What's Happening - Irish Patchwork Society

International Quilt Study Centre News

2012-01-25T10:54:00.000Z

Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2012 Quilt of the Month.

The calendars have been turned to 2012, a week has passed, and many New Year's resolutions have already been abandoned. We applaud those who can make a resolution and have the discipline to stick with it. While people may not always associate discipline with art, indeed that is exactly what it takes many times: rising to write at 3 a.m., painting on a cloudy day, or in Michael James' example, not leaving the studio until the piece was done. In his Day Book series we see the rewards of discipline and craft combined with creativity and purpose. Enjoy this month'squilt and share it with your friends.
This is one of the quilts shown in the new exhibition A Tribute to Ardis James.

International Quilt Study Center & Museum
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1523 N. 33rd Street
Lincoln, Nebraska USA 68583

An Grianan 2012

2012-01-17T16:07:00.000Z

Hello All,

We are getting close to An Grianan now and bookings are at a viable stage. We have had to drop four of the teachers as they were not booked, but there are still five great teachers available, and it is sizing up to be a great weekend.

We were hoping that at branch meetings over the next couple of weeks, members could be reminded of an Grianan at meetings. So, could you remind chairs of the branches to announce the details again (which are in the last newsletter and also on the website).

The tutors' workshops which still may be booked are:

Susan Briscoe,

Jenny Rolfe,

Joke Buursma,

Terri McNeill and

Ann O'Rafferty.

It is important to send in the application form a.s.a.p. and to indicate 2nd preferences as some of these are almost full (most especially Jenny Rolfe). Please as well remind people that they can come and do their own thing for €200 for bed and meals.

The shop will be the Limerick Quilt Centre (Maeve Meaney).

An Grianan Weekend 17-19th February 2012

2012-01-15T16:02:00.000Z

Don't forgot the bi-annual An Grianan residential weekend is taking place on the 17-19th February 2012.

Full details of the workshops and application form were in the Autumn Newsletter. Details of the workshops are also on the blog.

Festival of Quilts 2012 - Amended Competition Rules

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000Z

A few (minor) alterations have been made to the Rules and Regulations for the quilt competitions at the Festival of Quilts next year. By clicking on the link at the bottom of the post, you can download the up-to-date version. The key differences are to do with the definition of exactly who can claim to be an “amateur” rather than a “professional” quilter.

The organisers of the exhibit (Twisted Thread) also hope to encourage more people to participate by entering a quilt. The stance at The Festival of Quilts is to welcome all comers! Every single quilt on display will prove to be the absolute favourite for at least one of the visitors, and it would be a particular privilege to show work from someone who has never yet entered any competition anywhere. So many quilters simply don’t want to get involved in what they see as the fad and fuss of entering a quilt show – after all, their work is simply to be shared by family and friends. They like to think of the Festival of Quilts visitor as being part of a very large, international family so please don’t be put off. The message is simple. Please enter a quilt!

The programme for next year's event is pretty well advanced. Full details will be available in mid February when bookings will be going live. There’s lots of exciting news to convey but you might already know that they will be featuring a huge Pauline Burbidge Retrospective which also features brand new work.

I wish you happiness over the Festive Season – but keep quilting
With kind regards
Andrew JM Salmon
Managing Director

CLICK HERE FOR UPDATED ENTRY FORM

Crafts Council of Ireland Poll on proposed name change

2011-11-23T10:59:00.001Z

poll now closed.

Dear All,

There is a poll from the Crafts Council of Ireland to be completed by the 25th November 2011 about a proposed name change. The proposed name change was discussed at executive level in the CCoI and it was agreed that Design should not be introduced into the name. There are a number of reasons for this.

Is it to be called The Design and Craft Council of Ireland or The Craft and Design Council of Ireland. Many felt that if the name had to be changed that Design should not come first.

If Design is introduced then it will not be the Craft Council any longer, graphic design, engineering etc will have to be admitted and this increased the membership and dilutes the monies available to the guilds, networks and societies.

The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCOI) is a very well recognised logo and organisation and appears to be fit for purpose at the moment-does it need to be changed? in particular after a very successful Year of Craft.

Do we need to spend the money that will be involved in in changing?

These are just some of the arguments and there are many more.

Below is the email from the CEO

Please share your thoughts by doing the poll.

Regards,

Mary Hunter (CCoI Rep).

Dear GANS representative,

Further to the GANS meeting which took place in Kilkenny on 16th September 2011, an online poll has been created as part of the consultation process around the proposal to amend the name of the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) to include the word 'Design'.

This online poll provides your members with an opportunity to share their thoughts and feedback on this proposal, and this feedback is very important to us. We would therefore ask you to encourage all of your members to take a few minutes to participate in the online poll. CCoI will also be inviting our registered clients to participate in the poll.

Please click on this link: http://bit.ly/ccoiganspna which directs to:
• a letter from the Board of Directors of the Crafts Council of Ireland inviting your members to participate in this poll
• an outline regarding the background and rationale for the proposal
• the online poll

As mentioned in the letter, any GANS member who has a query or would like to obtain additional information on the proposed name amendment can email survey@ccoi.ieWe would ask all GANS members to complete the poll by Friday 25th November 2011 in order to ensure all feedback can be incorporated as part of our consultation process.

What you need to do:• Please forward this link http://bit.ly/ccoiganspna to all of your individual members by email which contains the letter from the Board of the Crafts Council of Ireland and includes the background document and the link to the online poll
• Please encourage your members to complete the online poll, highlighting the closing date of Friday 25th November 2011
• Please forward any queries you receive from individual members or let us know if there are any recurring questions or concerns around the proposal

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you in advance for participating in this consultation process.

Kind regards,
Karen Hennessy.

Chief Executive
Crafts Council of Ireland
Executive Assistant: 056 7796148

Further Details on Elizabeth McCartney's Embroidered boxes workshop at An Grianan

2011-11-01T08:33:00.001Z

Elizabeth McCartney - Embroidered Boxes Workshop

Elizabeth McCartney will be giving one of the workshops at the forthcoming An Grianan weekend. Here's some more details about what's involved in her workshop.

Details of the workshop:

During this workshop you will construct a box similar to the one shown in the magazine, using acrylic felt, pelmet vilene and fabric as a base onto which you will applique, free machine and hand embroider, couch, and embellish to your heart's content using any method you desire. This is an opportunity to use your lovely fabric scraps, threads, buttons, beads, wire, stamps, paint etc. The faint hearted may use Elizabeth's box pattern if they choose.

Here's some other examples of Elizabeth's work:

New Contemporary Quilting Group

2011-10-31T13:32:00.000Z

Contemporary Quilting Group:

Contemporary Quilters of Ireland is a new branch of the Irish Patchwork Society for people interested in the contemporary side of quilting.

It is for those interested in stretching themselves and moving forward in making art through the medium of the quilt and also for those who want to be involved and offer support to the group.

The group is still in the early day of being set-up, so we're looking for interested members. If you're interested in joining the group, please click on the link to join the yahoo group (See below or click on the link to the right of the page). Alternatively, you can email Claire Lynch for further details (email address is listed in the Newsletter).

Once we get a few more members, we're going to call a meeting and set up a committee, start organising challenges etc.


  
  Click to join cqireland

EQA Exhibition at Festival of Quilts 2012 - Crossroads

2011-10-24T12:47:00.001+01:00

European Quilt Association

EQA Exhibition at FoQ in 2012

The theme of next year's exhibition is: Crossroads
Each country's quilts will be hung together in next year's gallery at FoQ

Some ideas about the "Crossroads" theme:
The roads are crossing our lives- people, events or things crossing your life unexpectedly, and make us enjoy life - meeting people in crossroads, some people stay in your life, some not, but all touch your life in some way. Life is not straightforward: you get sometimes lost or take sideways steps.
Crossroads can be a meeting place where people gather to exchange news about one and others lives. A place where we want to make a decision as to what direction we will follow.

