Wholly Quilts

 

 

 

Wholly Quilts October Newsletter

 

G’day

When I was in England (it seems like light years ago) I saw some beautiful examples of stitched samplers in the V&A and wondered why quilters don’t seem to produce the same imagery. Perhaps it is because we ‘do’ our sample quilt very early on in our quilting careers when our colour sense and fabric choices haven’t been developed.

 

So when I discovered a verse in the bible (a little sideline here is that I didn’t actually find it in the bible but when I went to the good book to check, a Choysa tea coupon fell out – how long since they were a family collectible?) that is so appropriate for Kiwi quilters that I felt compelled to produce my new version of a sampler. I want to share it with you so it will be The New Project. As before the cost is $5 per month but will only run for eight months so will cost a total of $35. techniques covered in the monthly lesson include foundation piecing, embroidery, appliqué, positive/negative appliqué and piecing. The Quilted Sampler measures approximately 30x14 inches. I have done it in New Zealand colours (about a fat quarter of the three main ones) but that would be your choice. NOW IS THE TIME TO SIGN UP                     The first ‘class’ will go out next month but you have until the end of January to catch up with everyone. By the way the Bible verse is: She seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands. Proverbs 31:13

Wikipedia states - A (needlework) sampler is a piece of embroidery produced as a demonstration or test of skill in needlework. It often includes the alphabet, figures, motifs, decorative borders and sometimes the name of the person who embroidered it and the date. The oldest surviving samplers were constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last call for prayer flags. My postal address is at the foot of my emails. Next month I will send a photo of them all a-hanging.

 

I have been so side-tracked by my Quilted Sampler that I have forgotten to tell you two quick things.

Fabric in the shop is all selling at $20 per metre – if I haven’t got what you want I can get it here from the USA in less than a week (most times)

And – BOOKINGS for next year are coming in now so be in quick. The cost for a weekend is $165 per person and includes all meals, accommodation and teaching from Friday night to Sunday afternoon – I’d love to see you here at my place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

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

 

Wholly Quilts September Newsletter

Wholly Quilts September Newsletter

 

G’day

 

Oh how I wish I had a better reason than age (and maybe sometimes occasionally a touch of alcohol) to blame on losing words. You all know what I mean!

There I was enjoying good food and wine with good friends and do you think I/we could find the right word. Friends were all of a similar age too but we had to wait for the late arrival of ‘son and younger brain’ to tell us you didn’t ‘embellish’ food. Mind you his lovely gal came up with ‘flourish’ before Jared put us all out of our misery with ‘garnish’. However I think, as a committed quilter ‘embellish’ is absolutely appropriate. Just as Lou thinks Jared finishes his creations off with a ‘flourish’.

 

The penultimate part of The Project goes out with this newsletter and I have already put the (slightly stretched and worn – see above) thinking cap on. I am quite excited about The Second Project and will tell you more as it evolves. Watch for the details and launch at the beginning of November.

 

You only have four weeks now to get your Prayer Flag in for contention. The best one wins a free Retreat at Wholly Quilts. Just to remind you the dimensions are (triangular) 15 inches across the top, 18 inches long and two inches on the point. They can me made any way you fancy but must be three layers (so they retain their form in the breeze) and have three one inch long loops sewn across the top (for hanging).

 

Sew n Soup sort of took a holiday during the winter months so now with longer evenings and better weather we will go again. On Friday September 25 at 5pm-ish to whenever we will have a go at Ooey Gooey Hugs, a quilt that has evolved from Ooey Gooey Hearts and I love it. In fact when I made the prototype I used up all, every single one of those five-inch swatches that have been hanging around for years and it does not matter if they are not exactly the correct size!

Cost of SnS is $20. Please let the catering department know.

 

In the interests of me practising my new classes on you I am going to start again with the Tuesday afternoon 1-3pm sessions. The first up is a One Fabric/One Patch class so if you want to join in, ask for the requirements.

Cost $10

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

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

 

Wholly Quilts

 

Wholly Quilts August Newsletter

 

G’day

I have just come in from the garden where Spring is definitely lurking. Daffodils are a-blooming, weeds are starting to appear, the sun is definitely warmer and even a calf can be seen in the nearby paddocks. My daughter tells me she has three sets of twins in her wee flock of sheep. All of nature seems to be waiting for the ‘off’

 

I forgot to tell you that I had overcome my symposium blues and made an entry for NANZQ’s Illumination challenge (and won a merit award in the traditional category) and also got a piece in the World Quilt shows in America. More than enough to keep me grinning.

 

Prayer Flags are hanging in the studio now and look wonderful. Thanks to all those who have contributed to this. Still time to put your mark up there. I have a variety from bright appliquéd flowers and ‘my church’ to Kiwiana and pieced blocks. I understand there are even some in the making from the ‘women in prison stitchers’.

Speaking of such things - what a great cause for us to support with any extra fabric, batting or books etc. Let me know if you have any contributions and I will put you in touch with Lyn Dawson. She has just spent a weekend retreat with me and has a heap of stories to tell. Just one of the interesting quilters I have met here over the last three years – it makes running the retreats and classes so much fun.

 

The Project is nearing an end. I have finally got the prototype pieced. Those participating will have two more ‘episodes’ after today’s one and then receive the big reveal. The finished quilt is (about) 65x88 inches so a good size for a single bed.

I am working on the next project now so keep an eye out for that. It won’t be quite as big but you will have options to make it larger if wanted.

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

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

 

Wholly Quilts newsletter

Wholly Quilts July Newsletter

 

G'day

I have just come back from attending the Three Ms retreat in Long Bay and had forgotten how much you get out of such events. I couldn't wait to get back to my sewing machine and fabric stash. Mind you I get just as bigger buzz even when I do all the cooking too.

 

Prayer Flags have already started arriving in the studio including a pair of the genuine Nepalese flags (thank you Dianne). I would like them all here by the end of September.

They will be exhibited at our local club exhibition in November and used to raise funds for St Johns. The dimensions are (triangular) 15 inches across the top, 18 inches long and two inches on the point. They can me made any way you fancy but must be three layers ( so they retain their form in the breeze) and have three one inch long loops sewn across the top.

 

Open Retreat – there is still a couple of vacancies. Anyone else out there looking for a relaxing/creative/different weekend? Come with a like-minded friend or meet some new ones on the first weekend in August ie July 31 and August 1 and 2 I am going to have an open retreat here at Wholly Quilts. It must be time you treated yourself. To reserve your spot you will need to pay a $50 deposit.

 

Sew n Soup will be part of the open retreat and we'll be tackling a new Jelly Roll pattern on the night. Bring 2½-inch strips. As always if you prefer to do your own thing then that too is fine.

Cost is $20 and please warn the catering department of your intentions.

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

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

 

 

FW: Wholly Quilts

 
Regards
Natalie Murdoch
--
Wholly Quilts
Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678
9 Church Road, Mangatarata
RD6 Thames 3576
http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz
http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz
http://patchnat.blogspot.com/ - my blog, where you can read the latest news
that may or may not make the newsletter...

-----Original Message-----
From: Natalie Murdoch [mailto:patchnat@nataliemurdoch.co.nz]
Sent: Thursday, 4 June 2009 1:59 p.m.
To: 'Natalie Murdoch'
Subject: Wholly Quilts

June Newsletter

G'day
I feel a little like White Rabbit – Oh dear! I shall be too late. Or not.
Problem is my puter has been on sick leave and now it (and me) is so cold my
fingers have forgotten where the keys are.

My lovely son came to the rescue but is threatening to withhold my computer
time cos I get so much other stuff done without it. And he is right – you
should see the garden. Have also caught up of lots of those little sewing
bits including the final five, yes five, instalments of The Project.

Soon after I bought the little church that is now my studio I read about the
Prayer Flags in Nepal. These are often found strung along mountain ridges
and peaks high in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside or for
other purposes. I liked the idea of these brightly coloured panels and have
decided I would like a string of them to celebrate high days and holidays
here in Mangatarata. I have made two so far.
I would like to ask all of you to make me one and have the opportunity to
win a FREE RETREAT at Wholly Quilts.
The Prayer Flags will be exhibited at our local club exhibition in November
and used to raise funds for St Johns.
The dimensions are (triangular) 15 inches across the top, 18 inches long and
two inches on the point. They can me made any way you fancy but must be
three layers ( so they retain their form in the breeze) and have three one
inch long loops sewn across the top (for hanging). I have attached a photo
of mine to this newsletter.

Open Retreat - this offer has been taken up by a couple of ladies so far.
Anyone else out there looking for a relaxing/creative/different weekend. On
the first weekend in August ie July 31 and August 1 and 2 I am going to have
an open retreat here at Wholly Quilts. It must be time you treated yourself.
To reserve your spot you will need to pay a $50 deposit.

Sew n Soup won't be on this month as I am off on a busman's holiday. I am
going to the 3Ms retreat up norf so maybe will catch up with some of you
there.

