End of Financial Year...

Yes it is a busy time for all businesses here in Australia with the End of Financial Year chores to get through to ensure you are in the correct position for your tax obligations.

If you are running a machine quilting business then all your classes are tax deductible! Make sure you have purchased your classes before June 30th to be able to deduct them from this year's income.

We welcome any quilting related business or individuals to also promote their products in our Show Program, that is being prepared now. I have extended the delivery date of ad copy until July 8th, but if you want to place your order & pay now, then this charge is also tax deductible this financial year.

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

Our Minda Benefit Quilt Challenge deadline has been extended to 15th July! Entry forms & quilts need to be delivered by this date to the address on the entry form.

We are seeing some amazing quilts so far, but I know of some that are really close - so I don't want you to miss out.

It has been truly wonderful to be able to do this for this charity and I trust that everyone will appreciate the effort involved by all those who have designed, made and quilted these quilts to be donated to such a wonderful organisation to raise much needed funds.

The AMQA Quilt Show has also extended their deadlines for entries until 15th July! Join this great competition to show off your work and be in the running for some great prizes.
All details and entry forms can be found online (online entry forms as well as downloadable printed ones) here

I have an offer from an attendee! Kay from the Gold Coast has written to me in regards to an airfare from the Gold coast Wed 24th Aug return Sun 28th Aug for the Festival. " Unfortunately my husband won't be able to accompany me on this return flight. If you know of anyone looking for a cheap flight. Could you please let me know." So if you might be interested in contacting Kay about this then please email me and I will provide her phone number for you to chat!

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

Now that you have chosen your classes and planned your schedules, we would love to have you onboard as a volunteer. Feedback from previous events include:

• What a wonderful experience! I met and made many new friends whilst volunteering...
• Learnt so much more about the behind the scenes work involved
• Got to touch and feel the amazing quilts and was able to be creative hanging the special exhibits
• Met some amazing teachers and learnt so much more....
• Made friends for life - lots of laughs!

let us know when you are available by completing our online form here.

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

For those still looking for accommodation you can still contact our accommodation coordinator to see if there are any spare beds available with other quilters. Also if you have a spare bed then let us know! Email us 

I believe those already on our list have been contacted this week to get this confirmed! If you have not received an email then please let us know.

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

If you have liked our Facebook page, you would have seen that we are currently running a competition to win $1000 worth of prizes! This will be drawn on July 15th as well (this is a big day!!) Click on the image above to submit your details to be in the draw for this. A huge thank you to all our sponsors that continue to support AMQ Festival in this manner. We could not do this without you!

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

We are so pleased to have another sponsor spoiling you.  Fern Textiles are providing the most delicious packs of fabrics for you to enjoy in your student registration bags.

Fern Textiles - a renowned wholesaler name in Australia/New Zealand brings to you a huge range of patchwork/quilting/craft fabrics (normal width and wide backs) in various aesthetics, brands from USA, Japan, Denmark etc.

Anthology Fabrics, Sevenberry/Vancet, STOF Fabrics, Copenhagen Print Company, Cosmo, Daiwabo - a lot of which are exclusive to us. We also have organic fabrics like bamboo, hemp, linen fabrics etc

Also patterns from various designers in Europe and USA, with names like - Jacqueline De Jonge/ Becolourful (exclusive to us), Judy Niemeyer, Sassafras Lane Designs, Rami Kim, Lakeview Quilting and more.

Fern Textiles look forward to filling your requirements!

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

Have you seen the 'forward to a friend' link at the bottom of this newsletter? I encourage you to forward this newsletter to your friends to give them the information to enter into our fantastic competition and to also encourage them to enter their quilts and come along to visit AMQ Festival this year in August. Where else are you going to find this many choices of classes to suit all levels of quilters using all manner of machines?

Happy EOFY to all!

Tracey

How to run a successful quilting business!

Do you run your own business or would you like to make money with your quilting skills?

Running your own home based business has a lot of benefits.

• You can set your own work hours.
• Be available for your family
• Still be involved with your children or care for your parents
• You can work in your pyjamas at any time of day or night!
• Be creative and play with other people's quilts

However, there can be pitfalls as well! Come along to any of the following classes to really understand how to get the most out of running your own machine quilting business.