Rules:
1. Size: 20 x 50cm (7 7/8 x 19 5/8). To be hung horizontally.
2. Edges: free choice of edging treatment (i.e. raw or bound).
3. Any technique may be used but the quilt may consist of three layers. No glass fronted or mounted exhibits will be accepted. Be warned that quilts which are delicate or stiff are difficult to transport safely.
4. The entire collection of "Crossroads" will be launched at the Festival of Quilts in 2012. Some countries may decide to display their quilts from neighbouring countries at their annual general meetings. In this case, these quilts will be returned later than September 2012.
5. All guild members may enter and there is no entry fee. The quilts are not for sale.
6. All quilts must have a 10cm (4 inch) hanging sleeve (with extra fullness to accomodate the rod) sewn 1cm below the top of the quilt and stopping 2cm from each side.
7. The quilts are insured for a nominal sum during the exhibition including transport to and from the FoQ 2012. (Information on transport and insurance for other exhibitions is available from the guild organising the event. Should a quilt be damaged or lost, the EQA member guilds is responsible for compensating the maker).
8. The entry form and photo should reach the International Representative by 31st May 2012.
9. 10 quilts will be selected by each country by 30th June 2012. Any quilts which do not comply with the rules, particularly in terms of size or hanging sleeve, can be rejected on submission.
10. Photos of the quilts may be used for publicity purposes.
11. Every member country of the EQA must provide TEN quilts for this exhibition. If too many quilts are submitted, 10 must be selected in whatever way the guild decides. If too few quilts are submitted, the IR/executive committee of the guild MUST organise the making of the missing quilts.

The EQA entry form and rules are listed on the Forms and Documents section of this blog.

You can find a copy of EQA Crossroads Entry Form and Rules here

International Block Swap

2011-10-19T11:19:00.001+01:00

International Block Swap

Deadline: 31st March 2012

The online magazine Quilt around the World (www.quilt-around-the-world.com) has started a truly ambitious patchwork project – a global quilt block swap.

Invited are patchwork and quilt enthusiasts worldwide, no matter whether novices, occasional quilters or professionals. “We are not organising the patchwork and quilting world championships,” states Jutta Hufnagel, Managing Director of Quilt around the World GmbH. “For us, the main focus lies in the fun of working together with as many quilters from around the world as possible in this multi-national and cross-cultural quilt project.”

The quilters are asked to sew 12 quilt blocks according to their individual taste and quilt mastery. The blocks will then be swapped within internationally mixed teams. In order to achieve a great a diversity as possible there are next to no technique, colour or design restrictions. In the end, every participant will have the makings of a unique sampler quilt containing 12 different blocks from 12 different people around the world.
Participation in the International Block Swap is free. To cover the postage for the return of the individual sets of 12 different quilt blocks 10 € or 15 US$ will be charged. All monies left over will be donated to the humanitarian organisation Médecins sans Frontières (www.msf.org).
The deadline for submitting the 12 blocks is 31 March 2012.

To make this swap work, they need YOUR HELP!
The more blocks from as many different countries as possible, the more interesting this will be for everybody. Participants will be grouped into teams of 12 and the blocks will be swapped within the team. In the end, every participant will have the makings of a unique quilt containing 12 different blocks from 12 different people around the world.

They are hoping that, through this, lots of friendships will be forged around the world.

How the International Block Swap will be organized:

Download the PDF flyer and fill in the registration form.
Send them the form together with your 12 identical blocks measuring 12 1/2“ or 31.5 cm (UNFINISHED size).
There are no restrictions regarding technique, colour or design. Please use high-quality cotton fabrics, an off-white background and include the colour red.
The deadline is 31 March 2012.
In addition, please transfer 10 EUR or 15 USD to cover international postagefor the return of your set of 12 different blocks. The instructions for payment can be found on the back of the enclosed PDF flyer.
They would also like entrants to enclose 12 picture postcards of your town, area or country with a bit about yourself on the back when you send your blocks. If you want to include your address and or email that’s up to you.
Beginning on 1 April 2012, teams will be formed to start sending out the block sets and the postcards.
As soon as the last package has been sent, all monies left over will be donated to Médecins sans frontières (www.msf.org).

Of course everyone will be curious to see your individual results! You can share a picture of your finished swap block quilt (top) by sending it to info@quilt-around-the-world.com where they promise to publish as many masterpieces as we can.
As the first International Block Swap evolves, they will publish pictures of blocks already sent to them, provide inspiration to help you get started, answer questions on any aspect of the swap and whatever else may crop up.
If you haven’t quilted for a very long time, don’t feel intimidated by the rules. You can do this!

National AGM 2012

2011-10-16T13:15:00.004+01:00

The Annual AGM of the Irish Patchwork Society took place on Saturday 15th October in the Ambassador Hotel, Co. Cork.

Many thanks to the Cork Branch for organising this year's AGM!

Two nominations for the executive committee were received: from Ritamary Bolton (our new Editor), Bernadette Falvey and Sherry Nugent. Unfortunately, other nominations for the executive committee were thin on the ground on the day, so there are still a number of vacancies on the executive committee.

Internationally renowned quilter Philippa Naylor gave the guest lecture after the AGM. Philippa gave a talk on how she got started in quilting, her years living in Saudi Arabia and how she constructs her award-winning quilts.

The challenge for this year's AGM was to make a miniature quilt. The winner (as chosen by Philippa Naylor) was Mary Palmer. See below for a selection of some of the fantastic entries for this challenge.

Also at this year's AGM, the winners of the Branching Out Exhibtion "Judges Choice" and "Viewers Choice" were announced. Dearbhla O'Reilly (Eastern Branch) was voted the winner of the judges choice for her quilt "Nana's Garden". This quilt also proved extremely popular with visitors to the exhibit at the Festival of Quilts.

Maria Bolton (Eastern Branch) was announced as the winner of the Viewers Choice prize for her quilt "Memories of Glacier".

The AGM 2012 will take place on Saturday 6th October 2012 in the Strand Hotel, Limerick City.

Sew Irish Flickr Group

2011-10-12T21:07:00.000+01:00

The Sew Irish Flickr group is a group for Irish based sewers and quilters to join. Whether you're a beginner or super-experienced, you can join in the fun, share your work and get chatting in the discussions.

Sew Irish Flickr Group

Reminder: IPS National AGM takes place this Saturday 15th October

2011-10-12T09:59:00.000+01:00

Just a reminder that the IPS National AGM will be taking place this Saturday (15th October) at the Ambassador Hotel, Military Road, Cork.

Also, international quilting teacher Philippa Naylor will be giving a talk after lunch on her work.

South-West (Kerry) Branch - Change of Venue for meetings

2011-09-30T15:53:00.001+01:00

Please note: Kerry Branch meetings are now held at their new venue:

Collis-Sandes House, Tralee
every 4th Friday of the month.

except for December when the meeting will be held on the 16th.

Future Planning of the Irish Patchwork Society

2011-09-26T09:20:00.004+01:00

Future Planning:

After a very successful year, the increased awareness of the Irish Patchwork Society and growing membership let us now continue to build on the success of the past 30 years.

We the members now as a group need to plan for our future and decide what each one of us would like from this society.

There will be an informal meeting at the AGM and to start the process we would like each branch to appoint two interested members, if possible one long term member and one newer member. This group will then meet around the time of Knitting and Stitching to further develop ideas.

Please discuss your ideas for our future at your branch. All members are welcome to submit their ideas or attend any of the meeting arranged.

Miriam Gogarty

Fabric postcards - submission date has been extended.

2011-09-15T10:00:00.001+01:00

It has been decided to extend the date for submission of the fabric postcards to the start of November. The postcards willl be on display at the Knitting & Stitching Show, RDS, Dublin from the 10th - 13th November.

The postcards will be raffled off at this show in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation at the show.

We're still receiving postcards in the mail box. Here a few of the more recent arrivals..

Postcard from Darcy Peters in Canada. Postcard was made using the flower pounding technique.

