In today’s fast-paced world, where screens dominate our attention and productivity often takes precedence over creativity, there’s something undeniably comforting about the art of quilting and crafting. These time-honoured traditions, passed down through generations, offer more than just a creative outlet—they provide a refuge from the chaos of modern life, a space where mindfulness, self-expression, and community converge. In this article, we’ll explore the enduring appeal of quilting and crafting, delving into the rich history, therapeutic benefits, and profound sense of connection that these practices bring to individuals and communities alike.
Bree Thomas – Menzies Creek, Victoria
How did you first get into quilting and crafting?
I have been a maker for as long as I can remember. Both my mother and my grandmother were creators. I knew from a very young age that I could take fabric or yarn and turn it into something, just as they did. By the time I was 20, my creations were mainly focused on clothes and toys for my young family, including my first early attempts at self-taught crazy quilting.
Can you share a bit about your journey from a beginner to where you are now?
A major significant shift in my creative process was 20 years later, with an upgrade in my tools- in 2017, my grandmother left me some money and after some research, I purchased a quality Bernina sewing machine which allowed me to explore free motion sewing.
What are some of the mental health or other benefits you get from quilting and crafting?
Having been a maker all my life, I admit I feel quite lost when circumstances or health get in the way of my constant creative flow. Luckily it is not often. Being present and able to have time for myself is a highly valued part of my art practice. The beauty of a tactile art form, where texture and touch allow you to be transported and completely involved in your creation, leaving behind any of life’s day-to-day worries is ideal. My main subjects include studies of the natural world and local wildlife- also nourishment for the soul.
Are any of your family or friends into quilting or crafting? Do you have a community group that you belong to where you craft together?
I am a member of an artists collective in Kallista Victoria. Leaf Studios is home to 6 resident artists and makers with a wide variety of styles and mediums, where we encourage and support each other, and host open studio sessions, workshops and classes.
Who or what has been your biggest influence in crafting and quilting?
In my late teens, I was studying for a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in painting in Melbourne. I stumbled across a book about the art of Annemieke Mein and my eyes opened wide. Besides growing up with master craftswomen surrounding me, I was now aware that art could be in Textiles. I had the pleasure of getting to know Annemieke when I painted and sewed her portrait as my entry to the Archibald prize competition a few years ago.
What changes or trends are you observing in the quilting and crafting world?
Over time, especially with the introduction and increased use of social media I found and followed textile artists, both in Australia and around the world. I feel that the lines are constantly being blurred with creations using traditional craft techniques being accepted as artworks.
How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or materials you’re eager to explore?
I plan to take my current creative practice to a new level, by making it my full-time focus. I hope to explore options for sharing designs, techniques and skills through patterns, kits, workshops and classes.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in quilting or crafting?
On a technical level, I would strongly suggest looking at quality tools, as that made a big difference to the quality of my work. On a personal level, I would suggest just getting in there and starting. Give it a go, play, experiment, experience, just do it! A few years ago, I learned to ask myself, what’s the very worst thing that can happen? Everything can be fixed, sewn over, chopped up and remade!
Which quilt of yours will you be displaying in the AQC Challenge? Can you share some of the inspiration behind it?
Being presented with the theme ‘oh my stars’ immediately had me picturing a night sky. I gathered and dyed materials, then began hand stitching ’stars’ – but I was at first unsure what subject would become a focal point! Early this year, while holidaying in Tasmania, I visited the museum in Launceston to see their botanical art exhibition. Among the new and old artworks, were specimens of insects and birds, with explanations and statistics on their part in pollinating our flowering plants. This led me to further research, finding statistics across the whole of Australia. The stars of pollination became apparent! The moths are my favourite.
How do you feel about being part of the AQC Challenge?
I would feel quite honoured to be chosen again as a finalist in this year’s AQC challenge. This is my third time entering. I look forward to the theme announcement each year- It can help me to have both a theme and a deadline to work to, allowing me to think and create outside my usual, discovering along the way. This growth is fantastic for my development as a textile artist.
Brenda Wood – Ascot, Queensland
How did you first get into quilting and crafting?
From an early age, it was apparent that my mother, indeed our whole family shared a love of creating. My father was inventive and clever with industrial instruments and gauges, my brother was clever and withdrawing, both technically and creatively and loved musical instruments, and my mother and I loved to create with fibre, paper and stitch. I think I’ve tried almost every craft including pottery, painting, macrame, crochet, knitting, clothing, soft toys, ceramic painting and on it goes.