From all the hints & tips of starting out, to dealing with customers & their creatively pieced quilts.

So……You want to be a Quilter! with Sharon Parkinson

4hrs
Longarm Demo/lecture
Suitable for Beginners

This is a fabulous class aimed at the “beginner quilter”; you will leave this class full of enthusiasm and longing to get back to your machine! You will go on a journey that takes you from the initial phone call from a customer through to the completed quilt.

Sharon will share literally 100’s of tips and tricks that she has learnt during her years of quilting for customers. You will learn invaluable time and stress saving hints that will save you many hours in your business or hobby of longarm quilting. You will also learn how to load a quilt with a minimum of fuss and also tame those difficult quilts. Get ideas on choosing appropriate patterns and threads and you’ll also learn about the different types of wadding and when to use them.

There will be time spent on removing the mystery that surrounds good tension and machine maintenance. And as if that isn’t enough you will also master the art of the elusive feather and learn some easy, invaluable background fillers. So…..You want to be Quilter……Now you are one!!

Bring your notepad & pen

Business Blitz with Sharon Parkinson
2hrs
Lecture
Suitable for all

Sharon will talk about building your business through marketing, time management and many other ideas to increase your turnover. You will receive a handout that will include various forms that you need to run a successful business and keep yourself organised. You will also receive other information that you will find invaluable! This will be a very interactive class with all students being encouraged to submit 2 questions, prior to AMQF, for discussion. Sharon has found that many people are too shy to ask a question and this way everyone feels comfortable and we learn along the way. If you’re serious about your business then this class is not to be missed!

You're the Professional Wait What! with Raylee Bielenberg

2hrs
Lecture
Suitable for all

New quilter? New to small business? Here's an honest and open discussion on quilting basics, quilting professionally, operating a small business and keeping sane while you do that.

A-Z No Question Unanswered

2hrs
Lecture
Suitable for all

A to Z, Myrna will share years of Longarm experience with you. Whatever you want to discuss, from thread choices, choosing designs, tensions, to custom verses E2E, modern quilts. What designs are best on a quilt.

Tackling the tricky quilts...and quilters! with Anita Ellis

2hrs
Longarm Demo/lecture
Suitable for Beginner/Conf Beg/Intermediate

Tricky quilts come in all shapes and sizes and they need to be tamed. This class covers many of those issues that come up every week when you run a quilting business. It might be piecing issues, wavy borders, broken seams. You name it, I've seen it all! Construction issues and quilting solutions will be discussed as well as some fun role play on how to deal with the tricky unrealistic customer.

Ready steady go...quilting 101 for Newbies with Anita Ellis

2hrs
Longarm Demo/lecture
Suitable for Beginner/Conf Beg

Ok so you’ve done, invested your life savings into this wonderful machine that offers so much, but what now?

This class is a great next step to get your quilting career going. I will teach you everything from choosing your supplies, loading your quilt, tension setting, ergonomic movement around the quilting machine and some simple quilting designs to get you started.

No question can be too simple in this class. If you want to ask it you can bet your neighbour would like to know the answer too. So come armed with your questions and a can do attitude. You won’t be disappointed.

Comprehensive notes are provided as it can be hard to recall everything you have heard without them

Supply List: Notepad & pens 

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

Come to our Welcome Cocktail Party to enjoy food, drinks & the amazing Claudia Pfeil. 

'Her Quilts are better than her English - 30 years of quilting journey!' : A Trunk Show & Lecture

You will be hard pressed to find a more entertaining lecture and trunk show than one with international quilt teacher, multi award winning quilt designer, Claudia Pfeil. Claudia is addicted to the world of quilts. She runs a quilt shop and the APQS Showroom in Krefeld/ Germany and is willing to fly across the ocean to teach interested students in freemotion quilting. Her award winning quilts are well known for her opulent quilting style and her love for embellishments.
Also includes musical entertainment, food & complimentary drink with a cash bar available.

Be there to be in the draw for the Tula Pink Bernina 350 sewing machine donated by Otto & Penny's Sewing Centre.

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

Happy quilting....

