Party Like a Quilter

Our friends at Janome have been fabulous to sponsor our Janome Jackpot where we'll be awarding 12 lucky quilters big prizes--at the top of the list is the Horizon Memory Craft!

In fact, I bet there are a few good men, who upon hearing "Win a Horizon Memory Craft"--well, they just might get behind you thinking they might win a luxory ship! I've only just now, realised the name Horizon Memory Craft rings just a bit like a luxory computerised nautical ride into the great sunset, of course without the seasickness and sand in your shoes!

For months now, entry forms have come in. There were several that came in past the December deadline, but most importantly is the 31 January deadline for the actual blocks! Depending where you live, this may be your last full week to create your stunner entry.

While none of us at Irish Quilting can compete in the contest, there is nothing against us having some fun alongside. I'm personally hosting a sewing weekend where I hope to see a few entry blocks come to life.

I'm a gal who likes themes. and sewing. and food. What about a quilting party for sewing and eating, where everything is layered as in a quilt? Can you imagine the fun with pastry layering? Sandwich fillers? Stackable appetisers? A bartender in my former life, heck, I can even layer a few beverages.

While everyone's creating blocks, I have my own sewing UFOs that need attention, so the Food and Drink quilts will just have to wait out another soire.

Looking for more themes, I read up on the date of our quilt block party: 22 January. Turns out, on that date in 1927 was the first live radio commentary of a football match anywhere in the world, between Arsenal F.C. and Sheffield United in England. I thought we could honor it and our party by listening to football nonstop as we quilt. Then I thought again.

Sometimes you just have to go with what you know. I love nothing more than to do up oldies but goodies that I miss and love from America. Warm chocolate chip cookies, refreshing tart lemonade, tantalising 7-layer chip and dip and standby Lipton Onion dip. Sooooo American. There you have it. Saturday we will be sewing all day and eating American treats. Sew American.

What sewing session party themes would you RSVP yes too?

That said, if you're in Ireland this coming Saturday, in County Wicklow vicinity, drop a line and come sew Irish-like and eat American-like!

make, do, and a pint, please?

At half-past six and armed with handbags bulging of textiles, car filling of chatter and giggles, we with oodles of inspiration bounced along the potholes and back lanes to converge together in one famous Irish pub for a "make and do" session.

Twice a month, the O'Toole family extends the pub's conservatory room to a gang of creative minds to knit, quilt, sew, paint--well anything you wish to "make and do". The pub is the Harbor Bar in Bray--recently voted the best pub in the world in the Lonely Planet survey.

A newcomer, I brought some handwork sewing and quickly felt at ease.

Pull up a stool and read more about this creative gathering in an upcoming issue...

Find the Rainbow

in the latest Quiltposium and you'll find our very own Nikki Foley!


A regular contributor to our magazine, patchwork teacher and owner of The Sewing Shed, Nikki is the centerfold in the Winter 2010 issue of Quiltposium. Learn more about Nikki from this playful and fun profile. I read it each quarter and am amazed with what golden nuggets, trival and otherwise, are "found out". I guess that's what makes its centerfolds so interesting!



Check it out! Also, once upon a time you needed a password--not so anymore, so hurry, click away.