Merry Christmas to all!

AMQ Festival would like to take this opportunity to wish all our students, teachers, vendors & visitors a Merry Christmas and a safe & Happy New Year.

As a special Christmas surprise, we have created a brand new website with a new look for Festival. Included in this new website is a list of our amazing teachers & the classes that they will be offering in 2014. Have fun dreaming of Festival 2014 & what you may like to learn & experience with us all. The schedule of classes will be released early next year when all is confirmed. Registrations will open in April 2014. The date will be advised in plenty of time for you all to put in your diaries.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the sponsors that have already come on board for 2014 Festival! You are truly special… and we look forward to working with you.

Until 2014

Tracey & Sharon

Alzheimer’s Benefit Quilt Challenge is open!

The time has come to encourage everyone to enter this amazing challenge that means so much to so many of us.  We are very privileged to have Lloyd Curzon Textiles involved again and they have very kindly come on board as sole Sponsors!

We're hoping to have many more participate in the 2014 Challenge so that we can top the amount raised last year.  We were so proud to present a cheque to Alzheimer's Australia for $5400.00 which was the total raised at our inaugural Quilt Challenge.  A huge thank you to all those that entered and donated their quilts and also to all those wonderful individuals and companies that joined in with the spirit of the auction and obtained a wonderful piece of art for their collections. 

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects so many of us in many ways. Too many people have had direct or indirect contact with Alzheimer sufferers and we would very much like to assist with the research to help with caring for and treating those affected by this insidious disease.

AMQ Festival is proud to, yet again, join with Lloyd Curzon Textiles to present to you a challenge to assist us in raising much needed funds for more research for Alzheimer's Australia. All proceeds will be donated.

Quilt Challenge Theme "A Moment in time...” 

Create a quilt that demonstrates a special moment in time. It could be the moment that changed your life, when you met your soul mate, the moment a tear drop falls, a child is born, a loved one departs, your first day at school, your first day at work, your last day at work! The moment a flower blooms, a seed germinates, a cat yawns, a dog is alerted to visitors, a rainbow appears, the lightning strikes, the rain hits the ground.......the ideas are limitless!
Each entry is to be accompanied by a story of the moment in time, no longer than 250 words.
All quilts will be donated and auctioned with full proceeds being donated to Alzheimer’s Australia. The top thirty finalists will be selected for display at AMQ Festival 2014 and the top 10 auctioned at the Banquet dinner at Festival. The remaining quilts will be auctioned online 14 days prior and concluded by silent auction at Festival.
A printable copy of the rules and application form can be found here.
This competition is now open for you to purchase the challenge kit to start creating!
Prizes to be won!
1st Prize:
$300 cash plus a bursary to attend AMQF 2014. Includes: Festival Package, Ticket to Banquet dinner & up to 8 hrs of classes +Fabric pack   Value $1100- 
2nd Prize:
$200 cash plus a bursary to attend AMQF 2014. Includes: Registration bag, Ticket to Banquet dinner & up to 8 hrs of classes +Fabric pack. Value  $800-
3rd Prize:
$100 cash plus AMQF 2014 registration bag  & up to 4hrs of classes +Fabric pack. Value $500-

Rules:

1. All quilters are invited to submit an entry into the Alzheimer’s Benefit Quilt Challenge run by Lloyd Curzon Textiles and AMQ Festival for 2014.
2. Application forms are available on our website to enable you to purchase your fabric kit to start your challenge. Entry forms will be included with your kit to submit with your completed quilt.
3. There is one category only. Entries can be based either on a traditional or a contemporary design that reflects and interprets the theme  ‘Moment in time’ and must use at least a recognisable portion of each of the challenge fabrics provided by Lloyd Curzon Textiles (Impressions fabric range by Clothworks exclusive to Lloyd Curzon Textiles)  A list of stockists is available on www.amqfestival.com.au to purchase extra if needed).
4. All entries must be original. An entrant may apply any techniques including piecing, appliqué, embroidery,  painting, inking, colouring, embellishing and/or manipulated fabric, etc.
5. Each work must measure a maximum of 100cm on each side with no minimum size.
6. The quilt must be machine quilted. This includes long-arm, short-arm or domestic machines. The quilt may be quilted with thread(s) of choice.
7. A label with ‘AMQF 2014 Alzheimer’s Benefit Quilt’ and the entrant’s name & address must be attached to the back of the quilt.
8. Announcement of the winners will be announced on the AMQ Festival Blog & Facebook on Aug 31st 2014
9. Anyone can enter! An entrant’s quilt may be the work of more than one person as long as all parties who contribute to the quilt are nominated on the entry form as being the entrant. There is no limit of entries per person or group.
10. Other fabrics may be added to the quilt.
11. The fabric challenge kit consists of 6 fat 16’ths of fabric and costs $10 including postage.
12. Entrants have the opportunity to purchase their quilt at auction.
13. A ribbon will be awarded to each winning quilt and a certificate to each participant.
14. The prizes awarded are based on the interpretation of theme, excellence in design and craftsmanship. The deadline to send in completed quilts with entry forms is June 30th 2014.

Please email any questions to AMQF at info@amqfestival.com.au or Ph:08 82854709
We look forward to another group of beautiful, thought provoking and innovative quilts for this challenge.
Until next time….
Tracey & Sharon

Important–Phone contact change for Oaks Embassy/Oaks Horizon Accommodation

Please note the following contact numbers for booking accommodation at the Oaks Embassy and Oaks Horizon apartments during AMQF 2014.

 

Call the Oaks Reservations Department and Quote Australian Machine Quilting Festival 2014 to book at discounted rates!  Please wait until Wednesday October 3rd before making bookings with the Oaks Embassy or Oaks Horizon, thank you.

 

Oaks Embassy 1300 721 514

Oaks Horizons 1300 721 916

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and please don’t hesitate to contact Sharon on 08 8285 4709 or 0411 268 924 if you have any queries about your accommodation. 

 

Cheers

 

Sharon

Exciting News–AMQF 2014

The wheels have been in motion for some time planning AMQF 2014 and it is now that those wheels are beginning to turn a little quicker as our plans come to fruition.  The time has come that we can now share a little of what we’ve been working on over the past 12 months and we will have regular updates to keep you informed.  We have a fabulous line up of teachers from Australia and America with some exciting classes on offer and details of these classes will be available once contracts are issued – stay tuned!
We are very pleased and excited to announce that world renowned quilter and artist Pam Holland will be featured at AMQF 2014 with a Special Exhibition of her stunning quilts.
  

Pam’s early career was that of a photographer, and fashion designer and this experience is evident in her quilting which she has been involved with for over 20 years.  Pam travels 10 months of the year to far flung places all over the world teaching, judging and lecturing about the art of quilting.  Her experiences in teaching and travel have been the inspiration for most of her quilts and has given her the reputation of shaping something new from the already established.  Pam draws, films and writes constantly during her travels and this forms the basic plans that she uses to create quilts when she’s at home in the studio.  She has won numerous International awards, has written several books with more to come in the near future.  Pam lives in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia with her husband, Keith, and is mother to 13 children who all live close by with their families.   Below are a few photos of Pam’s exquisite work and she is looking forward to sharing her incredible talent and techniques with a 3 day Masterclass to be held during Festival; details will be released at a later date.

 

If you’d like to follow Pam and see more of her incredible work then visit her blog or follow her on Facebook.

Vendors
Vendor applications are now open and details can be found on the website   We have increased the area in the Vendor Mall, get in early to get your preferred spot.

Sponsorship
The Sponsorship Packages are soon to be released and there’s something for everyone – get on board and be a part of Festival and take advantage of the many benefits you receive as a sponsor.  The support of our very generous sponsors for AMQF2012 allowed us to put on a fabulous event and it was appreciated by all who attended.  We look forward to working with our sponsors in the forthcoming year and beyond. 

Accommodation
We have put together accommodation packages with 3 of the major hotels on North Terrace which are in close proximity to the Adelaide Convention Centre.  These are;

The Stamford Plaza, 150 North Terrace, Adelaide.  
Stamford Plaza are offering guests of AMQF a rate of, $165.00 per Superior Room, per night (room only). 