Tracey

Piecing, Applique, embellishing, finishing classes and more..part 2

We are thrilled to let you know that we have a great giveaway that we are currently promoting!

Please help us to further promote festival to all who love quilting & patchwork, by subscribing to enter to win $1000 worth of prizes proudly sponsored by Toyota Home Sewing, Westalee Design, Wonderfil Specialty Threads & Cross Stitch Corner. Click on the image to view Terms & Conditions & to enter your details for your chance to win. Share with your friends on social media & groups for their chance to win. If you already are a subscriber to our newsletter - you will still need to enter your details on this link.

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

Did you know that we also have classes for those that love to piece quilts, applique, embellish and more?
Most are hands on classes with domestic sewing machines provided for you to use.
Visit here to discover more and book your classes!!

We love the look of needle turn appliqué. Learn to execute this perfectly by machine with Helen Stubbings using Bernina 350 machines.

Perfect needleturn applique by machine – the Hugs n Kisses way with Helen Stubbings

4hrs
Hands on Domestic sewing machine
Suitable for all

Learn the Hugs ‘n Kisses method of easy needleturn applique by machine and start to make this lovely cushion (or you could make it into a different project after class) You will only complete part of this project during the short class time but will have learnt all steps to master and finish this project at home. We will discuss choosing and adapting a machine stitch on your machine, preparing, gluing, positioning and stitching down your applique design.

Class fee: includes pre-printed applique paper, layout guides and pattern notes. 

Handouts will be pre-posted so that you may cut the pre-printed applique shapes out ready for class. (note: we will send only the applique paper with cutting instructions – the remainder of the notes will be handed out in class)

Optional Kit fee:$38.00

Gluestick applique basics kit: 

• Sewline Glue pen
• Roxanne’s Glue baste it
• Superior Monopoly thread

Download Supply List for class:

Want to learn how to colour or embellish your quilts using coloured pencils??? Then learn from the expert - Helen Stubbings.

Belconnen Beauty – Colourque and iron on hexies

4hrs
Colouring, EPP & embroidery
Suitable for all

Learn the art of coloured pencil applique on fabric – Colourque ® whilst making this simple but attractive wallhanging to feature your work.

Also thrown in is the latest and easiest method of iron on hexies – English Paper pieced hexagons, which are used to complement the coloured design and to give you the experience of two new methods to try in the one class.

You will begin both techniques in class and although every step of the technique will be demonstrated and started in class you will not expect to finish your project during class time.

But you will have a fun and portable and very addictive project to finish in your hotel room or on the plane home. 

Class fee includes EPP iron-on hexies, iron on transfer and pattern notes. 

Optional Kit fees:

Colourque kit: $27.80
Includes – 6 x Derwent pencils, 1 x textile medium, 1 x paintbrush, 1 x paintpot, 1 x sandpaper sheet

EPP Kit: $27.40
includes - 1 x gluepen, 1 x superbob, 1 x pack applique needles, Small roxannes gluebaste it

Fabric Kit: $31.50
Includes all fabrics for top of project only close to or same as originals– not binding or backing fabric

Embroidery Kit: $24.25
Includes: Presencia Finca Perle #16 threads x 5, Hugs ‘n Kisses stitchery needles, 1 x embroidery hoop

Download Supply List

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

We all love 'bling' and so does Claudia Pfeil!

Learn a new method of attaching crystals to our quilts simply & easily...

Rhinestone Quarry

2hrs
Embellishing
Suitable for all

The NEW Rhinestone Quarry class - we don´t need any electrical tools anymore to put the original Swarovski Crystals onto our tops!

We will work with the fantastic 'Crystal Katana' (included in the class fee!) to glue the Swarovski Crystals on. Hundreds of Crystals, beads and fancy embellishments will be provided in the kit! Let´s start the (P)fun and let´s decide where to put them! 

Please prepare (pieced or wholecloth, quilted and bound) a miniature quilt, max. size 12 x 12 inches to work on in the class!

Download Supply List

Would you like to create your own small art quilt on the HQ Sweet 16??

Join Lee Vause...

