and a half from Auckland (or Orewa), Hamilton, Rotorua or Tauranga and a relaxing quilty weekend can be yours.

 

The cost is $145* per person and includes all meals from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, accommodation and teaching. Gather you friends and check it all out for yourselves. Groups of two to eight can be accommodated.

*prices will be reviewed on 1 June 2008  

 

The Natalie Murdoch/Barbara Bilyard ‘significant birthday bash’ on December 1 still has a couple of vacancies if you want to join us. We will both be teaching a class and sharing the fun with a pot luck lunch and bubbles. The day will be limited to 20 and cost $40 each.

 

I have been asked for black n white jelly rolls and now have them available. All these packs are at the show price of $55 each or two for $100. Remember I have five patterns now for using them and most need at least two packs to make a good size single bed quilt.

Also now in stock is limited supplies of that Amazing Tape that keeps your threads under control - $3 per metre.

 

Sew n Soup

Is a week early in November - Friday 23^rd - we will be making a Christmas swag

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.

 

Stay in touch by going to my blog http://patchnat.blogger.com

 

 

 

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...

 

October Newsletter

G’day

 

I am really excited about a coming Event – well actually a couple of them, but I want to invite you to join me for one of them. A significant birthday looms for a couple of us and we would like to celebrate with a birthday bash.

Barbara Bilyard and I have these SBs in December so we are going to mark the occasion in style as befits women of our ageJ.

The birthday bash will be held on December 1. Barbara and I will both teach on the day – launching new patterns using jelly rolls (what else?). We have hundreds and thousands of ideas but will limit it to two new designs. What could a girl ask for but birthday treats such as these and quiltie friends to help celebrate!

Lunch will be a pot luck and bubbles affair. The day will be limited to 20 and cost $40 each.

 

Quilting trends change almost as regularly as fashion but I am delighted to see the emergence of the jelly roll and the resultant scrappy quilts – I just lurve scrap quilts.

I have now developed patterns using these 2½ inch strips AND now have a limited selection of jelly rolls. These packs contain 2½ metres of fabric (40 strips) and I am selling them for $55 each. Most of them are colour coded such as reds, blues, greens etc and I am quite willing to make up a pack to order.

Remember I have five patterns now for using them and most need at least two packs to make a bed quilt.

 

With scraps quilts to the fore I am still stocking swatch packs that contain 60 different fabrics (that’s nearly a metre of fabric) and sell for $20. I also have 12 patterns available using these packs.

 

There are a couple of upcoming events that I will be attending and would love any of you to come up and introduce yourselves.

The first is on Sunday - Peninsular Day – a gathering of quilters from around the Coromandel. The Ngatea group, Plains Patchworkers, are organising this and will be a fun day with shared quiltie stuff like fabric and food and quilts and …

The last weekend in October (26-28) is Calico Christmas. This Auckland quiltfest is staged in the Harbour Function Centre, Albany.

 

Stay in touch by going to my blog  http://patchnat.blogger.com

 

Onto more important stuff:

 

Christmas Redwork class will be held on Tuesday afternoons for another couple of weeks. Get a unique wall-hanging made for the holiday season and learn some new embroidery tricks, button embellishments and appliqué. Time: Tuesdays each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

Friday afternoon sessions are open to any and everyone. Come get some one-on-one help, catch up with friends or finish a project or two.

Time: Fridays each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

Sew n Soup

Will not be done in October because of Calico Christmas.

 

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.

 

 

 

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...

 

FW: wholly quilts

September Newsletter

 

G’day

 

The daffies are blooming, the lambs are bouncing and the godwits are back – it must be spring though on days like today the temperature could do with a thoroughly good warm up. I can even watch the antics of a duck family while I clean my teeth – one of the great things about New Zealand is that you don’t have to go far to appreciate nature.

 

I have spent most of this week writing the patterns for out Jilli Roll quilts. If any of you who are not close by would like to share these sessions then the instructions are now available. I have five of them – Autumn Logs, Sister’s Choice, Squared Off, Trip around the Plains and Diamonds are Forever. They all use the 2½ inch strips and cost $12 each.