• To receive this negotiated rate, guests will need to advise Reservations that they are attending the Australian Machine Quilting Festival or quote the code (TH0210) at the time of booking. 
• Guests will also need to provide a valid credit card number in order for their reservation to be confirmed.
• All bookings will have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
• To make a booking guests will need to contact the General Reservations department 08 8461 1111
• Email:    reservations@spa.stamford.com.au

The Sebel Playford, 120 North Terrace, Adelaide.
The Sebel Playford are offering guests of AMQF a rate of, $165.00 per Standard Guestroom – 1 x King Bed, per night (room only) or $185.00 per Playford Guestroom – 1 x King Bed/2 x Queen Beds*

• Bookings can be made via phone – 08 8213 8802 and you must quote Australian Machine Quilting Festival
• * Bed configurations must be notified of your preference at time of booking

The Oaks Embassy & Horizon, 96 North Terrace, Adelaide. 
The Oaks Embassy and The Oaks Horizon are offering guests of AMQF a rate of, $175 per night in a One Bedroom Apartment or $245 per night in a Two Bedroom Apartment

• Call the Reservations Department on (08) 8124 9900 and Quote Australian Machine Quilting Festival 2014 to book at discounted rates!
• The above rates are subject to; a minimum of two nights booking, per apartment booked,  and have a 48 hour cancellation policy.
• The above rates may be extended 3 days prior and 3 days post the above event dates to assist should anyone wish to arrive earlier
• Car parking The Oaks Embassy & Horizon properties is $18 per day for self parking and must be pre booked to confirm availability.

So now is the time to get in & book your accommodation so you can get the rooms you want!

 

Until next time...

Sharon & Tracey

6 days left for class submissions!

We have some exciting classes already submitted for 2014 Festival that I’m sure are going to tempt everyone & probably cause quite a dilemma on exactly which ones you are going to be able to fit in…in fact we are having a dilemma in choosing them & fitting them all in!

So this is simply a last reminder to teachers that are considering being a part of this exciting event, to get your class submissions in by the 31st August 2013.

A huge CONGRATULATIONS

also goes to Karen Terren's for her recent ribbons at the Victorian Quilter’s Showcase. We received a delightful thank you note when she received AMQ Festival’s donated prize for this category & supplied us with this fantastic photo of her prize winning quilt!

Karen wrote:

“I was thrilled to receive several prizes for my quilt “Double Cream”.  The quilt was awarded first place in the Long Arm Quilters category – a category which was sponsored by you.  Double Cream also won the Matilda’s Own Longarm Quilting Award and also came Runner Up Best of Show.  I will attach a photo of my quilt, however, it is quite difficult to photograph.

Thank you again for your sponsorship and the wonderful prize.

I hope to enter another quilt next year and look forward to your continued support – it is certainly much appreciated.”

We hope to see it entered into the AMQA Show in 2014 so we can have a close up look to appreciate all the work you put into this one!

Vendor Applications are now open!

2014 Festival has introduced a floorplan so that vendors can choose their preferred position in the vendor mall. Applications for booths are now open online. A paid deposit will guarantee your location for you to promote & sell your products to our eager Festival participants.

Until next time… happy quilting

Tracey & Sharon

Only 2 more weeks!!

Attention all teachers for AMQ Festival 2014. Class submissions close on 31st August, so don’t forget to get them in so that you don’t miss out! We had over 1800 classes sold in 2012 so this is a great way to share your knowledge & have a great time whilst here with all the other teachers, vendors, students & visitors.

We are expecting even more classes to be sold in 2014 as the word spreads that this is the premier event to attend to gain inspiration & education in all areas of machine quilting. We will have demo/lecture classes to suit longarm quilters, hands on classes on Sweet 16 machines as well as domestic machines. Drawing, painting & embellishing classes! Even a few piecing & finishing classes may sneak in there as well. Something for everyone we hope!

