Fourth and last General Meeting of 2024

The last meeting for 2024 was held on the 26th of October 2024 hosted by the Stukkies (translate to small pieces in English) quilting group with a demonstration of the seminole quilt block by Charlotte Naudé and inktense coloring by chairperson and group leader, Christa Gouws.

Members and guests were greeted by Stukkies members at the door and each handed a packet of gift tags made by the Stukkies members.

Vendors at the meeting included Annamarie Wessels of Elna Bloemfontein

Marie Coetzee of Pfaff/Husqvarna

Cecile and Piet Lombard of Quiltalk

Cecile on the right and Piet in the background

Ansulet Swanepoel of Clover and Stitch

and Lemon Tree Fabrix

Tables were decorated with bottles creatively covered in fabric pieces.

Beautiful quilts were on display.

A modern Baby Jane stitched in a purple and turquois colorway stitched in miniature 1.5" blocks.

Part of the formalities was to say goodbye to Rika who was our liaison with the NG Church office for many, many years.  She was always there to give a helping hand with the various needs we had over the years when hosting our general meetings.

Rika on the left with Christa, our chairperson.

It was also time to appoint a new chairperson and vice chairperson as two years has flown by.  Frances van Schalkwyk, the OKG's representative of the South African Quilters' Guild made sure that the process was done according to the correct code and conduct required for the election of a new committee.

And the new chairperson for 2025/2026 is Esta Knoetze with Christa Gouws voted as vice Chairperson.  With Esta's experience as secretary for Christa the past two years, she will bring undoubtedly valuable knowledge and experience to the OKG in her new role.

Christa Gouws left and Esta Knoetze on the right
Christa was the chairperson for the 2023/2024 period and Esta the secretary.

Some of the attendees at the meeting.

After some delicious refreshments, it was time for the demonstrations.

Charlotte Naudé explaining the seminole technique.

And Christa Gouws demonstrating with inktens pencils.

And with that it's a wrap for 2024.  Wishing all our members, friends, families, readers and viewers joy, blessings and peace.  Travel safe if you have to and let's start 2025' refreshed and inspired.

Third General Meeting 2024

On the 24th of August the Oranje Quilters Guild held the third general meeting for 2024 hosted by the Sterre quilting group. 

Guests and members were greeted at the door by Gerda Breytenbach (left) and Marietjie Prinsloo.

All present received a packet with embroidered motifs which were turned into a 

biscornu pincushion during the meeting under guidance of the Sterkwilters members.

Great care was taken by the Sterkwilters in decorating the hall as well as the individual tables.

Beautiful quilts were on display including teacher Mari Strydom's 2024 Quilt festival entry which received a Highly Recommended award.

Demo's were presented by Marie Coetzee, the local Pfaff/Husqvarna dealer who gave the quilters some general pointers on achieving the perfect quilt.

Teacher and Husqvarna representative Mari Strydom talked about caring for your machine.

Mari's beautiful rose branded accessories.

Mari Strydom (left) with OKG member Adie Dean.

As the ambassador for the Husqvarna Youth Academy, Mari shared some of her experiences.

Vendors for the day included Quiltalk, Lemontree Fabrix and Clover and Stitch.

Ansulet Swanepoel from Clover & Stitch

Bloemshow - Tips from the judge

• Of utmost importance - the whole quilt must lie flat.
• Square at each step and cut clean.
• Before adding any borders, square and cut clean.  Block quilt by spraying with water, pin and let dry.
• Measure the borders.

BINDING

1. Width of binding should suit the size of the quilt.  Narrow binding being the secret as it is not supposed to be the focal point.
2. Binding must be full, containing all 3 layers.
3. Binding must be hand stitched.
4. Corners must be mitered and stitched at the front as well as the back.
5. Corners must be 90 degrees and lay flat.

BACK

1. A colorful background disguises mistakes.
2. Use a false background for art quilts.  Construct in two parts with an opening to pull quilt through.
3. Be mindful of synthetic fabrics when basting with glue as it has a tendency to leave marks.

QUILTING

1. Check stitch tension continuously at the front as well as the back.
2. Thread used should compliment the quilt.
3. Do not start or end with knots.
4. Do not back tack.
5. Borrow ends of threads neatly.

GENERAL

1. Stitch in the ditch should be in the ditch.
2. Be mindful of patchwork's corners by using correct seam allowances as not to cut of the points.
3. Use nonstick grease proof baking paper for embroidery as it tore away easily.
4. Use a pillow below your knees when sandwiching a quilt on the floor.
5. Avoid friction pens as they tend to come back during moist weather,  Rather use Prym marking tools.
6. Make sure the quilts are clean by soaking in bathtub with Colgate shampoo.  Rinse with clean water.  Do not add salt.
7. If you have trouble coordinating colors, use the color code printed on the selvage.
8. When piecing dark and light fabrics, use a darker thread.
9. When hand stitching the binding, use the same color thread as the binding.

SLEEVE

1. Cut the same width as quilt by 20cm wide for a large quilt, 16cm for a medium quilt and 12cm for a small quilt
2. Fold in half lengthwise and stich sides closed with a 2cm seam allowance.
3. Turn over and place edge of sleeve alongside edge of quilt and tack down together with the binding.
4. Stitch bottom of sleeve by hand to the quilt in order to create a pocket through which the pipe could be placed to hang the quilt.
5. Sleeve should be 2cm shorter than quilt on both sides.
6. Where a quilt is larger than 2m, a opening of 5cm should be made in the center of the sleeve.

LABEL

1. Title of quilt.
2. Name of quilter.
3. Date - beginning and end
4. Address and contact details of quilter.
5. Place at back on lower left corner.
6. When entering for judging, cover everything with black fabric except the quilt's title.