Can you share a bit about your journey from a beginner to where you are now?
I grew up in Melbourne, met my Kiwi husband in the UK and we have “jumped the ditch” several times while building careers. When I became a stay-at-home mum to 3 boys I needed a creative timeout that was quiet (nap times), dry (no spills) clean (no fumes) and something the kids could help with. So I took up quilting which has progressed to textile art, as I still love to paint. I made all 3 boys and the nephews and nieces, friends and mums quilts! I could ever follow a pattern, always taking a unique path and making it up as I went, usually using a traditional quilt I had seen as a jump-off point. Once the family duties became less dependent on nap times and turned toward rugby training, I ventured into more unique works that incorporated experimental techniques and products. I have a voracious appetite for knowing how things work and experimenting. The adage of not reinventing the wheel did not apply to me, as I liked to ask “What if I…” and see where my creative thoughts led. Now, if people as me how I did things, I would have to try and remember the process- that led to a design.
Are any of your family or friends into quilting or crafting? Do you have a community group that you belong to where you craft together?
Being involved in quilting groups initially gave me an outing during school hours that I could discuss learn and socialise with. When I moved from NZ to Queensland I joined Henzell Street Quilters on the Redcliffe Peninsula. This is still an active group we amazing women who shared their knowledge and companionship. It was when I joined a newly formed textile art group that my love of experimentation was fulfilled. We would have creative challenges each year that pushed our thinking and concepts and we would exhibit every second year. After 15 years, I decided that I needed to focus on “my style” and build a solid body of work with topics that were relevant to me and that would represent me as an artist.
Who or what has been your biggest influence in crafting and quilting?
My biggest influence was taking a Judy Coates Perez (USA) workshop and working with Acrylic inks on fabric. To this day, painting my own designs and making them come to life is still my favourite way of creating.
What changes or trends are you observing in the quilting and crafting world?
The advent of better online drawing packages, quilt programs and accu-cutters has meant that the quilt world has exploded with unique designs. Makers are no longer bound to using someone else’s patterns and with social media sharing, more and more people are feeling the confidence to try something new. Recently the biggest trend I have seen is focused on spontaneous piecing, like those quilts created by artists like Pat Pauly, Irene Roderick and Yvonne Porcella. The spontaneous style has been around for a long time, most notably the abstracts by Nancy Crow and the imagery by Sue Benner but recently more and more people are comfortable taking their own path and stitching their fabric randomly.
How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or materials you’re eager to explore?
I still find it hard not to jump on a new trend, rather than focus on building my “style”, which often features Fish related patterns, but I am less likely to explore a creative technique now than I was, preferring to use the techniques that I need to accomplish a realised outcome. Painting on fabric keeps me challenged and spontaneous, however, I do still love to create using fabric as a paint palette or getting a digital image printed.
What advice would you give to someone just starting in quilting or crafting?
Do it. & … Don’t put other people’s ideas ahead of yours. I am my own biggest critique…Don’t be afraid to try something out. If it doesn’t work out… it can be reinvented into something at another date… Journal covers are great for revisiting old projects that haven’t worked the way they should. When I like my pieces… I like them.. and while people will comment. I am comfortable that I have achieved something that I am proud of. I know the imperfections and eccentricities better than any viewer. Sometimes it’s better to create something like my “Serious Conversations” pieces or my Morse Code quilt, both of which created quite a stir.. but I had stories to tell.. and the messaging in them was better to be told than to be perfect or popular.
Which quilt of yours will you be displaying in the AQC Challenge? Can you share some of the inspiration behind it?
The quilt I entered into AQC this year was a last-minute dash to the finish line. I thought the challenge topic this year was really hard. I always like to try and think of something that no one else might do (to give myself a better chance of getting on the wall) and it was only with 6 days to go to the deadline, that the idea of “Hello Possum” resolved itself in my mind. Dame Edna was always a star.. a mega star! Who knew a small-town boy from humble beginnings, with stars in his eyes would end up entertaining the Queen and become a worldwide personality? I decided the perfect backdrop to her copious hair and star-shaped glass, was star-shaped quilt blocks.
How do you feel about being part of the AQC Challenge?
I love a challenge. It gives me a chance to create with a deadline, I was an athlete in my younger days so perhaps that’s why I like a creative race with an end date.