Postcard from Riitta Tilja in Finland

Postcard from Mary Maguire (Eastern Branch) who posted her postcard from Oban, Scotland.

Thanks to everyone who has submitted postcards so far!

Hands Across the Border Exhibition

2011-09-02T11:43:00.000+01:00

The Hands Across the Border Exhibition is now on exhibit at the Visitors Centre, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
The exhibition opened 2nd September and it will be on display until the 30th September.

The theme of this exhibit is "Dreamcatcher". This is a bi-annual joint exhibition between the Irish Patchwork Society and the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild.

To get to the Visitors Centre:
Phoenix Park Visitors Centre

Location

4km from centre of Dublin in the Phoenix Park, signposted from the Phoenix Monument.

Bus Routes:
Bus 37, 38, 39 and 70 from Hawkins Street to the Halfway House Roundabout on Navan Road. Enter the park by the Ashtown Gate, walk approximately 190 metres to the T-junction and turn left, walk for about 10 mins until you reach the building on your left, the pathway on the right-hand side leads you towards the trees and the back gate of Ashtown Castle.

No. 46A from UCD Belfield to Phoenix Park - Infirmary Road - North Circular Road Gate (30 min walk from Gate).

Train: Dublin Connolly to Ashtown Station.

Bonnie McCaffrey Vidcast from Festival of Quilts

2011-09-01T17:39:00.000+01:00

American quilter Bonnie McCaffrey has two vidcasts from the Festival of Quilts on her website.

The Irish Patchwork Society's "Branching Out" exhibition is featured in the 2nd vidcast, along with some of our members.

Bonnie McCaffrey Vidcast of FoQ

Irish Guild of Embroiderers

2011-08-30T15:58:00.000+01:00

The Irish Guild of Embroiderers invite you to their exhibition "Off the Wall" (an exhibition of textile work).

The exhibition will be taking place in the Pearse Museum, St. Enda's Park, Dublin 14. (Tel. 01-493-4208)

The exhibition runs from Saturday 3rd September till 30th September, 10am - 5pm.

At 10.30am Saturday 3rd September, Sue Rangeley will be giving a lecture. After the lecture, Sue will be officially opening the exhibition

Fashion Sans Frontier Slideshow

2011-08-18T13:39:00.000+01:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Branching Out Slide Show

2011-08-18T13:35:00.001+01:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Fashion Sans Frontier Event, Festival of Quilts

2011-08-16T19:09:00.002+01:00

Last Thursday night (11th August) Ireland took on the UK and Russia in a fashion show (Fashion Sans Frontier). This fashion show was organised by Twisted Thread/Festival of Quilts.

Each of the countries had 4 people who each had to make 3 outfits and 1 accessory for the show.
The fashion show was great fun, Ireland had two great tables up near the front so we had a great view of the proceedings. The Irish entrants were Paula Rafferty (Mid-west), Pauline Holt (North-East), Mogs McDonnell (Western Branch) and Bernie O'Sullivan (South-Western Branch).

Ireland won the day-wear collection category and Mogs McDonnell was also highly commended by the judges for her evening-wear outfit..

Festival of Quilts - Irish Winners

2011-08-16T15:14:00.003+01:00

There were a number of Irish quilts entered in this years Festival of Quilts competition. And even better, there were a few Irish winners this year!

Congratulations go to:

Winner of the Contemporary Quilt Category:
"Dear Jane, it's the 21st Century" by Valerie Mullally, Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland

Winners of the Primary School Category:
Fybough National School, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry.
This quilt was based around Puck Fair which takes place annually in Killorgan, Co. Kerry.

3rd Prize - Pictorial Quilts Category
Melinda's Zinnia's by Robyn Fahy
Created using raw edge applique and then thread play using a variety of threads.

Branching Out National Exhibition 2011

2011-08-16T14:40:00.001+01:00

Branching Out National Exhibition 2011, a set on Flickr.

More photographs added to our "Branching Out" Exhibition flickr page.
Don't forget photographs of all our national exhibitions and "Hands Across the Border" exhibitions are posted on the IPS flickr album

Irish Patchwork Stand at the Festival of Quilts

2011-08-16T14:01:00.001+01:00

The Irish Patchwork Society had a stand to celebrate our 30th anniversary at last weeks Festival of Quilts. Here are a few photographs from the stand.

Festival of Quilts - only a few days to go!

2011-08-07T19:36:00.000+01:00

The Festival of Quilts is nearly upon us again!

The show opens on Thursday 11th August, and this year it includes an exhibit from the Irish Patchwork Society. These quilts were selected from the "Branching Out" Exhibition that recently took place in the Botanic Gardens.

At the show will be the EQA exhibit - this year the theme was "A Circle of Friends".

Also, on the Thursday night will be the Fashion Sans Frontier event where Ireland, Russia and the UK will compete on the catwalk with their creations. Ireland has four representatives:

Paula Rafferty from the Mid-West Branch
Mogs McDonnell from the Western Branch
Bernadette Kelly from the South-West Branch
and Pauline Holt from the North-East Branch.

Each of these four people have been working away over the past few months each creating four outfits which will be modelled on the catwalk on the Thursday night. Hopefully there will be a large Irish contingent cheering them on on the night!

Quilts selected to hang in the IPS stand at next week's FoQ

2011-08-02T18:24:00.001+01:00

Here is the link to see which quilts have been chosen to hang in the IPS stand at the Festival of Quilts, Birmingham, UK.

http://irishpatchwork.blogspot.com/p/branching-out-quilts-selected-for.html

We hope to be able to hang all the quilts on the first list, and hopefully, most of the ones on the second. However, we do, as always, ask people to note that we cannot guarantee that any particular quilt will hang.

A reminder: The quilts which were hung in the "Branching Out" exhibition in the Botanic Gardens will be required again in November for the Knitting and Stitching Show,so members will not be getting their quilts back till after the show.

Twisted Threads (who run the Festival of Quilts and the Knitting & Stitching Shows) are putting a huge emphasis on patchwork and quilting, and are being extremely generous to the Irish Patchwork Society in the amount of space that they are allocating to us, including teaching space. For further information please see: http://www.twistedthread.com/pages/exhibitions/viewExhibition.aspx?id=32

Patricia O'Dowda Obituary

2011-08-02T18:09:00.001+01:00

Patricia O’Dowda moved to Westport from Wales in the early1990’s. She had been an active member of the Glamorgan Quilters and in an effort to stimulate interest in patchwork and quilting in her new home area she held a one woman show during the 1991 Westport Arts Festival. In the following months 7 other interested ladies joined Patricia for weekly get togethers. We met in a variety of venues and finally found a home in the Town Hall. The room we used was called the Octagon room and hence we became the Octagon Quilters. Over the years the group has grown to about 20 members, who still meet on a weekly basis, and we have just celebrated our 20^th anniversary with an exhibition in the Custom House Studios, Westport.

Patricia had joined the IPS and encouraged the rest of us to follow suit. She enjoyed the company and stimulation of other quilters at the monthly meetings of the Western Branch in Galway. She joined the Western Branch committee and was its Chair in the mid ‘90’s. She also served a term as Education Officer of the IPS.

A great believer in education Patricia set about teaching the techniques of patchwork and quilting to the members of the Octagon group. Visiting teachers were brought to Westport several times a year to pass on their knowledge. She never passed up an opportunity to visit an exhibition or take a trip to visit other quilt groups. We had one memorable trip to Northern Ireland where not only did we meet with local quilters but also had the opportunity to see quilts that are normally held in storage at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. She encouraged us to exhibit both locally and nationally as it was all promotion of the craft.

Patricia’s own work took on a local flair. Her home, some miles outside Westport, looked out on Croagh Patrick or the Reek as it is known locally. The winding path to the top was clearly visible on fine days. She drew up a pattern of the view from her home and used it as the centre of a medallion style quilt. As a member of Westport Country Markets she displayed this quilt in the market and was inundated with requests for more of the same. She made many of these quilts as wedding gift commissions and being the skilled needle and machine woman that she was she incorporated scenes from the intended couples lives into the surrounding blocks……….farming scenes, pets, hobbies, etc.

