Sunday, February 27, 2011

How about a BOM mystery

We are all familiar with mystery quilts where instructions are given and heaps of tiny squares, triangles and strips are cut and eventually sewn together to make up a quilt.  Now here’s something slightly different from textile artist and international teacher, Ester Aliu, a Block of the Month mystery.

I’ve never done one of these and all I can imagine is that you will get to see the block you’ll be making but just won’t know how the quilt will look once assembled and the mystery lies therein.

For more details and your first free block pattern in PDF format, click HERE.

Mystery quilt by Gayle Bong

It seems like we quilters enjoy mystery quilts for every other blog I read has a mystery going and the latest I found was by Gayle Bong and you can get the first cutting instructions on Gayle’s blog HERE. 


Obviously I don’t have a picture to add to this otherwise it won’t be a mystery anymore.
I can however show you what the cover of her latest book ‘S is for Scraps’ look like.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Addicted to quilting - something to make you smile

She learned to quilt on Monday. 
      Her stitches all were very fine. 
      She forgot to thaw out dinner. 
      so we went out to dine. 
       
      She quilted miniatures on Tuesday. 
      she says they are a must. 
      They really were quite lovely. 
      But she forgot to dust. 
       
      On Wednesday it was a sampler. 
      She says stippling's fun. 
      What highlights! What Shadows! 
      But the laundry wasn't done. 
       
      Nine patches were on Thursday - 
      Green, yellow, blue and red. 
      I guess she really was engrossed; 
      She never made the bed. 
       
      It was wall hangings on Friday, 
      In colors she adores. 
      It never bothered her at all, 
      That crumbs were on the floors. 
       
      I found a maid on Saturday, 
      My week is now complete. 
      My wife can quilt the hours away; 
      The house will still be neat. 
       
      Well, now it's only Sunday, 
      I think I'm about to wilt. 
      I cursed, I raved, I ranted, 
      Cause the MAID has learned to QUILT!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Quilters need wallets too

How about making a pretty wallet to inspire us to start saving for the Stellenbosch festival in July? Shannon shared her pattern for a neat wallet with all of us on Sew-what’s New and you can download this free pattern HERE



Don’t you just love working from a pattern with so many clear instructions?  Thanks to Shannon for sharing this with us.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

This is how to save money

Not sure how to save money for the Stellenbosch festival in July?  Well I think I have found the answer.  The only place where you  may enter your pin until then, is here.
Will work, don’t you agree?  If you feel like ordering yourself one of these little money savers, click HERE

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

A new free e-magazine

Liz and Beth Hawkins, also known as the Lizzie B Girls, have created a new free online e-magazine.  For those unfamiliar with this it is basically just a magazine which can be viewed on your computer.  You simply turn the page by clicking on the arrow to the right, go back a page by clicking on the arrow to the left, skip pages as you wish and even print pages you’d like to make something from.


Go take a look at this brand new magazine (first issue) HERE and see if you can find something worth your while.


Monday, February 21, 2011

We take a closer look into the life of Nelia Venter, our guilds’ secretary.



Nelia a member of the group, Needles and Pins started quilting in 1997 after being inspired by local teacher, Iessie Steenberg.  Apart from working, being mom’s taxi and cooking for the family, she enjoys a sundowner by their swimming pool.  Nelia must surely be one of the smallest ladies in our guild – wonder if this is a case of dynamite comes in small packages?  Let’s find out……

Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:
A:  I have a very soft hearted husband, Ian and 2 boys, Louis (13) and Christian (7)

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?
A: Definitely not a morning person

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?
A:  Both

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?
A:  Yes, thimbles from all over the world.

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A: Dolphin

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A:   Pink

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A:  Yes

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?
A: Gardening and hiking

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?
A: No

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.
A: Forget to call family on their birthdays

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?
A:  Calm and collective, but it is starting to run out as the years go by

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?
A:  Clean

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Israel

Q:  What is your favorite drink?
A:  Sherry in winter

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?
A: Flowers

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?
A: “Kaggelkakkies”  (I am not even going to try to translate this!)

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?
A:  Beauty

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you
A: I read nice poppy story books in the holiday

This poppy didn't sound all that dangerous after all.

Thanks Nelia.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Sunday school quilt lesson

Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about.
The daughter answered,
'Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt.'
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed.

Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about.
He said,
'Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.'


Saturday, February 19, 2011

Are we preparing for Easter yet?




With Valentine's Day something of the past I guess we should start preparing for Easter.  I found this lovely tutorial for a free reversible fabric basket from Sew-what's-New and if you click HERE it is all yours.

This can be the  ideal container for all those colorful eggs.  Remember to send your photos if you decide to make this please.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Meet a brand new quilter, Wilna Geel



Wilna is a brand new quilter and only started in August 2010 this however does not mean she hasn’t made a quilt before doing a beginner’s course.  She is now the group leader of a brand new founded group, The Naaldekwilters, which will join our guild at the next management meeting.

Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:
A: Husband Trevor, Daughter Megan 25 living in England and Trevor jr 11

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?
A:  Night

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?
A:  Sweet

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?
A:  Machine embroidery designs and lately quilting fabric

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A:  Cat

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A:  Black

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A: Yes

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?
A: Yes, machine embroidery

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?
A: Tetris

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.
A: Picking my nails when I’m bored

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?
A: Try to give my best, always

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?
A: Clean

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Hawaii

Q:  What is your favorite drink?
A:  Hooch Blackcurrant

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?
A: Anything to do with quilting or machine embroidery

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?
A: Appreciate any gift. It is after all the thought that count.

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?
A: What’s in a name? 

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you
A:  It’ a secret

And on that secretive note, we conclude this questionnaire.  Thanks Wilna.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Free Jelly Roll pattern

We all have at least one jelly roll, purchased when the craze hit the quilting world but  have you done anything with it yet?  Still stuck in your cupboard somewhere?

With this free pattern you can turn that jelly roll into a quilt in no time.  Click HERE for this free pattern.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Meet Alta Street a quilter with an eye for fabric and color

Fabric always fascinated me and before joining the group, Rafels, in 2003 I made my own quilts from magazines, the fact that I worked only half days helped in growing this hobby.

I am a librarian at the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:
A:   married with 2 daughters. One daughter married with 2 boys.  Husband retired and fulltime job!

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?
A:  more morning than night

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?
A:  I’m a TOTAL chocoholic

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?
A:  mad about books – got lots and not enough time to read them all.

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A:  the cat in my home

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A:  it is seasonal – at the moment purple.  In quilts I usually combine red, brick, mustard and purples.

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A:  sure I do.

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?
A:  Walking and reading and mall crawling.

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?
A:  scrabble!

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.
A:  too many to list!

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?
A:  a good listener.

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?
A:  clean

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A:  Italy to see the Last Supper of Da Vinci.

Q:  What is your favorite drink?
A:   Anything lemony and coffee

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?
A:  a piece of qulting cotton or a book.

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?
A:  caramel chocolates.

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?
A:  no idea

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you
A:  I’m too transparent to hide anything!

A big thank you to our transparent lady.


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Hearts for Bitter and Sweet

Just a quick reminder that we’ve all been requested to make a fabric heart (or a couple) for Bitter and Sweet (Lief en Leed) and to get these to our group leaders as soon as possible.

Just to show that I do not only dish out orders on this blog but actively participate as well.  Here is a photo of the hearts I made.

Monday, February 14, 2011

We are now on Facebook too

I would just like to inform you that the Oranje Quilters Guild is now on Facebook too.  Those members still scared of the computer or visiting Blogs but with a Facebook account; go add us as a friend and you will be informed of all new BLOG entries via a link on Facebook.


Enjoy!

Ain’t she sweet? – Our new chairperson Marianne le Roux

Marianne le Roux

I am a member of Needles and Pins but started quilting on my own way back in 1996 as I’ve always been crazy about sewing.  I am currently a lecturer in Interior and Textiles at the Central University of Technology.

Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:
A:
I am married to Fanie and have two sons Stephan and Braam.

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?
A: I don’t mind working late or getting up early.

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?
A:
A bit of both but chocolates are the best

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?
A:
I collect antiques. Especially porcelain, sewing equipment and anything related to sewing as well as sewing machines. I love old crocheted or knitted doilies.

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A:
A bird because they can sing and fly

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A: 
Red

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A:
No

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?
A:
Crafts, Reading and baking

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?
A:
Internet quilting websites

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.
A:
Get bored easily

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?
A:
Friendly and honest

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?
A:
Clean although I can make a good mess but will clean up afterwards

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A:
Europe to see all the museums

Q:  What is your favorite drink?
A: 
Iced coffee

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?
A:
Something that is especially handmade

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?
A:
Something that anybody can buy anywhere

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?
A:
No changes

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you
A:
I am a very shy person.

Now that wasn't bad for a shy lady!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

First quarterly meeting of 2011 held in February

We started the NEW Year with many other NEW things.  First our NEW chairperson, Marianne le Roux, who went through her first meeting like a hot knife through butter.  Congratulations Marianne, we look forward to working with you.


We were then introduced to the NEW management (all the group leaders) and committee heads.  They claim to be the hard workers in the guild but we little guys down under know the truth, they dish out orders and we get to work.  Just kidding!!! We will assist you when and where-ever possible.
Gersha started the meeting with a lovely message about our guild being an organism and not an organization as an organism is alive and that is just what we have to be in order to plan our 2013 festival successfully.

We had heaps of eye candy in the form of quilts to inspire us this early in
the New Year.



Then just before we attacked the food table, Linda Landman, made us all do some stretching and exercise – a new logo?...... quilt and become fit?