To be selected for AQC is a win in itself… just to get on the wall amongst the most amazing quilters is a wonderful prize.
Lyn Crump – Withcott, Queensland (closest major City Toowoomba)
How did you first get into quilting and crafting?
I bought a king-size bed in 2001 and couldn’t find a doona cover I liked so thought I would make a Quilt. Browsing my Mother In Laws library I found a book on Drunkard Path Quilts. I made up a template with an ice cream container lid, purchased some fabric and cut out my blocks with scissors. 3 months later I sent it off to be commercially quilted. I have always been sewing something – the counted cross stitch I was working on at that time is still waiting for me to get back to it.
Can you share a bit about your journey from a beginner to where you are now?
Living in a small rural town I read books on quilting that my mother-in-law borrowed from her quilting group library or had purchased. Much later living in a rural City and my children were in the last years of schooling, I took up quilting and was very much self-taught. I visited the Sydney Quilt Show on a 20-hour Bus Trip on a cold morning and by then realised I was hooked. Attended a quilt class once a year, gaining experience with other tutors but very rarely made a quilt to their specific pattern. One tutor in 2004 insisted I quilt my quilt and I found that free motion quilting was something I enjoyed almost more than piecing. The search for a Longarm quilting machine to suit me began.
In 2007 my husband and I moved to semi-rural Queensland and we finalised the decision to purchase a Longarm Quilting Machine so that I could also look after my mother at home should she decide to reside with us.
What are some of the mental health or other benefits you get from quilting and crafting?
I have always used craft as a way to destress after a hectic day at work. Often I would be fond of a weekend stitching very early in the morning while the family slept. On a nighttime, I managed to give myself 30 minutes or so of craft time.
Now I find that the mental stimulation from thinking of new quilt ideas, quilting designs to suit a particular part of a quilt and then quilting them is very enjoyable. My phone has many sketches of ideas that have come out of nowhere!
Usually, I am a very solitary person in my studio, listening to music, and “playing” away – I don’t consider it work! The occasional visit to quilt shows is enjoyable to see what other quilters are achieving and to keep abreast of current trends. A necessity when I am also sometimes called upon to be a Quilt Judge.
Are any of your family or friends into quilting or crafting? Do you have a community group that you belong to where you craft together?
My Mother in Law can be credited with my sojourn to quilting. My mother was a cake decorator and I find some of her inspiration creeping into my quilting. I belong to a few quilt groups but find the drive to visit is becoming tedious, my husband and I are frequently off camping somewhere – so do not visit often.
Who or what has been your biggest influence in crafting and quilting?
My biggest influence at the time of purchasing my longarm, I knew of no other longarmers close by so relied heavily on the APQS forum of fellow quilters. Through the internet, I have continued to follow along with those sharing their ideas and in return, I have done the same. After visiting the Houston Quilt Show and spending 5 days in classes my Longarm quilting and confidence soared. Since then I have been involved with the Quilt Show organisation at both a local level and State Level, thoroughly enjoying giving back to an industry that has given me so much!
What changes or trends are you observing in the quilting and crafting world?
There is a renewed interest in quilting from a younger mindset, however, they are not readily putting their hands up to lead in a volunteering manner, but rather are hoping to make a financial return from their involvement in the industry. As such I am not sure they are contributing to the future expansion of quilting to the same extent as the sharing of knowledge and information was when I started my quilting journey.
How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or materials you’re eager to explore?
My work is constantly evolving as I try to design quilts that are unique and would be difficult for anyone to copy. At the moment I am going through a phase where I describe my quilts as being: “Wholequilts” The quilt story is told using minimal blocks, and no visible sashings or borders – the quilting is the final chapter.
I would like to try my hand at lino printing again, it has been almost 30 years since I last dabbled in paper, so I imagine that sometime in the future I will indulge and put it onto fabric.
Then there is Foundation Paper Piecing still to explore further, and… and….. the list goes on. The doctor says don’t stop it is keeping me young!
What advice would you give to someone just starting in quilting or crafting?
Don’t try and rush in all over the top purchasing everything. Find a friendly fellow quilter who is willing to mentor you in little steps as you start. This may be someone from a Local Quilt Shop or Quilt Group. I am sure many would be happy to be a “Not your Grandmother’s Quilter” mentor.
