I don’t think I have seen many Australian quilts designed by Australian quilters that I didn’t like…alot! My husband and I spent a year in Australia right after we got married 55 (!!) years ago. We shipped a trunk of belongings ahead and in it was a quilt, a “Friendship Circle” quilt (similar to a Dresden Plate) that my Grandmother made, probably in the 1930’s. I don’t know when it was given to me but it seemed to have been always in my room or on my bed or a chair. I don’t recall seeing any quilts or hearing about quilters while we were there (1969-70).
Thanks to the internet the world became a smaller place and I discovered Sarah Fielke and Kathy Doughty and then Wendy Williams with her beautiful wool applique and Jen Kingwell and the list goes on. And oh there is some amazing Australian fabrics out there too!! And books and patterns! Take a look you won’t be disappointed!
“We Three Birds” pattern by Natalie Bird, hand pieced, machine pieced, hand applique, hand embroidered, EPP and hand quilted. I loved making this quilt! Great pattern. I raided my stash for the fabrics, mostly cotton but used Essex Linen for the background of the birds and the background of the hexies..
Detail of “We Three Birds”
Another detail of “We Three Birds”.
“We Are Family” pattern by Susan Smith. Another Aussie quilt that I thoroughly enjoyed making! It is machine pieced, hand appliqued and machine quilted by Nadine Stevens. and again I raided my stash for the fabrics! I would love to make another one! With apologies for the photo, I will replace it soon!
Detail of “We Are Family”