Patricia embarked on a number of personal projects. She appliqued and machine embroidered Brighton Pier and the curved sweep of listed buildings in the town. Another project was a wholecloth quilt documenting the history and activities of her family. Her attention to detail and search for the correct fabrics and threads was part of every project. Her home was a veritable treasure trove. One room contained all her works in progress…………and they were always many. Each project was boxed with all the details written on the outside so she could put her hand on any piece in an instant.

From an early age Patricia loved to travel and it was fascinating to listen to her stories which ranged from cycling through Europe in the 1940’s to her visit to China with her son David in the late ‘90’s. We all received pieces of silk which she encouraged us to incorporate in a piece of our work. Her visits to her daughter Kathy in France always resulted in her returning with some local fabrics to be incorporated into yet another project

Due to failing health Patricia moved back to the UK in recent years but she still relished news of Westport and quilting from visiting friends. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Marea E Mulqueen

Branching Out National Exhibition 2011

2011-07-21T22:57:00.001+01:00

Branching Out National Exhibition 2011, a set on Flickr.

A small selection of quilts from the "Branching Out" quilt exhibit which is currently on display in the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Exhibition runs tills the 2nd August.

Fashion Sans Frontier Show

2011-07-21T22:08:00.000+01:00

Fashion sans Frontieres

On Thursday 11th August, Ireland joins Russia and the UK on the catwalk at the Festival of Quilts, NEC, Birmingham to model their fabulous quilted creations in friendly rivalry.

According to the Festival of Quilts Website (www.twistedthread.co.uk) " Last year's inaugural fashion show was hot but the 2011 event promises to be even better! The show will be slicker, shorter and feature big screens for great views of the stunning creations".

Representing Ireland will be four IPS members and designers who are each producing a collection of 4 outfits for the show.

If you are going to the Festival of Quilts this year, support our fellow IPS members by booking a ticket on the Thursday night for the fashion show. Tickets are £20 for which you get a delicious two course buffet supper followed by an inspiring fashion show.

The Fashion Show is on: Thursday 11th August, 7:30pm, Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Branching Out Exhibition Catalogue

2011-07-21T21:04:00.001+01:00

Don't forget the "Branching Out" National Exhibition runs until the 2nd August in the Botanic Gardens, Dublin.

There is also a full colour catalogue of the "Branching Out" quilts available at the exhibit for €5.

Branching Out Exhibition

2011-07-08T19:18:00.000+01:00

The "Branching Out" Exhibition is now on display in the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Exhibition runs until the 2nd August.

These photo's were taken during the opening event on Tuesday 5th July.

Meg Kenny with her piece "Breathe In, Breathe Out, Interior, Exterior Spaces"

Gillian Sheehan with her wall-hanging entitled "Fossil with Branching Ornament"

"Poppies and Daisies" by Moira Byrne

"Duilleoga" by Hilary O'Kelly

"Blue Tree" by Evelyn Montague

Branching Out Exhibition

2011-07-06T12:13:00.001+01:00

The "Branching Out" Exhibition is now on display in the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Exhibition runs until the 2nd August.

Branching Out National Exhibition Opening

2011-07-01T19:15:00.002+01:00

Official Opening of the National Exhibition "Branching Out"

2011-06-23T09:56:00.000+01:00

The official opening of the "Branching Out" National Exhibition will be on Tuesday 5th July at 11.30 in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin.

SEASCAPE - Crafts Council of Ireland Exhibition

2011-06-03T22:28:00.002+01:00

Seascape

Following on from the success of “Tread Softly” (which was an exhibition of textile work by members of the Crafts Council of Ireland, at the Knitting & Stitching Show RDS Dublin 2010) we would like to announce for 2011 – Seascape an exhibition for the Knitting & Stitching Show: 10-13^th November.

Brief:
Work in the exhibition is to be made in response to and inspired by the sea and the underwater world; it’s colour, texture, pattern and forces. It can take the form of literal or abstract interpretation. Pieces must be contemporary in design and can be in any textile media and

technique.

Selection:
Work will be selected on the basis of excellence in design and making, it must fit within the overall
exhibition and creative interpretation of the brief. If you have an existing piece that you feel would
fit into this remit it must be less than 2 years old and it must not have been exhibited before.

Selection Requirements:
Maker will be invited to apply for the exhibition by the 20^th July with the following information:

Image and/or design drawings of their intended piece

Four images of relevant work made within last two years: images must be jpeg images, no
larger than 300dpi sent on a CD
Completed application form
100 word interpretation of the brief

Shortlisted makers will be asked to submit their work for second round selection by 2^nd September
and if successful will be photographed and exhibited at the Knitting & Stitching Show. Further details will be available in the coming weeks.

DreamCatcher Quilts now up on NIPG website

2011-05-14T14:49:00.000+01:00

The Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild have now put up the Hands Across the Border exhibition photos up on our website.

Their website is http://www.nipg.org.uk/

Irish Quilts at Veldhoven

2011-05-11T11:12:00.000+01:00

People inspecting some of the Irish quilts that were on display in Veldhoven last weekend for the Open European Quilt Championships.

Photo's from the recent South-Western Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-05-09T15:26:00.000+01:00

National AGM and Conference 2011

2011-05-05T09:46:00.000+01:00

The National AGM and Conference of the Irish Patchwork Society will be taking place on Saturday 15th October 2011 in the Ambassador Hotel, Military Hill, Cork City.

Philippa Naylor will be the guest speaker after the AGM.

Full day (inclusive of lunch) 25 euro

Entry to talk only: IPS members 10 euro.
Enty to talk only: non-IPS members 15 euro.

Workshops
Philippa will also be giving two 1-day workshops on the Sunday and Monday (16-17th October).

Sunday 16th October
Workshop - Contemporary Curved Piecing with Philippa Naylor

Monday 17th October
Workshop - Free Motion Feathers for everyone with Philippa Naylor

Workshop Cost: 70 euro per workhop (50 euro deposit required) or 125 euro for the two workshops.

The entry form is available if you click on the National AGM and Conference tab at the top of the page.

Western Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition - early closure

2011-04-24T20:00:00.003+01:00

The Western Branch are currently holding their "Branching Out" Exhibition in Galway City Museum. The exhibition was meant to run until the 30th April, but has now had to close at short notice due to renovations at the museum.

Joan Colleran made this great piece "30 Years a Growing" which shows the eight IPS branches throughout the country.

Chairperson Lynn Naughton has a video clip of the opening speeches on her blog. See http://lynnnaughton.blogspot.com/2011/04/branching-out-at-galway-museum.html

Eastern Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-04-17T12:33:00.002+01:00

Eastern Branch

30th Anniversary Quilt Exhibition 1981-2011

‘Branching Out’
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin

April 27th – May 1st 2011
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday:10am-4pm. Saturday and Sunday: 11am – 4pm

Admission FREE
http://www.easternbranch-ips.com/
http:www.dalkeycastle.com

Dalkey Castle is located on Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin.
Location of Dalkey Castle

International Quilt Festival of Ireland 2012

2011-04-12T11:29:00.000+01:00

Mid-West "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-04-12T11:27:00.000+01:00

The Mid-West Branch will be holding it's "Branching Out" Exhibition from Monday 18th April to Sautrday 23rd April. Venue is the Old Benetton Building on the corner of Henry Street and Sarsfield Street, Limerick City Centre. Opening hours are: 10am - 5pm.
The official opening of the exhibit will be on Monday 18th April at 7pm.

Southern Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-03-21T13:02:00.000Z

The Southern Branch is now holding it's "Branching Out" Exhibition at The Grainstore, Ballymaloe, Co. Cork.

The exhibit started on Saturday 19th March and will run until the Sunday 27th March..

