Sew Inspirational

AQC Melbourne 2008

AQC in Melbourne presented the cream of the crop from state shows around Australia as well as hand picked exhibitions from around the world. This show is one that is needed to be marked on your diary and planned ahead to attend regardless if you are only a little bit interested in patchwork and Quilting or totally addicted. There is something for everyone.

This show not only supplies the consumer with the best suppliers of fabric, machines and haberdashery to select from, a fantastic selection of tutors for classes to attend as ell as the most incredible arrangement of quilts to drool over all under the one roof.

Mariya Waters accepted the Bernina Best of Australia National Quilt Award for her incredibly detailed quilt “Renaissance Revival”. Her quilt along with the other contestants will be on tour at all Craft and Quilt Fairs in 2008 if you would like to take a closer look.

The Rajah Award, that recognizes outstanding contributions to quilting in Australia was awarded to Faye Cunningham and joined on stage by previous winners Lessa Siegele (2007), Margaret Rolfe (2006) and Narelle Grieve (2005).

The “Shining Light “Award was accepted by Annie Girdwood, who at age 11 has already made prize-winning quilts and is a keen quilt guild member.

The new Lut-da Award winner this year was Jan Preston. Lut-da is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘to give’. The award recognises outstanding service to community through quilting.

Due to the large increase in consumer attendants the show will be moving next year to a larger venue that will accommodate the masses. Look forward to another great show in 2009 at the Royal Exhibition Centre 26th Feb- 1st March.

To see more photos from AQC 2008 click here.

Stitches & Craft Shows 2008

Sew Sensational Fashion Parades and Sewing Workshops Programme

We invite you to come to the Stitches & Craft Shows throughout 2008 to join in the fun, meet up with old friends and new, learn from the fashion sewing experts and be inspired.

The next 2008 Stitches & Craft Show will be held in:

Sydney Stitches & Craft Show Rosehill Racecourse
Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th August 2008

For more information on any of the Shows call 1800 770 222 or visit www.stitchesandcraft.com.au

Stitches & Craft Show Fashion Parades - Sydney 2008

The Sydney Stitches & Craft Show fashion parades will be a showcase of fashion, creativity and inspiration for 2008.

The variety of parade styles cover all ages, all sizes and all occasions and will leave you in no doubt as to what to sew this season.

Our information packed presentations will guide you through your pattern, fabric, interfacing and fitting dilemmas to creative success.

11.00 – Biggan Design Yarn Debut Designer Knitwear Collection
Unleashing the designer within every knitter, Biggan Design's 100% Australian Merino First Cross 8 ply Yarn in 64 vibrant colours, is the ultimate palette from which to cast on and create. The Debut Knitwear Collection features stylish, easy to knit patterns in timeless silhouettes for women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Featuring colourful striped scarves and beanies,  chic capelets, trendy ponchos, flattering skirts, elegant sweaters, and glamourous cocktail dresses, there is something to suit everyone.  Biggan Design Yarn's  fashionable and versatile Knitwear Collection will give every knitter's  wardrobe a colourful  injection of modern classic chic, keeping  you comfortable stylish and warm from morning through to night. www.biggandesign.com

11.45 - My China Scrapbook – Perpetual Patterns
Perpetual Patterns presents garments that will get your creativity into high gear. Just imagine that you are lucky enough to take a trip to China. Whether you are going to the Olympics or soaking up the sights, sounds and culture there are two exciting things to think about. What will I wear and what will I bring back?

Perpetual Patterns presents inspiring garments to answer these questions. Enjoy a parade of garments to inspire and excite your imagination!

12.30 – Brother International – A Century of Innovation
Over the last 100 years the world has watched and enjoyed the evolution of  fashion - from the 20s’ flappers, Christian Dior's New Look, the Swinging Sixties, New Romanticism, 90s Eclecticism. What have we learnt from each and every style? That the most fashionable assembly is your own unique style.  At Brother, we celebrate uniqueness and individuality, which is why we continue to develop a range of sewing machines that cater to all.

Brother International is proud to present pieces that reflect the distinct features of the Brother range of sewing models – Enjoy!

1.15 – Fashion Showcase - Lincraft and Simplicity Patterns
Lincraft, together with Simplicity, New Look and Burda Patterns present the latest in fashion and fabrics for 2008. The trend is still retro and whether mini skirts and 70’s baby doll tops or 50’s glamour there is something in today’s fashions for everyone. Lincraft has a great range of fabrics to cover everything from casual to formal wear. