Tuesday 24 September 2019

My Glitter quilt top is finished - plus my Symposium plans.

Quilters all around New Zealand are getting excited about our national Quilt Symposium.  It starts next Tuesday, 1 October, in Auckland. There will be classes, exhibitions, shopping, and socialising. 

I am going to Symposium, but before I get too excited about it, I just had to finish my Glitter top that I started at the last Symposium in Christchurch in 2017.  This afternoon I sewed the final stitches in the quilt top, and tomorrow I will get it basted.  I chose to hand piece my blocks, and hand piece them together too - so this top is entirely hand pieced. 





I really enjoyed the Glitter class that I took with Jen Kingwell.  It was so relaxing to sit and hand sew with a group of ladies.  You can read more about it here.  I made two Glitter blocks during the class, but I promised Jen that I would finish my quilt before the next Symposium in two years time.  Well, I haven't finished the whole quilt, but I have finished the top and I'm really pleased with it. 


I used my favourite Aurifil 2605 in 50wt to hand piece the whole top.  Don't worry, this spool wasn't full when I started.  After Symposium I'm going to hand quilt it in simple lines with Aurifil 12wt number 2615.

It feels so good to have this top finished.  I really do work best when I have a deadline to meet. 





Auckland Quilt Symposium

This year I'm taking a two day Dodecagon class with Margaret Sampson George on 2-3 October.  I already know how to English Paper Piece, but I'm taking this class for entertainment value. 

Then on 4-5 October I'm taking a hand piecing class with Wendy Whellum.  I know how to hand piece too, but I want to improve my techniques.  I still consider myself a beginner, despite having made two hand pieced quilts now. 

I've booked for lunchtime lectures with Angela Walters and Kathy Doughty. 

I'll also be at the opening night awards ceremony, the gala dinner, and the Aotearoa Quilters' breakfast. 

Are you tired yet?

I've got two quilts in the exhibition - one in the open category, and one in the Aotearoa Quilters' Silver hexagon challenge.  I'm not going to say what they are yet, but I'll blog about them after Symposium. 

So, that's my five days at Symposium.  What a whirlwind.  My mum will be with me on Tuesday - Thursday.  I've convinced her to take the Dodecagon class with me.  Her name is Joy, so say "Hi" if you see her. 

I'm looking forward to meeting lots of NZ and Australian quilters there. 






13 comments:

Susan said...

Congratulations on a top finish Wendy! Do you think it will be two years before you have it hand quilted!? Good luck, no matter how long it takes.

Alison V. said...

This is so beautiful! I love the colors that you've chosen for the blocks.

Gretchen Weaver said...

Glitter is beautiful! Have fun at the classes.

Marie said...

Beautiful! That's a terrific hand piecing project, and so great that you finished it up before the next Symposium, as I suspect that there might be a few new temptations waiting there for you :).

Kara Benavides said...

Sounds awesome. I can imagine the excitement. My family would say, "make sure to take your vitamins," so you can keep up your strength. That Glitter quilt has always been gorgeous to me. Can't wait to see what you have in the show.

Dolores said...

It is simply beautiful. I'm glad you persevered and it didn't become a UFO.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

Congratulations on finishing your quilt top. It is lovely and I admire you for completing the work so well. It sounds like you will have a wonderful time and it's wonderful that you and your mom can share take a class together. I look forward to hearing all about your days there and about your quilts.

lvkwilt said...

I love your Glitter! I have the pattern and the templates but haven't started mine yet...yours is wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration!

KerryW said...

Love this quilt Wendy. I think I would have succumbed and machined the blocks together. Looking forward to seeing the hand quilting as well.

Farm Quilter said...

Beautiful quilt!!! Since I avoid handwork, I don't know those two teachers, but I do know Angela and Kathy!! Those will be great lectures!! Have a great time at AQS 2019!!

Yvonne said...

Your quilt top is beautiful Wendy. The hours of work that went into that! Wow. You are much more patient than I am!

FlourishingPalms said...

Oh Wendy, I just love your Glitter quilt! I attempted to piece a block by machine, so I know you made the right decision to hand piece yours. Someday I hope to do the same... once I get through my long list of quilts-to-make. It sounds like you have a spectacular week ahead! It's wonderful that you have quilts in the show, as that will make your visit there even more special, though getting to attend an event like this with your mother has to be fantastic already. I'm envious. Have a terrific time!

Chay said...

I've followed your progress on this quilt and congratulate you on your finish. I love love love this pattern and your version is my favorite of all those I've seen. Your colors are wonderful. Well done! I look forward to seeing it quilted.