CQ Exhibition 2009: 6-9 August

From traditional patchwork blocks to modern pictorial appliqué – more than 200 quilts will be on display at this year’s exhibition, showcasing the talent of Canberra Quilters Inc members. Many quilts will compete for awards across several categories, and there are two categories for the junior members to show their work, with the guild keen to encourage its younger members.

There will also be a number of other displays for visitors to enjoy:

• Challenge Quilts – with a theme of ‘In Your Dreams’ this is sure to produce some delightfully imaginative quilts.
• Creative Clothing – this always impressive display will have handmade garments and accessories created with two very different themes: ‘Everyday Items’ and ‘Anything Goes’.
• Best of Australia Quilts – the eight state finalists from the Bernina National Quilt award will be displayed together.
• Plus, in the Canberra Quilters’ Sales Room, visitors can purchase beautiful homewares and decorator items which are handmade by guild members.

Fair goers will have the chance to see how a quilt is cut, pieced, put together, quilted and bound as volunteers from ‘Quilts for Others’ demonstrate their stitching skills. Canberra Quilters’ members make and donate beautiful quilts to local charities each year – last year donating more than 200!

The Exhibition will be opened officially by Diana Lampe at 11am on Thursday, 6 August. Once a quilter, Diana is a well known embroiderer from the region and has published several successful books.

Diane is also a food journalist for the Canberra Times and she has the pleasure of launching the Canberra Quilters Cookbook at the fair. The book, which features fabulous food inspired miniquilts created by guild members will be available to purchase at the exhibition, and the quilts will be on display.

The exhibition is open from 10am to 4.30pm daily. See www.craftfair.com.au for more information.