Wholly Quilts newsletter

May Newsletter

 

G’day

I was right – I could get to like holidays. It is days like today when I realise that the fifth month of the year has started and I am still thinking about implementing one or some (or maybe none) of my New Year resolutions. Maybe this far on they can all wait until next year!!

 

I had a wonderful time at the Wellington symposium. I put some more names to faces, had fun in my classes, met a few of the lovely Australian tutors and generally had a ball.

I have to say the down side to it all was my reaction to the best of show blanket – I got a bad case of the ‘why bothers’. Why do I bother playing with all the beautiful fabrics that are available from the retailers and wholesalers; why do I bother making quilts that make my heart sing and inspire me with all the wonderful colours available; why do I bother teaching this wonderful craft when a blanket will do?

But I got over that and came home to finish off an entry for the NANZQ challenge ‘Illumination’ and another for the World Quilts and have almost stopped muttering about that other one.

 

Next month I am going to tell you about my new challenge. Given that my studio and classroom used to be a church I am going to issue a ‘Prayer Flag’ challenge. I will work on the dimensions and let you all know next time around. The winner will receive a free weekend retreat here at Wholly Quilts.

 

Open Retreat – I have had some enquiries regarding the minimum number needed for a retreat and I get the impression that there are a few quilters out there who don’t have quilting buddies but would like to come for a weekend. Now is your opportunity. On the first weekend in August ie July 31 and August 1 and 2 I am going to have an open retreat here at Wholly Quilts.

This is your chance to meet other quilters, get help with a project or start on a new one and be looked after for a weekend – just imagine it! No phone, no meals to prepare, no housework just sewing for as long as you want. It must be time you treated yourself.

To reserve your spot you will need to pay a $50 deposit.

 

Sew n Soup on Friday night May 29 will be Finishing School. We all have projects that have stalled for one reason or another – now is the time to get going on them with a bit of help and inspiration from others.

 

Part 9 of The Project is heading out to all participants today and to answer the question everyone seems to have – there are still 4 or 5 parts to go.

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

http://nataliemurdoch.co.nz

http://WhollyQuilts.co.nz

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

 

Wholly Quilts newsletter

April Newsletter

 

G’day

 

I have had so many enquiries since I got back from my OE about Wholly Quilts and what goes on here that I thought I would bring you all up to date. It is so exciting – I love sharing my place and my space with you.

 

Retreats

These are generally held over a weekend starting with a soup supper on Friday night through to Sunday afternoons. Cooking (especially for other people) is right up there with quilting and gardening as occupations I am passionate about. Many of the comments in my visitors’ book are about food and not quilting so … enjoy the best of local and seasonal food with me.

You can choose to work on your own quilty things over the weekend; do a structured class with me (most of my classes are on my cv pages on my website www.nataliemurdoch.co.nz ; bring along any problem projects to get sorted or come with an open mind and be inspired to do something different. Maybe even start on an art quilt.

The classes are held in my studio which is a little old brick church or on the verandah, weather permitting. It is a most inspirational place to work.

I have been teaching quilting for 15 years including the last six national symposia, for guilds and clubs around the North Island and at night classes.

My gardening and cooking skills have not received any where near as many accolades as my quilts but I am working on that.

So for a cost of $165 per person you get two nights accommodation, you get fed regularly and well and you get as much guidance as your quilting needs.

 

Classes

I teach at my place or yours.

Generally the classes here are as required. I charge $50 per person for a day-long class that includes a country-style lunch.

Tuesday afternoons are available for a quilting bee. Again you can bring your own project, start a new one or just be inspired. Cost is $10 for a two-hour session.

The last Friday night of each month is set aside for Sew n Soup. I set a project for the night and you get a soup supper for $20 each. However there are always exceptions to this plan and I can see a couple coming up in the coming months.

 

I am off to Wellington Symposium next week and that is really exciting too. I have three quilts in the exhibitions and am teaching for four days. I do hope I get to put more faces to names while I am there.

My old home town of Nelson beckons after so I will be spending a few days with my sister before heading home – I could get to like holiday mode!

 

I reminder here for any of you that haven’t yet enrolled for Hamilton’s mini-symposium In Stitches. I am teaching for three days there over Queen’s Birthday weekend.

 

Part 8 of The Project is going out with this newsletter just to keep you all out of mischief.

 

 

 

Regards

Natalie Murdoch

--

Wholly Quilts

Ph 07 867 3085 or Cell 0210 2231 678

9 Church Road, Mangatarata

RD6 Thames 3576

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...