Create a small fun art quilt
4hrs
Hands On HQ Sweet 16
Suitable for Confident Beginners

Come along and have some fun making this small art quilt using simple techniques to enable you to apply some colour and basic thread painting. To complete this art quilt a little free motion quilting will provide a dynamic background.

Download Supply List

Maximising Decorative Stitch Work for the Quilting Process with Lee Vause

4hrs
Hands On Domestic Sewing machine
Suitable for confident beginners

Based on a Zentangle theme have you ever thought ‘hmmm' I wonder how I could use those inbuilt decorative stitches to create a Zentangle Inspired Art work while learning how to use the decorative stitches for the quilting purposes?

If you have, why not come along and join me to make a small sample while learning some design ideas and how to mix and match decorative stitches and embellishment so that you have the confidence to quilt quick and easy fun quilts into the future.

Download Supply List

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

Our Around the Block promotion is now FULL! We are very pleased to announce the six shops that you will need to visit to obtain their validation on your 'map'. Then complete your details to go into the daily draw for some wonderful prizes.

• Cynthia's Ark
• Hettie's Patch
• Joy's Craftworx
• Kornacraft Sewing Centre
• Tajima Australia
• Westalee Design

The prizes are simply to die for! You will want to make sure you enter the draw to be in the chance to win these.

Our Show Program is being prepared for all to enjoy at Festival. Any quilting/sewing related business is welcome to advertise in this publication. Please download & complete our Advertising Order Form which has all the pricing and specifications required to be included in this. 

The Main Stage area is also available to any quilting related business for a 15-20 minute presentation on the Intelliquilter Main Stage area with seating for the public. The stage will have audio, screen, table and whiteboard for use. You will need to supply your own laptop & any other equipment. The program of demonstrations will be published in the Show Program that is available to all attendees upon entry or in the student registration goodie bags. You are invited to share a favourite technique or showcase a new product that you feel would benefit attendees. Applications can be made online

Happy quilting!

Tracey

Piecing, Applique’ & Finishing classes part 1

Did you know that we also have classes for those that love to piece quilts, applique, embellish and more?
Most are hands on classes with domestic sewing machines provided for you to use.

Visit here to discover and book your classes!!

We have Susan Cleveland presenting three classes on domestic machines. First is
Bodacious Big Thread Applique' and More…

 
6hrs
Hands on Domestic Sewing machine
Suitable for all
Learn to stitch with heavy decorative threads through the machine’s needle for applique'ing and quilting, to stuff applique', make prairie points with stitching and embellishments, use freezer paper for quilting designs and to design a fun-shaped quilt ... while creating a precious little piece. I’ll demo hand quilting with heavy threads too! Your choice of three patterns. Happy Daisy 9in x 11in, Joy In My Heart 9in x 11in, Daisy Trio 11in x 20in (Some speedy students may start to quilt in class.)
Class fee includes kit: Pattern, Pre-printed DecorBond (to use in place of fusible web), Freezer paper, Wool for stuffed applique', Two spools of WonderFil Spagetti 12wt cotton in your colour choice, Sewing Machine needles
Download Supply List
 


Next class is one I would love to indulge in -
Disappearing Dresdens 

6hrs
Hands on Domestic Sewing machine
Suitable for all
Double points put a contemporary spin on this long-time favourite and they eliminate the need for the traditional applique'd circle in the centre of each circle! Using quarter-circle, half-circle, and three-quarter-circle units adds another interesting bit. Learn Susan’s tips for speedily turning the wedge points with the Prairie Pointer Tool and use tricky piecing to assemble the arcs, circle and background. Points are three-dimensional and design possibilities are endless. Finished quilt is 27in x 24in.
Class fee includes: Pattern and pre-printed foundation fabric (won’t show in finished piece)
Optional/very desirable Kit $38-
Includes: Prairie Pointer Tool and Dresden ruler
Download Supply List
Last hands on class will amaze you with the results! I have used Susan’s Piping Hot Binding tool & have achieved great results when other methods have failed me. There is so much more to this class than just piping in your binding, that you won’t want to miss out!