Please visit our teacher information page to read more about the style of classes, length of classes & to find the online application form where you can submit as many classes as you like for consideration. Scheduling will commence in September with contracts being forwarded in October. Marketing will commence in November to allow lots of time to promote each teacher & their classes to the largest audience as possible.

So now is the time to encourage your favourite teacher to consider coming to Festival next year.

Until next time…

Tracey & Sharon

Class submissions are open!

Attention all teachers! Now is the time to submit your wonderful classes for consideration for AMQF 2014.

AMQ Festival aims to provide quality educational opportunities & inspiration to all machine quilters in Australia & around the world. We work hard to provide a balanced schedule covering all levels of experience and genres of machine quilting.

The structure of our schedule is based on 2 hour sessions that can be run individually or concurrently. That means if you submit a 6 hour class then you will have the choice of taking 2 x 1/2 hour breaks every 2 hours or working through with a larger break in the middle.

2014 will see the commencement of 5 days of classes to allow participants to choose from fewer classes in each time slot - effectively allowing them to experience a greater variety of learning with more time to shop & socialize. Classes will commence Thursday 2nd October & finish on Monday 6th October. Vendor Mall & Quilt Show will be open from Friday evening through to Monday afternoon.

The types of classes may include, but not be limited to the following:

Lecture

Lecture/Demo -(with a Longarm to demo on)

Hands on -Sit down (Domestic)

Hands on -Sit down longarm (HQ Sweet sixteen)

Drawing/design

Painting/embellishing

Finishing/binding/edges

Applications to submit classes online are available by clicking here.

Applications will close on 31st August, so don’t delay in getting your submissions in for consideration. Contracts will be sent mid October for successful applicants & their classes.

Please advise your favourite teachers of this opportunity by forwarding this newsletter onto them & encouraging them to participate!

Until next time…

Tracey & Sharon

June already! 476 days until AMQ Festival 2014...

The time has come for us to start letting you know all that has been happening and what WILL be happening leading up to next Festival!
It has still been a busy 8 months for both Sharon and I since Festival 2012 came to an end. We have finalised details for our venue and are looking forward to the great facilities and service that the Adelaide Convention Centre will provide yet again to us all. We had wonderful feedback from vendors, teachers and students - they loved the venue, facilities and the assistance from the staff that were involved last year!  Thank you for your feedback, it is invaluable to us!

Confirmed dates for AMQF 2014 are;

2nd – 6th October 2014

Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA

We recently had the privilege to present a cheque for $5400- to Alzheimer's SA and to say they were thrilled would be an understatement - they were so happy and certainly surprised at the amount that was raised.  This was the result of our Alzheimer's Quilt Challenge where we asked for quilts to be made to a theme and they were then donated and auctioned off with full proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Association.  Thanks to everyone involved!

Sharon - John Stewart, from Alzheimers Association SA - Tracey 

*****************************************

Class Submissions

On 1st July 2013 we will be opening online applications for teachers to submit classes for consideration for 2014 Festival.  Please start lobbying your favourite teachers NOW to submit classes that you want to take! These applications will be available online for a maximum of 2 months until 31st August, however, if we receive enough submissions to fill a balanced program prior to this they may close early. So please encourage all your favourite teachers to submit their classes sooner rather than later.

*****************************************

Vendor Applications

AMQF 2014  will have more available space for vendor booths, please book your space early. For those interested vendors please submit your applications as soon as they open online to obtain your preferred position and secure a booth space before they are all gone. These applications will open on 1st August for consideration.

*****************************************

We trust that everyone has found the time to practice all that you learned at our 2012 Festival and that you have created or are creating some wonderful masterpieces to enter into the next AMQA show being held in conjunction with Festival. We are thrilled that AMQA Inc 2012 Best of Show Quilt ‘Golden Ivory’ by Rachelle Denneny, was recently awarded Best of Australia at the Australian Quilt Convention. Congratulations again to Rachelle for her amazing quilt and talent. (Do we need to lobby Rachelle to teach again next year? mmmmm…..)

Until next time…happy quilting!

Tracey & Sharon