Westport Quilter's Anniversary Celebration Exhibition July 2011

2011-03-17T13:07:00.000Z

Westport Quilters’ Anniversary celebration

The Octagon Quilters of Westport, County Mayo, are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the group by holding an exhibition of members’ work at the Custom House Studios, The Quay, Westport from July 7to 31 inclusive.

The Studios are open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and 1pm to 4.30pm on weekends and bank holidays. Admission is free.

Founded in 1991, the group holds weekly meetings in Westport and organises, workshops, exhibitions and an annual charity project.

For further information please contact secretary Mary Ayres on email: mayres1@eircom.net

North-Eastern Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-03-08T11:10:00.000Z

The North-Eastern Branch will be holding it's "Branching Out" Exhibition from the 1st - 15th April 2011 at the County Museum, Jocelyn Street, Dundalk

The exhibition will be officially opened by IPS Chairperson Miriam Gogarty at 7.30pm on Friday 1st April.

The museum is open Tues-Sat. 10am-5pm

EQA News

2011-03-06T22:36:00.000Z

Fashion San Frontieres

We are looking for designers / quilters/ who would be interested in putting together a collection for the 2011 Festival of Quilts, Birmingham.

Each collection to contain three items. 1 daywear, 1 evening wear and 1 Wearable Art, an accessory to be incorporated into one of the items. Each designer can form a team to complete the work. (A designs the three items and has a team of quilters to help complete the items.)

The selected designers to be prepared to model the work or have a friend model the work in Birmingham.

Four countries have been selected by Festival of Quilts to put forward collections. Russia, United Kingdom, Denmark and Ireland.

Those interested please contact me immediately for further details.

Loretta O’Brien (EQA Rep) loretta@aspennet.ie

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celebrating Diversity.

This exhibition will be held at the Quilt museum and Gallery in York in UK from May to August 2012

Each country is asked to submit just two quilts. The quilts must be new and never been shown in an exhibition anywhere before, not even on blogs. The work has to be in the form of a wall quilt. It can be patchwork / appliqué / wholecloth etc and can incorporate any technique (traditional or contemporary) currently in use.

Size of work: The quilts must measure 1 metre wide and 2 meters in length. It must also have a 10cm sleeve attached for hanging and the label with the makers details on the back lower right hand corner.

Artist’s statement: Each quilt must be accompanied by a full artist’s statement.

Closing date: The closing date for receipt of 3 digital photographs (1 of the completed quilt, 1 close-up (detail) and one of the Artist) is 1st December 2011

Loretta O’Brien (EQA Rep). loretta@aspennet.ie please mark your email “Celebrating Diversity”

"Branching Out" Fabric Postcard Exhibition

2011-03-06T22:23:00.000Z

Some of the fabric postcard for the "Branching Out" Postcard Exhibition have started to arrive!

Here are photographs of some of the international entries that we have received so far....

Maryke Op den Camp, The Netherlands

Ildika Colley, USA

Mid-Western Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition Details

2011-03-04T11:05:00.002Z

The Mid-Western Branch are just after finalising the venue for their upcoming exhibition

Their "Branching Out" Exhibition will be held from
Monday 18th April - Saturday 23rd April at the old Benetton building on the corner of Henry Street and Sarsfield Street in Limerick City.

The official opening will be on Monday night, speaker details to be announced later on.

Western Branch visitors at the Mid-West Branch on February 11th

2011-02-17T16:50:00.001Z

On Friday 11th February, the Western Branch were guest speakers at the Mid-West Branch meeting. The Western Branch members brought loads of items for show & tell.

Details of the meetings can be found on the Mid-West Branch Blog and the Western Branch Blog

Photo is of the Western Branch members showing the Heritage Quilt that they are currently completing for permanent display in the Galway City Museum.

New venue for South-East Branch Members

2011-02-17T09:44:00.001Z

Hi all,
Just a reminder that South-East Branch has a new venue for their monthly meetings.
Their meetings will now be held in the Legion of Mary Hall in Robert Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

South-East Branch meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, so their next meeting will be next Wednesday (23rd February) at 7.30pm

Mid-West "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-02-14T20:06:00.001Z

The Mid-West Branch will be holding it's "Branching Out" Exhibition from Saturday 16th April - Sunday 24th April.

The venue will be in Limerick City Centre, in one of the empty shop units.

Because the exhibition will be on display in one of the empty units, the exact location will not be finalised until the start of April.

As soon as the venue is finalised, the details will be put up on the blog.

South-Eastern Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition

2011-02-03T22:35:00.001Z

The South-East Branch will be holding its "BRANCHING OUT" exhibition from Friday 1st April - 3rd April.

Venue: Chapel af the Good Counsel College, New Ross, Wexford.

Opening Hours: Fri.: 12pm - 4pm. Sat & Sun. 10am - 4pm.

Eastern Branch "Branching Out" Local Exhibition

2011-01-27T21:42:00.000Z

The Eastern Branch will be holding it's local "Branching Out" Exhibition from the 26th April - 1st May in the Heritage Centre, Dalkey, Co. Dublin.

Hands Across the Border Exhibition - Opening Night 27th January

2011-01-27T21:37:00.000Z

National Exhibition 2010

2011-01-27T21:30:00.001Z

Cork Insitute of Technology issue their own magazine "The Learning City". The December issue featured a piece about the National Exhibition that was held in September.

Southern Branch "Branching Out" Local Exhibition

2011-01-24T18:16:00.000Z

The Southern Branch will be holding it's local "Branching Out" exhibition from the 19th-27th March at The Grainstore, Ballymaloe, Cork.

Western Branch Exhibition

2011-01-17T12:41:00.001Z

The Western Branch's local "Branching Out" Exhibition will be taking place the last two weeks in April at the Galway City Museum.

Limerick Quilt Retreat

2011-01-09T13:05:00.002Z

Don't forget to book your rooms for the Limerick Quilt Retreat which will be taking place on the 18th-20th February in the Limerick Strand Hotel

There is a reduced rate of €169 per person sharing in a twin room for the weekend. This includes 2 night bed and breakfast and 2 evening meals. Single supplement is €40 for the weekend.

Also included in this price the use of a large "sewing room" for members which is at the top of the hotel and has wonderful views over the Shannon. This "sewing room" will be set up so that people can use it till late on Friday night, all through Saturday, and on Sunday until 4pm.
Booking is via the reservations number 061-421890 for Irish Patchwork Society members. Note: People will have to make the bookings with the hotel themselves!

This will be a great social event with plenty of sewing involved....

See post of 30th November for more details.

South Midlands Branch Exhibition

2011-01-09T12:55:00.002Z

The South Midlands Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition will be taking place from 9-17th April in Meubles Furniture Store, Ring Road, Kilkenny

Chairperson Miriam Gogarty with President Mary McAleese

2010-12-15T20:50:00.001Z

Chairperson Miriam Gogarty recently presented President Mary McAleese with "Emma's Tree". The President was very impressed with the wall-hanging and said that it will hang in her home in Roscommon for Christmas.

A pattern for making "Emma's Tree" is included in the Winter Issue of the IPS Newsletter.

How to make fabric postcards

2010-12-13T21:44:00.000Z

HOW TO M AKE A FABRIC POSTCARD.

Materials:

Bondaweb
Pelmet Vilene
Plain fabric for the back (The writing side)
Fabric for the front.

Method:
Cut Bondaweb and 2 pieces of pelmet Vilene to measure 6” x 4”

Cut the backing fabric - also 6” x 4” and bond onto one piece of Vilene.

Write or stitch POSTCARD on the back and also a line down the centre of the card.

Now for the fun part.

You can cut a base fabric for the front of the post card and bond it to the second piece of Vilene. You are now ready to decorate in whatever way you choose. You can finish your card with appliqué, piece, embroider or just about anything. In the case of the International Postcard Exhibition it must suit the theme of the National Exhibition…Environmental, floral, landscape, etc.