Piping Hot Binding

6hrs
Hands on Domestic Sewing machine
Suitable for all
Piped bindings add spark and a professional finish to any style piece. Every detail of binding and tiny, perfect piping will be covered in class with step-by-step demos and printed instructions. Machine differences will be addressed so students will be successful with their own machines. Students work on their practice pieces to achieve making perfect piping, preparing the quilt, applying piping, applying binding, mitering corners, joining tails, and finishing for a show-quality back. Lots of variations will be on display and discussed. Your bindings will be dazzling, dah-ling!
Optional Kit fee: Piping Hot Binding kit is an optional purchase for a special price for this class of only $29.70. Piping Hot Binding kit includes a 16-page booklet, Groovin’ Piping Trimming Tool, and 5 yds cording. It does NOT contain fabric. If you already have the Piping Hot Binding kit, please bring it!
Download Supply List

************************ 

Did you know that you can piece and quilt a quilt on your longarm all at the same time???
Come and meet the very talented Leanne Harvey to learn how to make a quilt very quickly on your longarm machine.

Quilt it quickly...

2hrs
Longarm Demo/lecture
Suitable for all
Taking Quilt As You Go to the next level !!! In this class Leanne will show you techniques to piece and quilt as you go on the longarm !!! It's heaps of fun and you get a finished quilt quickly. Use up all your scraps, orphan blocks and your stash.............even the binding will be stitched on !!!!!

ONLY FOUR seats left in Bethanne Nemesh finishing class
The Devil is in the Details

4hrs
Hands on Domestic Sewing Machine
Suitable for Intermediate/Advanced
Sometimes the difference between a show quilt and an AWARD WINNING show quilt is in the details. On the judging floor, sometimes one point is all that separates a contestant from a winner.
Bethanne will share her unique finishing details which have been proven winners in shows across the country in her quilts. Students will focus on skills mastery of beaded bias applique, beaded piping, swag piping, beaded knife edge binding, facing edges, and turning corners with beaded materials as well as an introduction to the use of Derwent Inktense pencils.
Rather than a complete finished project, students will make 4” mini samples and finish one edge with cardstock, then assemble their samples on a key ring of details mastery! Take your quilting to the next level with masterpiece details!
Class Fee Includes: Pre quilted squares, all beads, and cording for class, handouts, Derwent Inktense pencil (a variety of colours will be available), brush, activator for ink
Supply List:

• 6in x 1in clear acrylic ruler,
• Purple air erase pen,
• 1 yard/ meter each of 3 colours that contrast each other of 2 ½in bias, folded in half and pressed (like you would make binding)  These should be your most beautiful, favourite fabrics.  Silk dupioni makes AMAZING samples!  The bias does NOT need to be continuous.  We will be using small pieces… (4) ¼ yard/meter pieces of each colour is fine too. 
• Matching sewing thread for each of your 3 colour choices.  The thread should be strong.  Test it for breakage.  I use a strong polyester high sheen thread like glide.
• Basic Sewing supplies for hand and machine sewing (pins, scissors, thimble, hand sewing needles…suggest long, strong applique needles) 

Embellishing & applique on a longarm? Come & learn lots of different tricks from Myrna Ficken in her class:
Embellishments on LA
2hrs
Longarm Demo/lecture
Suitable for all

Want to learn how to couch with your longarm without a couching foot? Want to learn how to tie and bury your threads and why? Want to try longarm applique? Want to learn how to apply your binding while your quilt is still loaded on your machine? Want to learn how Myrna stabilizes a quilt for custom work and why? Want to try things that make you a bit afraid? Well now, come on in and give it a try. Let's get our feet wet and add money makers to you portfolio. 

Applique Architecture--Creating Applique on your Longarm with Karen Farnsworth2hrs
Longarm Demo/lecture
Suitable for all

Appliqué Architecture—Creating Applique on your Longarm. Karen will show you several methods for creating raw edge and finished-edge appliqué projects right on your quilting machine. She'll demonstrate how to use the unique digital patterns she's designed for this process and then show you how to get the same results using patterns you already own or create yourself. Although this class focuses on computerized longarm systems, the methods used also apply to hand guided quilters. Guaranteed to inspire you and get the creative juices flowing! 

I'll be back with part 2 of the review of these types of classes in a couple of days!

Happy quilting

Tracey