The meeting was concluded with a nice cuppa and all these delicious snacks.  Makes one look forward to the next meeting.


Electric Quilt's February BOM

Are there any of our members participating in this BOM competition?  I would like to see pictures of your blocks please.

It is so easy.  You get the free pattern from Electric Quilt by clicking here, make the block and send a photo of your block to:

The block for February is called February Frolic and the prize up for grabs is:  Town & Country Patchwork.

This competition runs every month and if you like to be notified when the new month’s block appears you can subscribe to EQ’s newsletter and receive an e-mail directly to your mailbox.


Friday, February 11, 2011

A chance to win AND give towards our 2013 Festival Funds

Note to all readers:  This is STRICTLY for affiliated members of the Oranje Quilters guild and local PFAFF machine owners.

When last did you win anything?  How would you like to put together a quilt like these with most of the blocks already made for you?

You just add the sashings, cornerstone blocks, borders and finish it up and wha-la all done!!
For more information on this…… Watch this blog
                                                    and/or attend the quarterly meeting on Saturday
                                                    and/or READ the quilt guild newsletter.

I am definitely participating and I hope you will too!!
Hettie

Thursday, February 10, 2011

I would like to introduce Breggie Viljoen



Breggie started quilting in 2003 after buying a kit, Backyard Friends, from Beatrice (Quiltalk).  She always wanted to quilt as it looked nice and one can make the nicest stuff.  She is currently working on an Album/Memory quilt as well as a hexagon throw done by hand and is a member of the Goue Drade group.
  
Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:
A:  I am the youngest of six children – five daughters and one son.  My sisters and I share lots of hobbies and enjoy working together on certain projects.  I am married to a wonderful man for nearly 20 years and the only children we have is of a four-legged kind.  Two cats and two dogs.

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?
A:  definitely not morning…

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?
A:   sweet

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?
A:   I have a collection of letter openers as well as flick knives from all over the country.  I am also an avid reader and collects books, cd's and DVD's.

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A:  Definitely a cat.

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A:  Pink

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A: Yes

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?
A: Beading, knitting, crochet, parchment craft, cross-stitch embroidery, decoupage

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?
A:  No.

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.
A:  I tend to postpone tasks up to the last minute.

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?
A: I am a friendly person.

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?
A:  messy

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A:  Egypt

Q:  What is your favorite drink?
A:  Flavored   water

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?
A:  Books

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?
A:  I don't think such a gift exists.

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?
A:  I don't want to change my name.

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you
A:  I suffer from frog-fobia…

Thank you, Breggie

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Brand new mystery quilt from Pat Sloan

Who hasn’t heard of Pat Sloan yet?  I’m sure you have somewhere along the lines heard of this international quilt teacher, web store owner, renowned radio broadcaster, host of a website, blog and several Flickr groups and now she’s offering a free mystery quilt and her friend will publish a novel to go  with this – so read and quilt for free and if that is not going to keep you busy enough, you can even enter the monthly challenges and stand a chance of winning prizes.

To read all about this and so much more (22 free tote bag patterns, etc) CLICK HERE.

Remember Oranje quilters guild members who participate in this (or any other project on this blog) must please forward their photos to me so that we all can see you progress.
 

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Meet Rina Scholtz better known as Kokkewiet



I saw my sister, Petro’s, beginner’s quilt in November 2008 en there and then decided I just had to do it.  I made a quilt or 2 prior to this but in my own manner and gave these away as gifts.  I wanted to learn all the techniques and did a beginner’s course through PFAFF and as they say…. The rest is history as I am now into quilting.

Q:   In short tell us a little about your family:
A:  I have a husband, 4 married daughters and 4 grandsons

Q:  Are you a morning or night person?
A: Night

Q:  Which do you prefer – sweet or salty snacks?
A: Both

Q:  Do you collect anything and what?
A: Teddy Bears

Q:  If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A:  Teddy Bear

Q:  What is your favorite color?
A:  Black

Q:  Do you believe in ghosts?
A:  No

Q:  Do you have any other hobbies apart from quilting?
A:  Making teddy bears

Q:  Have you even been addicted to a computer/video game and which one?
A: No

Q:  Name ONE bad habit you have and are aware of.
A:  Talk to much

Q:  What do you regard as your best personality trait?
A:  I am friendly with  an outgoing personality

Q  Are you mostly a messy or clean person?
A: Clean

Q:  If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A:  Dubai

Q:  What is your favorite drink?
A:  Fruit juice

Q:  What is your favorite gift to receive?
A:  Fat quarters or teddy bear kits

Q:  Which type of gift do you like the least?
A: Something to eat

Q:  If you could change your name, what would it be?
A:  I am happy with my name

Q:  Name one thing not many people know about you
A:  I don’t show hurt feelings

Much appreciated Kokkewiet

First General Meeting 2024-2

The first general meeting of 2024 was packed full of miscellaneous demo's as well as the Voices in Cloth  presentation and kept the audi...