DUQ Facebook reaches 500 - let's celebrate!

To celebrate this exciting milestone we are giving away this gloriously gorgeous book by Australian textile artist Annamieke Mein.

Leave a comment here and tell me why you would like to win this book. The winner will be chosen randomly on Friday 4th November. You must 'like' Down Under Quilts FB to be eligible to win, so pop over there and LIKE us now!
xdls

Upcycle, Re-invent, Inspire

On my way to Gosford Train Station recently I noticed these exciting, enticing words ... Up-cycle, Re-invent, Inspire, on a shop window. There wasn't enough time to take a good look and see what type of shop it was. But today, on my way back from dropping my son at the station I parked and visited!

What a treasure trove! The store is called The Bower Bird Project and it has a similar feel to a sewing cafe. They offer workshops and lessons on various sewing and craft techniques. Plus they have an adorable collection of bits and pieces.


OMG - bangles made from KNITTING NEEDLES - I must have one! they wouldn't fit over my fist, but not from lack of trying! More are coming in soon, hopefully in bigger sizes

Many things are handmade by locals, there is fabric and oodles of buttons, vintage clothes, vintage chairs, and other gorgeous stuff too.

It is run by Leanne, and I hope to get back there often to visit, maybe even join a sewing group.

Meanwhile you can visit their website or their Facebook page - happy hunting.
xdls

Textile Art anyone?

This is Issue #5 of one of our sister publications - Down Under Textiles, and as the name implies, it is focused on all manner of textile techniques. The projects are by Australians, using products available in Australia. The instructions are clear and informative - check out the Facebook page for more information.

This magazine is available through specialist suppliers only, or directly from the publisher. Just like DUQ, it is also available online FREE.

The next issue will be available in about 3-4 weeks, and it is marvellous. If you like Shibori, the Aussie way, then you will LOVE this issue!

x dls

Japanese Motifs Book Giveaway

I have the review copy to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do is tell me what you like best about Japanese quiltmaking and the motifs they use. Leave me a comment here ...

I will announce the winner on November 18th.
cheers dls

If you are in the region of Bright (Victoria) on the weekend of 22/23 October for the Bright Spring Festival, and Quilt Expo you might want to sign up for a workshop with Dijanne Cevaal.
Contact Angela at Sew Bright Alpine Quilting to find out more. 03 5755 5118.
xdls

Liberty Feature in DUQ #151

Liberty Prints seem to be all the rage right now, well they are for me, and seem to be for many other textile and quilt lovers too.

Liberty Art Prints, both classic and new, are gorgeous, and the funky collaborative prints are striking and inspirational.

I had a dress made from Liberty Tana Lawn (5 metres in the skirt alone!) more than 20 years ago, but these days my passion for these iconic prints is for quiltmaking.

We have decided to bring even more Liberty lusciousness into the lives of Australia's and International Down Under Quilts' readers in the December-January issue.

We are on the lookout for quilts that have been made with Liberty prints, cushions, bags, whatever ... if you have any of these handmade items, or know someone who does, please let me know. I will be starting on the story soon and am hoping to share many Australian Liberty influences as possible in issue #151 to share with the world.

xdls

dls loves Hello Kitty

I was excited to see that Liberty have recently released a range of classy Hello Kitty fabrics -

Liberty says, "We've joined forces with every girl's best feline-featured friend Hello Kitty, who has invaded our iconic Liberty floral prints as part of this exciting collaboration. The result is five gorgeous fabric prints in eight colour ways."

The Hello Kitty Liberty Art Fabrics is exclusive to Liberty.

and, I was surprised to find these too, how cute are they?
x dls