When you have finished the front of the postcard, square off both front and back ensuring they measure 4” x 6”. Line both pieces up and stitch around the outside edge. You can use one of the fancy stitches on your machine or you can hand stitch it or you can put a binding on the edge. You may even have your own favourite method of joining the pieces and edging the cards.

Miriam Gogarty

Hands Across the Border Deadline

2010-12-03T15:54:00.002Z

All Branch members please note that quilts for Hands across the Border must be in Dublin (at Miriam Gogarty's house) by December 17th which is the FINAL DATE.

You can contact an executive committee member to get Miriam's postal address.

Quilts for the Mid-west branch will be collected at their Christmas meeting (Dec 10th)

Limerick Quilt Retreat 2011

2010-11-30T11:21:00.002Z

For the 1st time ever the Irish Patchwork Society has decided to run a Quilt Retreat Weekend in 2011.

This is will be different to the An Grianan weekend, as there wil be no scheduled teachers or workshops. Instead, this will be a social weekend where you have the entire weekend to work on projects and catch up with IPS friends from around the country. This could also be the perfect opportunitity to finish up your "Branching Out" quilts for the upcoming exhibitions.

The weekend will run for the weekend of Friday 18th February to Sunday 20th February 2011 at the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick City.

There is a reduced rate of €169 per person sharing in a twin room for the weekend. This includes 2 night bed and breakfast and 2 evening meals. Single supplement is €40 for the weekend.

Also included in this price the use of a large "sewing room" for members which is at the top of the hotel and has wonderful views over the Shannon. This "sewing room" will be set up so that people can use it till late on Friday night, all through Saturday, and on Sunday until 4pm.

Booking is via the reservations number 061-421890 for Irish Patchwork Society members. Note: People will have to make the bookings with the hotel themselves!

The Limerick Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick is centrally located in the city, so it should be easy to get to for most people. There is an on-site underground car-park with 200 spaces (€5 per 24 hours).
The hotel also has a heated 20m swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym room etc. so there is plenty of amenities on-site. See http://www.strandhotellimerick.ie/ for further details.

South-West Branch "Branching Out" Exhibition

2010-11-24T09:26:00.000Z

The South-West (Kerry) Branch will be holding its Local "Branching Out" Exhibition at the Killarney Outlet Centre on 23-25th April (Easter Weekend).

The Killarney Outlet Centre is conveniently located in the centre of Killarney adjacent to the Malton Hotel, the Bus Station and the Railway Station. See http://www.killarneyoutletcentre.com/

The centre is open Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm, Bank Holiday Monday: 12pm-6pm.

Congratulations to Bernadette Falvey

2010-11-13T13:13:00.001Z

Congratulations to Western Branch Member Bernadette Falvey who won a prize for her piece in "Tread Softly" a recent exhibition run by the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Further details will be in the Winter Issue of the IPS Newsletter.

Quilting in America Survey

2010-11-12T09:41:00.000Z

For those who might be interested here's a link to a 2010 survey of American quilters. Quilting Survey
Wonder if any of it compares to Irish quilters??

According to the survey, the average quilter is 62 years of age and has been quilting for an average of 16 years.

"Branching Out" Postcard Exhibition

2010-11-11T15:36:00.002Z

As part of the celebrations for the 30th Anniversary of the Irish Patchwork Society in 2011, we have decided to run a postcard exhibition in conjunction with the Special National Exhibition.

We hope to get National and International Postcard Entries for the Exhibition.

Postcards must be on the theme of "Branching Out" i.e. horticultural, flora, botannical and environmental themes.
Must be standard postcard size i.e. 4 x 6 inches
Must be fabric-based
Postcards must be sent through the post (i.e. stamped, not posted in an envelope).
Send all postcards to the Irish Patchwork Society PO Box. Address is The Irish Patchwork Society, PO Box 45, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland.
The postcards are non-returnable. Instead all the postcards will be put up for raffle/auction at the Knitting and Stitching Show 2011. All proceeds raised will go to Breast Cancer Ireland.

The "Branching Out" National Exhibition will be on display in the Botanic Gardens from July 2nd to August 2nd.

Details on how make fabric postcards will be in the Winter Issue of the IPS Newsletter.
Further instructions on making fabric postcards will be displayed on the blog in the coming weeks

Irish Patchwork Stand at the Recent Knitting & Stitching Show

2010-11-08T19:41:00.001Z

Some photos of the Irish Patchwork Society's stand at the recent Knitting and Stitching Show

Celebrate 30 years of IPS in 2011

2010-11-04T21:02:00.002Z

The Irish Patchwork Society will be 30 years promoting patchwork and quilting in Ireland in 2011. To celebrate this event there will be exhibtions of our members work across the country. Each of our branches will be hosting a local exhibtion between January and May to be followed by a national exhibtion in July. The National Exhibition will be exhibited in the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Members can get more details of Branch exhibitions from their branch.

Visit IPS at the Knitting & Stitch show.

2010-10-23T18:09:00.005+01:00

The Irish Patchwork Society will be at the Knitting & Stitching Show in the RDS, Dublin from Thursday 28th October until Sunday 31st October. We will have stands where you can meet our members, see their work and see copies of our newsletter. We hope you will be inspired to join one of our 8 branches that meet regularly all over Ireland. Our diaries and branch locations will be available at our stand and on this site.

For more information about the Knitting & Stitching Show in Dublin, visit the TwistedThread website.

AGM Event - 2nd October 2010

2010-09-30T15:39:00.007+01:00

The Annual General Meeting of the Irish Patchwork Society is on 2nd October 2010 at the Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Dublin. Proceedings start at 11am with registration from 10am.

Our afternoon speaker is Margaret Woodside, and two workshops with Margaret are also arranged for Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th October. Requirements for the workshops are available here.

Members wishing to attend for lunch and the afternoon speaker or the workshops should email workshops.ipseastern@gmail.com.

Q for Quilts quilts!

2010-09-12T10:02:00.005+01:00

Several views of the "Q for Quilts" exhibition opening in C.I.T. in Cork on Saturday the 4th of September. A collection of all the quilts from the exhibition will be available to view on the website soon and the beautiful catalogue is available from the Southern Branch.

Laura Wasilowski Workshops

2010-09-12T09:51:00.003+01:00

Students hard at work during day one of Laura Wasilowski's workshops. Which where organised as part of the "Q for Quilts" celebrations in C.I.T. in Cork sunday and monday the 5th and 6th of September. Laura is a wonderful tutor with a wicked sense of humour and a wonderful singing voice.

2010-09-12T09:40:00.003+01:00

The Irish Patchwork Society National Exhibition "Q for Quilts" opened last Saturday in C.I.T. in Cork with 90 quilts on view and a large crowd in attendance. Members turned up from all over the country to attend the opening and the workshops given by Laura Wasilowski on the sunday and monday. Throughout the week quilters travelled from far and wide to see the wonderful quilts.

2010 National Exhibition - Q is for Quilts

2010-06-25T11:26:00.004+01:00

The IPS, Southern Branch invites all IPS members to submit quilts for the National Exhibition, Q is for Quilts.

Entries are open to all members of the Irish Patchwork Society and the entry form should be with the Southern Branch by 29th June 2010. The quilt should be delivered by 6th August 2010.

Full details and the entry form are available here and also in the current edition of the newsletter.

The exhibition will be held in Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Cork from 10am-4pm daily, 4th-11th September 2010,

Galway Exhibition

2010-04-28T23:06:00.002+01:00

National Exhibition Details

2010-04-28T23:02:00.002+01:00

Traditional Quilt and Natural Foliage Display

2010-04-09T15:24:00.001+01:00

As part of the Tinahely Walking Festival, there will be a Traditional Quilt and Natural Foliage display in Kilcommon Church, Tinahely.

Rebecca Hadden a floral artist from Tinahely and Evelyn Shannon a traditional quilter from Carnew have joined forces to present a fresh and innovative display. This exhibition will show case a vast array of natural foliage which have been specially selected and arranged to complement a wide variety of traditional quilts which have taiken years of tender loving care and hard work to complete.