I am beginning to think that Friday night’s Sew n Soup should be renamed The Strip Club. You can see samples of these on my website www.nataliemurdoch.co.nz go to my CV and look at pages 6 and 7.

 

The local Plains Patchworkers are organising Peninsular Day next month. Quilters from all over the Coromandel and surrounding areas will converge on Ngatea on Sunday October 7. A challenge has been issued – Flat out and loving it – three layers, measuring 1m wide x 30cm deep; a block draw (pukekos or the bird’s colours) could give you the chance to win a quilt top; a round robin quilt will be initiated with a 14-inch centre block being exchanged on the day. A shared lunch, raffles, merchants and a special guest speaker make up the day’s programme. If you want more information please contact me.

 

New spam laws came into effect last week so I am now offering you the opportunity to opt out of receiving my newsletters. (Send me an email patchnat@nataliemurdoch.co.nz – it’s as easy as that). You could continue to keep up with the news  and stay in touch by going to my blog  http://patchnat.blogger.com

 

Onto more important stuff:

 

Christmas Redwork class will be held on Tuesday afternoons for the next few weeks. Get a unique wall-hanging made for the holiday season and learn some new embroidery tricks, button embellishments and appliqué.

TimeTuesdays each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

 

 

Friday afternoon sessions are open to any and everyone. Come get some one-on-one help, catch up with friends or finish a project or two.

Time: Fridays each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

Yet another Jilli Roll pattern but it could be the last for the year as I have some new projects in the planning stage. Use those 2½ inch strips in any colour or quantity you choose

Time: Friday July 27^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 ...

 

FW: wholly quilts

G’day

This month’s newsletter follows a slightly different format and hopefully one you can all access. There are no guarantees that I can keep the rain off though – has anyone started building an ark?

 

Have to tell you about my favourite quilting couple. Last week Debbie turned up in time for the Friday afternoon session and her mate Patrick briefly said g’day before taking off over the road for a round of golf (yes it is just over the road). He was back in time for Sew n Soup and working away on his musically-themed blocks.

 

I got some really great news on Saturday – my Earth Mother has been accepted into the NANZQ Elemental challenge. How exciting is that? The official opening of the exhibition is on August 31 – a scheduled Sew n Soup night so that will be a week early this month.

 

 

Onto more important stuff:

Friday afternoon sessions are open to any and everyone. I am particularly keen to welcome newcomers to the craft and others who have problems that need sorting out.

Time: Friday each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

Another Jilli Roll pattern: Use those 2½ inch strips in any colour or quantity you choose. As many of the regulars have missed the odd one of these, all FIVE patterns will be available this month so you can take you pick.

Time: Friday August 24^th – yes it’s a week earlier than usual, 5pm-ish to whenever

Cost: $15

 

 

 

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

G’day

This month’s newsletter follows a slightly different format and hopefully one you can all access. There are no guarantees that I can keep the rain off though – has anyone started building an ark?

 

Have to tell you about my favourite quilting couple. Last week Debbie turned up in time for the Friday afternoon session and her mate Patrick briefly said g’day before taking off over the road for a round of golf (yes it is just over the road). He was back in time for Sew n Soup and working away on his musically-themed blocks.

 

I got some really great news on Saturday – my Earth Mother has been accepted into the NANZQ Elemental challenge. How exciting is that? The official opening of the exhibition is on August 31 – a scheduled Sew n Soup night so that will be a week early this month.

 

 

Onto more important stuff:

Friday afternoon sessions are open to any and everyone. I am particularly keen to welcome newcomers to the craft and others who have problems that need sorting out.

Time: Friday each week 1-3pm.

Cost: $10.

 

Sew n Soup

Another Jilli Roll pattern: Use those 2½ inch strips in any colour or quantity you choose. As many of the regulars have missed the odd one of these, all FIVE patterns will be available this month so you can take you pick.

Time: Friday August 24^th – yes it’s a week earlier than usual, 5pm-ish to whenever

Cost: $15

 

 

 

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...