Which quilt of yours will you be displaying in the AQC Challenge? Can you share some of the inspiration behind it?
This is my first year entering the AQC Challenge – “Nightey Nine” – A rough idea I had sketched in March 2023 suited the theme when it was announced, so I decided to push my boundaries with it. My original idea was a nine-pointed star with hand-dyed shades of colour in tints of grey at each point. Since travel was taking up a lot of my time, in November I decided to use solid fabrics instead. Fortunately, I had 91 of the solid fabrics I used in my stash, and only needed to purchase the dark blue background. I pieced it with the thought that the further the distance the lighter things look, but there are also so many other colours that can be seen in the night sky as the stars twinkle! In total, there are 99 stars either pieced or quilted
How do you feel about being part of the AQC Challenge?
Having been involved with the organisation of the Qld Quilters Show and Hanging the AQC challenge since its inception??? I have always admired the artworks presented. I have thought about entering many a time and even had a quilt idea and materials ready to go on one occasion, but life got in the way. This time I was lucky, headspace was clear and I had an idea that worked for me. I know I will be spending a lot of time admiring all the entries to see how we each interpret the Theme. I am sure we may inspire many more to eventually participate too. I shall put it on my radar to keep an eye out for the Theme next year, it might just strike me to make another “small” quilt – something I do not do very often!
The 18th Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, from April 11 to 14, 2024, showcasing the best Australian and global quilt craft and offering workshops from renowned crafting experts.
Quilters travel from all over Australia and New Zealand, to attend the one-, two- and four-day masterclasses, with world-class tutors from Australia and overseas, and to take in the finest quilt craft from Australia and across the world. Convention classes run on all four days, with tutors from France, the UK, the USA and Australia, teaching a range of techniques for beginners and experienced quilters alike.
When not learning tips and techniques from some of the best in the business, visitors can view up close a variety of incredible quilt displays, including international collections and the pinnacle of Australian quilt competitions – finalists’ entries in the Australian Quilt Show Challenge.
“The unique element at AQC is the AQC Quilt Show,” said Judy Newman, Craft Consultant at Expertise Events. “Anyone can visit the AQC and enjoy the quilt show and shopping, and this year’s display is like no other. The collection visitors view at AQC can be seen only at this event and it will delight anyone with an appreciation of textile art,” she added.
The AQC Quilt Show includes:
Sketchbook Quilts by Gillian Travis
Keen traveller and quilter, Gillian Travis from the UK, will present an exhibition of her Sketchbook Quilts, inspired by her travels around the world.
Best of QuiltCon
A travelling exhibition of new works from the world’s premier modern quilting event, QuiltCon 2024, which will be held in North Carolina, USA. This exhibition comes to Australia direct from the QuiltCon event – the first stop on its global tour.
RED by SAQA
The colour red has played a major role in art, rituals and spirituality. The use of red can evoke excitement, danger, anger or love. It is associated with purity in India and, in China, it traditionally symbolises luck. Thirty-nine works from makers from the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Italy and Australia are featured in this creative collection – a Studio Art Quilt Associates global exhibition.
20 Perspectives
Windows, Doors and Portals is the theme of the 20 Perspectives exhibition. This group of international textile artists are united by their love of textiles and the desire to share their art with others. This will be the first exhibition of this collection.
AQC Challenge themed ‘Oh My Stars!’
Each year, the Australian Quilt Convention holds a challenge for quilters. Thirty quilts are selected, shown at AQC first, and then toured across other craft events around the country.
Jen Kingwell – Rajah exhibition
Every year, the prestigious Rajah award is presented to a quilter who has made an outstanding contribution to the art. The 2023 Rajah award winner is Jen Kingwell, who will be exhibiting her colourful works at the event.
The Australian Quilt Show
Finalists’ work from the 2024 Australian Quilt Show Challenge will premiere at AQC. This is a national competition for Australian quilters, running for the third year. The total prize pool is worth $31,797, including $19,800 in cash.
AQC will be a magnificent showcase of quilting art, providing colourful, first-class works, expert workshops and unique retailers, all under the breathtaking dome of Melbourne’s iconic Royal Exhibition Building. It will be well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates textiles, quilts and art.
Dates: Thursday to Sunday, April 11 to 14, 2024.
Venue: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton Gardens
Website: www.aqc.com.au
Tickets: $24 online or $25 at the door (full price adult). Seniors and pensioners discounts available.
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
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