It will be open on Saturday 17th April 10am - 8pm and on Sunday 12.30pm - 5pm.
Donations at the door in aid of the Wicklow Mountain Rescue. All are welcome to come along and enjoy the experience with both exhibitors on hand to discuss and answer any questions. For more information contact Evelyn on 086-8507518.

IPS at An Grianan

2010-02-13T20:47:00.007Z

Ferret with "Miss Baltimore"

A group of quilters and patchworkers from the IPS enjoyed a fantastic weekend of classes and fun from 12th-14th February. We were treated to an informative and entertaining talk from Ferret on Friday evening with workshops on Saturday and Sunday from teachers such as Ineke Berlyn and Mary Palmer.

2009-12-24T13:15:00.002Z

Irish Patchwork Society

AN GRIANAN 2010

There are still some places available in classes to be taught by our visiting International Teachers for our weekend 12th/14th Feb. Take this opportunity to learn from Ferret and Ineke Berlyn. (More information on these teachers may be found on www.inekeberlyn.com and www.ferfab.com) There are also spaces available with our Irish teachers.

We are also offering a special price for those of you who might like to work on your own projects. It is wonderful to have time set aside to work undisturbed on something you need to finish.
Accommodation plus lecture by Ferret on Friday evening €195.00

For those of you who wish to come to Workshops and Lecture but who can easily travel to and from home to An Grianan we also have a special offer.
Workshop – all day Saturday 13th and Sunday morning 14th and Lecture – Friday 12th - €100.00
If you are availing of this offer, you can arrange and pay for any meals required with staff at An Grianan.

Non members can also attend An Grianan. Cost is €295.00
which will include membership of the Society until September 2010

An Grianan February 12th- 14th February 2010 International Teachers

2009-12-14T20:17:00.004Z

It's time to book yourself into a workshop for the 2010 IPS weekend at An Grianan.There's something for everyone from beginner to advanced classes. Choose from two international artists, Ferret and Ineke Berylin, or several Irish tutors. All the information you need is in the latest IPS newsletter, so go on treat yourself.

IPS Success at Bloom in the Park

2009-08-06T13:09:00.004+01:00

Bloom is a very large Garden Festival which is held in the Phoenix Park on the June bank holiday weekend.It is run by An Bord Bia and this year attracted 58,000 visitors.Look at www.bloominthepark.ie for more information.this year the IPS was represented in the Crafts Council of Ireland section along with many other crafts.The stand was extremely busy and was manned by volunteers all weekend.There was a great mix of traditional and contemporary quilts on display, sarah Boran's Sun Bonnet Sue being a particular favourite. Maria Bolton's felt shapes were very popular, hundreds of felt shapes and colours which could be made into patterns and designs. Nearly 20 new members joined the Eastern Branch as a result of the Stand.So well done to the many people who made it possible.

Events and Exhibitions over the Summer

2009-07-10T09:54:00.003+01:00

Event: National AGM & Conference
Irish Patchwork Society AGM for members will be 3rd October hosted by the South Western Branch followed by workshops on Sunday 4th & Monday 5th given by Yvonne Brown. (www.yvonnebrown.co.uk) Membership of the society will be open at all branches at their September meetings - see what's happening for dates and venues of branch meetings.
Date: 3rd to 5th October
Time: see website
Location: Manor West Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Event 2: Purple in the Park - an exhibition of Contemporary Textile Art by '04 Textile Group (This is a group of City and Guild graduates of 2004 mainly from Eastern Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society).
Date: 6th July to 30th July 2009
Time: Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Location: Visitors' Centre in Phoenix Park, Dublin.

South Western Branch
Event: Exhibition of local Textile Art and Patchwork
Date: Summer 2009 (see south western website for details)
Time: (see south western website for details)
Location: Phoenix, Shanahill, East Keel, Co. Kerry.

Other Events that would be of interest to members of Patchwork Society
Tinahely Show - Family day out on 3rd August where previously an excellent patchwork and quilting competitions have been held – for details see www.tinahelyshow.ie/ or email tinahelyshow@eircom.net Mary Byrne, Show Secretary (0402) 34922

Lakeland Quilt Fair - two weeks of workshops hosted at the Cavan County Musuem in Ballyjamesduff from 4th - 24th September. Further information from them on 049 8544070 - http://www.cavanmuseum.ie/

Hands Across the Border Exhibition 2009

2009-07-08T12:15:00.022+01:00

The Irish Patchwork Society and Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild joint exhibition, Hands Across the Border - A Journey is now available in our virtual exhibition space.

Visit 'Hands Across the Border - A Journey' exhibition.

President Mary Mc Aleese opened this Exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin on Wednesday 25th of February. It was then on display in the Flowerfields Art Centre, Portstewart in June.

For further information on your nearest IPS branch please visit our branch web sites.

2009-06-14T15:58:00.006+01:00

Susie Long Hospice Fund Bag Sale/Fun Day

BAG SALE/FUN DAY in aid of the Susie Long Hospice Fund

On Saturday 25th April 2009 the SM IPS branch held a Bag Sale/Fun Day.
Patchwork bags were made by members of the Irish Patchwork Society and were sold in aid of the Susie Long Hospice Fund. There was also a big raffle, tombola, face painting for children and free balloons.The day went perfectly and there was soon a mad rush of customers wanting to buy the bags. After a busy few hours of selling and doing the raffle the day ended with practically everything sold.The branch sends a special thank you to Margaret McEvoy for her hard work in making the day so successful and to all members who attended the day to either help or to buy.
The amount raised to date is €6700 with a bit of extra money due in.

For more information on what the South Midlands Ladies are up to, check out their blog at
southmidlandsips.blogspot.com

2009-05-29T21:56:00.003+01:00

Extract from a letter circulated by Katie Doyle Elliot to all Branches:

Hello Fellow Patchworkers,

During my recent visit to Ontario, I met up with Suzanne and Garnet in Alsia Craig. They are very excited to host the Quilts from Ireland Show in October. I brought home a few posters to share with all of you, so you could see how the show is being advertised in Ontario......It was weird to see all of your quilts in their shop ..... They are doing trunk shows to the different guilds to get the word out about the show.

2009-05-17T10:31:00.003+01:00

Results are in for the Viewers choice of the "Hands Across the Border" exhibition. Over 2,000 viewers' choice slips were counted and the winner was Paula Rafferty with her Elementals Quilt series.

The Executive would like to send a heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who make all these exhibitions possible. A lot of people very generously give up precious time to organise, hang and man all these wonderful exhibitions and we are all grateful.

Hands Across the Border Exhibition Opening

2009-05-09T15:08:00.007+01:00

Hands Across the Border Exhibition Opening
Wednesday 25th February 2009
President Mary Mc Aleese opened this Exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens on Wednesday 25th of February. Earlier the President had studied the quilts closely as Maria Bolton, IPS Vice Chair, explained the inspiration behind some of them. As a quilter herself, President Mc Aleese appreciated all the work and dedication that had gone into the quilts on show. IPS Chair Breege Watson, NIPG Chair Margaret Mehaffey and Peter Wyse Jackson, Botanic Gardens Director accompanied the President.
After her private tour of the exhibition, the President addressed a full auditorium and congratulated the exhibitors and stressed how much in awe she was at their creativity and talent.
Margaret Mc Evoy presented a bag to the President as a reminder of the event.
If you were not fortunate enough to see the Exhibition in the Botanic Gardens, their will be a second opportunity to visit it in the Flowerfields Art Centre, Portstewart from June the 1st to the 19th when the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild will host the Exhibition, visit http://www.nipg.org.uk/ for more information

Hands Across the Border Exhibition

2009-02-19T10:43:00.008Z

Title: President Mary McAleese Launches “Hands Across the Border” Patchwork Exhibition

President McAleese is set to launch the “Hands Across the Border” exhibition in the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin on Wednesday February 25th. The exhibition which is held every two years, is named in honour of the co-operation between the Irish Patchwork Society and Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild, and will display the work of its members to the public Thursday 26th February until Sunday 15th March from 10am until 4pm each day.

