What is coming up.....Australian Quilt Convention........

Well folks, a big HUUUUUUGE week coming up for those of us from Aussie Heroes who are heading to Melbourne for the Australian Quilt Convention.

We are to be guest Exhibitors thanks to the generosity of the organisers and will be manning a stall for the entire show which commences on the 16th of April and continues till the 20th. You will find us on Stall 196.  

There will be lots to see and much of it will have an ANZAC Theme.

On the Wednesday night myself and a military guest have been invited to attend the Opening Cocktail Party where our guest will give a brief insight into how it feels to receive a quilt or laundry bag whilst deployed. 

Make sure you visit our stall. I will be there most of the time except for the last hour or so on Saturday when I will be leaving a little early to get a bit of a break before the Dinner that night.

Don't forget we will be selling raffle tickets for this gorgeous sewing machine... many thanks to Bernina and Lucy Carroll Textiles this very special skinned BERNINA 215 'simply red'.    Big thanks also to the Victorian Quilters Guild who are helping us with the Raffle.

Tickets will be $2 each or three for $5.  What a BARGAIN!!  and what a stunningly beautiful machine. It is probably just as well I don't feel I should participate in the Raffle otherwise I would be in trouble with my husband for spending too much money on tickets!

And whilst you are at the show ......  Visit Bernina and book in for one of their workshops...

Support our Aussie service men & women currently serving overseas by creating an individual laundry bag to send to one of them.

Daily sessions: 10.30am-12noon & 1.30-3pm Cost: $5

To say thanks you leave with this badge, to wear with pride.

Book at the BERNINA stand #118

Finally, brand new for AQC- you will be able to buy one (or more) of our badges and patches.  These will be available after the show by mail order but be one of the first to get them.  Wear them with pride and let everyone know that you sew for our Aussie Heroes.

and while you are there....

make sure you check out the True Blue Challenge with a quilt made by the amazing Lucy Carroll of a somewhat familiar subject......

Why don't you have your photo taken with "ME" and send it to us.  

Also you will be nuts if you do not check out this fabulous quilt!  Lucy's work is amazing and this is sure to be a very special one.

And last but not least, as well as all the other amazing things to see and the workshops and stalls don't forget to check out the Lest We Forget Challenge.

I know that the Convention organiser, Judy, has been blown away by the entries for these small quilts.  She said people have poured their heart and soul into them.  You can read more about them here but here is a tiny taste of what you will see (courtesy of the ACQ Website.  You will want to check them all out. 

The Letter by Linden Lancaster

During World War 1, about 200 men enlisted from our tiny country community. One of the things that stands out to me, when I read the list of the fallen on our local cenotaph, was the repetition of family names. Two mothers received ‘The Terrible News’ on three occasions during that awful period of our history. This quilt is dedicated to these and all women who lost their Beloved Ones.

To the Women who lost their Beloved Ones.

Till next time.....................keep spreading the word, visit us at AQC and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree xxx