Journeying into Creative Hearts and Minds

Name: Kate Conklin

What do you design and why?
I mainly design quilts. I became interested in them a couple of years ago. I was doing baby quilts and raggy quilts with cut up flannel. Then I went to a quilt show in Sydney and just fell in love with the quilts and fabrics and designs.

How long have you been designing and what particular techniques do you use?
I’ve only been designing for about two years. Before that I’d never thought of myself as creative. I was always very mathematical and scientific, all very left-brain. But then I started on quilts. I’ve never followed a pattern. Even the first proper quilt, which I made for my husband, I basically just designed myself. I remember going into Blueberries for the first time with a quilt top and they said if I wrote up the pattern they’d sell it for me.

As far as techniques go, I particularly like “stack and slash” because you don’t need a template and no fabric is wasted. I love the way it all fits back together perfectly and each quilt is unique. I made a baby’s quilt that way in a single evening.

What gives you inspiration?
The fabrics. So many of them now are absolutely gorgeous. They’re so vibrant, with really modern colours. Five years ago I don’t think I could have designed what I do now.

What’s the story behind your logo?
I was at Taronga Zoo one day with a friend when I saw a bird trying to crack open a large egg using a stone. It struck me as the perfect symbol of ingenuity, persistence, creativity and thinking big. Of course, the bird in my logo is using a needle instead of a stone.

What’s your favourite design or project that you’ve worked on?
I really enjoyed doing ‘There’s a Square in There’, which is another stack and slash. I also enjoyed doing ‘Sea Views’ which is a stack and slash using curved pieces.

What’s your current project?
It’s called ‘Skittles’ and it’s a pattern that’s baby and throw size using Saffron Craig’s fabrics. Again it’s a stack and slash with all these wonky pieces on a white background.

Do you have a personal philosophy you work from as a designer?
Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. You don’t have to stick to the rules. And have fun with it.

To purchase Kate’s patterns click here.

Visit Kate’s site at www.kateconklindesigns.com

Kate’s logo

‘Skittles’

The Who, What, When, Where and Why of the Blueberries Spring Fair

Well, some classic Australian spring weather was certainly on show at last week’s great Spring Fair – gentle drops of rain, alternating with a bit of humidity, some brief slices of sunshine and, of course, those gale force winds.

Not that any of that really mattered. The 300+ eager beavers who attended the Fair over Friday and Saturday were too busy and absorbed by the products and demonstrations to really care about the weather. And a steady supply of superior coffee, gourmet burgers and home cooked cakes and pastries kept everyone happily buzzing along for hours on end. All in all, a great vibe.

“We’d like to thank everyone for braving the unpredictable spring elements and coming along to the Blueberries Fair,” says Jackie. “We’d also like to thank all of our staff and tutors for helping to make the Fair the success that it was. A lot of information and inspiration was exchanged over the course of the two days, and many people took home valuable new skills.”

Where the Pupil writes the Report for the Class and Tutor

Pupil: Judith Stringer
Tutor: Chris Timmins
Class: Bargello

What did you do in the class?
We made a queen sized bargello quilt called ‘Lightning Strikes’, which is one of Chris Timmins’ patterns. We had to bring nine sets of twenty strips ready made. During the class Chris talked us through how to cut it and she showed us how to piece from the graft. The idea was for us to leave there on Sunday with the confidence to finish our quilts on our own. I got 14 rows down during the class and I was thrilled with that.

How was the tutor?
Chris was wonderful. She’s very patient and always so easy to understand. She has the ability to inspire confidence in beginners while also being able to work with more experienced people. It was the most relaxing and fun time I’ve had in a class.

What was the best part of the day?
My newfound confidence and love of bargellos. It was great coming away knowing that I could go home and finish the quilt on my own.

Did the class meet your expectations?
Yes, it more than met them. The confidence I gained from the class is invaluable.

Would you encourage others to do the class?
Yes, because I think everyone has a general fear of bargellos. Chris can put that fear to rest in a minute.

First with the big news

What? The Blueberries Spring Fair 2010

When? Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October

Where? Blueberries, Amy Close, Wyong

Mr Megaphone says:

This is one event you don’t want to miss. It’s got everything – demonstrations, new techniques, displays, new blocks of the month and, of course, lots of specials!

Some of the biggest names in quilting and patchwork will be there sharing their knowledge with demonstrations and displays. Jeanette Osborn from Simplicity, Dianne from Brindabella, Sally from Zigzag Sewing, Monica Poole of Moonshine Designs, Susan Carr of Little Red Jug, and Blueberries’ own Rachael Porter (Go-Go Gadget Girl).

And don’t forget the gourmet BBQ. Expect chipolatas with caramelised onions, expect Dijon mustard beef burgers and zucchini vegie burgers, expect scones, jam and cream, home made cupcakes and caramel slice with tea, coffee and soft drink to wash it all down with. What more could anyone want?

See you at the Fair!

Get Ready for the Fair

A springtime bacchanalia of all things sewing-related

The jasmine is out, the days and nights are losing their winter chill and it looks like spring has finally sprung.

For the Blueberries community, this can mean only one thing – the great 2010 Spring Fair is just around the corner. The only thing you need to do in advance for this gala event is mark Friday 15 and Saturday 16 October in your calendar now. You’d hate to miss out on all the action and fun.

“The emphasis will be on demonstrating all the current notions and techniques that are popular right now,” explains Jackie. “Last year’s Demo Day in July was a great success, so this year we decided to build on that momentum and also incorporate the event with the warmth and freshness of spring.”

A sewing-related event and two gorgeous spring days sounds like a winning combination, so what can people expect from the Fair? “The latest in Pfaff sewing machines, design boards, basting guns, quilting frames, paper piecing templates, really just about everything that’s hot right now,” says Jackie. “Plus loads of hands-on demonstrations.”

Of course, the other big question on everyone’s lips is: will there be catering?

“Yes, but we can’t go public with the details just yet because the menu’s still being finalised,” says Jackie mysteriously. It seems that this is a sensitive, even controversial subject, but Jackie remains tight-lipped about it. However, she does go as far as to admit that the word “gourmet” has come up in the planning meetings.

“But that’s all you’re getting out of me on the subject,” she adds quickly. “Best to come along on 15 and 16 October for the real juicy stuff.

So lock in 15 and 16 October into your diary now…stick a note on the fridge!!!

Some photos from last year’s Demo Day in July.

It was sew great to be part of it

The great Blueberries Sewathon of 2010 was a great success. The modified schedule from midday to midnight saw 26 of the original 30 punters still awake and going strong when the bewitching hour rolled around on Saturday 25 September. Everyone agreed that this was a much more civilized time bracket than last year’s 6pm to 6am.

Here are some photos from the successful event that was held on Saturday 25 September from midday to midnight. There’s nothing to get the creative juices going like 12 solid hours of sewing! Enjoy.