The view of the Botanic Gardens from the Visitor Centre will be the perfect environment for the variety of work ranging from traditional to contemporary that will be on display. The theme for this exhibition is “A Journey”, which was inspired by President McAleese’s journey in her role as President of Ireland. Those exhibiting will be using their own personal journeys through life, for inspiration in designing their quilts. As the quilts are made from those expressing their individual memories, each quilt will be different and tell its own story.

Among the exhibitors this year, Ann Fleeton, an Irish Patchwork Society member will be displaying a piece of her work. Ann is a textile artist from Dublin, with training as a geologist and has had her work exhibited worldwide. A strong passion for the study of art history influences her work in both colour and texture. A huge achievement for her was winning the Overall Award of Excellence and California Gold Medal in the Royal Dublin Society Annual Crafts Competition. A well known Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild member, Irene McWilliams will also be displaying her work. As a freelance lecturer, her style consists of free machines and experimenting with new decorative techniques. Many of her pieces incorporate text, often almost hidden, so will no doubt be fascinating to view.

This is a special exhibition and will allow its visitors to celebrate and bask in the creativity by all those involved. It will not disappoint those who come with high hopes to see the talent that will be shown through the quilts.

We hope to see you there!

For further information on the exhibition, please email the Irish Patchwork Society at admin@irishpatchwork.ie

Celebrating 20 Years of the EQA

2009-02-07T10:14:00.006Z

The Irish Patchwork Society is a member of the European Quilting Association along with other patchwork and quilting groups from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany,the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden United Kingdom. Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Iceland.

Today the member countries of the European Quilt Association work closely together to promote patchwork and quilting in Europe. The EQA aims to bring quilters from different countries together to get to know each other and to exchange knowledge and skills. At present there are about 62,000 members.

2009 is the 20th anniversary of the EQA and the IPS will be submitting 10 quilts with the theme 'Celebrations', to a European exhibition. These 170 banner quilts will be launched at the Festival of Quilts in August 2009. IPS members can get more details in their Winter 2008 newsletter.

For information on how to join the IPS, visit our website.

Exhibition of Quilts from Ireland in Canada 2009

2009-01-19T18:48:00.005Z

The third annual quilt exhibition in Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Canada will feature quilts from Ireland. The exhibition organisers will be attending the eastern branch meeting at St. Anthony’s Hall, Clontarf on Saturday 24th January at 10.00 a.m. Members of all branches are invited to attend this meeting to hear more their plans for the exhibition, the venues and format.
If you are interested in travelling to Canada in October to help with the exhibition, then this is your opportunity to find out more.

In 2008, the exhibition featured Quilts from East Africa.

Please visit the eastern branch site for more details on this and on a workshop on the 25th of January.

'A Journey' - 2009 Quilt Exhibition

2008-11-21T23:14:00.018Z

The Hands Across the Border exhibition opens in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin on February 25th. This exhibition is a biennial exhibition from the members of the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild and the Irish Patchwork Society.

Entries are invited from members of the IPS and members can find the entry form here or in their Winter 2008 newsletter.

Timelines
9th January 2009. Entry form completed and with your Branch Representative.
(See your newsletter for Branch Rep name and contact details.)
January Branch Meeting. Finished piece to be submitted.
6th February 2009. Entries with Branch Reps
25th February 2009. Exhibition Opens

The exhibition title is 'A Journey' - any technique, no size limit and must be three layers.

Visit the Hands Across the Border 'Hanging Together' exhibition from 2007 from the members of the NIPG and IPS in our virtual exhibition space. To renew your membership or join our society visit us at http://www.irishpatchwork.ie.

Update from the Knitting and Stitching Show

2008-11-02T20:41:00.003Z

The IPS stand at the Knitting & Stitching Show in the RDS, Dublin from 30th October to 2nd November proved very popular.

The quilts on display from our 'Links' national exhibition were much admired, these quilts was also exhibited in Kilkenny in June this year and are now on permanent display in our virtual exhibition space. Visit the 'Links' exhibition.

Visit us at the Knitting & Stitching Show

2008-10-27T16:05:00.003Z

The Irish Patchwork Society will be at the Knitting & Stitching Show in the RDS, Dublin from Thursday 30th October until Sunday 2nd November. We will have a stand where you can meet our members, see their work and see copies of our newsletter. We hope you will be inspired to join one of our 8 branches that meet regularly all over Ireland. Our diaries and branch locations will be available at our stand and on this site.

We will also have on display our 'Links' national exhibition from 2008. Pictured is 'The ties that bind' by Niamh Langan Kelehan which is just one of the many quilts that will be on display.

For more information about the Knitting & Stitching Show in Dublin, visit the TwistedThread website.

AGM & Conference Update

2008-10-18T22:43:00.012+01:00

We are pleased to welcome the newest branch of the Irish Patchwork Society. The new South Western branch, which will be meeting in Keel, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry. was formally affiliated to the Society at the recent AGM on 18th October. Our Society now has eight branches in Ireland.

Sara Impey spoke after the official AGM business and enthralled with her explanations of her detailed and inspiring pieces.

Our members gathered at the end of the day for a photograph to be published in a Japanese quilting magazine on patchwork and quilting in Ireland.

Full details of the AGM and Sara's workshop will be published in the Winter newsletter.

IPS - AGM & Conference,18th October 2008

2008-08-19T19:30:00.001+01:00

The AGM of the Irish Patchwork Society takes place on Saturday morning the 18th October 2008. On Saturday afternoon Sara Impey will speak on "Text - Texture and Subtext - The Quilting Story". A workshop on "Free Machine Quilting" will be given by Sara on Sunday 19th October. All of this is on in the Deer Park Hotel, Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

There are places remaining on the workshop and members can continue to use the booking form and contact details published in the Summer 2008 newsletter. To join the Irish Patchwork Society, please visit our website for a membership form.

National Exhibition opens on 21st June 2008 in Kilkenny

2008-06-20T15:02:00.000+01:00

The IPS National Quilt Exhibition 2008 opens on 21st June 2008. More than 50 quilts will be on display and they show traditional and contemporary designs, from small wall hangings to bed-sized quilts. The quilts come from quilters all over Ireland.

The IPS has 7 branches all over Ireland so if you are interested in joining us come and get details of those branches and don’t forget to visit our website.

Venue: Cillín Hill, Dublin Road, Kilkenny

Dates: 21st June – 6th July 2008

Times: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm

Irish Hungarian Round Robin

2008-05-24T08:57:00.000+01:00

Irish Patchwork Society members from Western Branch have been involved in making round robin quilts with quilters from Hungary. A round robin quilt is each made by a pair of quilters. In this project 20 quilters from Ireland and 20 Hungarian quilters took part. To start, everyone made a block for the centre, this centre was passed to the other country, where your counterpart added the first border. Then the quilt came back to you to add the second border and finish the quilt. So everyone involved got a quilt to keep.

Pictured is one pair of these quilts. Irish quilter has used Hungarian blue materials in her quilt and the Hungarian quilt has patterns inspired by Newgrange. An exhibition of the Irish owned quilts is currently on display in the Galway Museum until end of May along with quilts of Western Branch exhibition "Treasured Memories".

Irish Patchwork Society members will see more of the quilts and details of the round robin in their next newsletter. To join the IPS, please visit our website at http://www.irishpatchwork.ie

IPS National Quilt Exhibition 2008 - LINKS

2008-02-24T17:03:00.000Z

The IPS National Quilt Exhibition 2008 opens in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny, Ireland on 21st June 2008.

Entries are invited from members of the IPS and members can find the entry form here or in the Winter 2007 newsletter. This form should be completed and returned to the organisers by Friday 7th March 2008.

The theme is 'Links' and the organising committee would like a quilt from every member! - any technique, no size limit and must be three layers. If you're not a member, you can join by visiting http://www.irishpatchwork.ie.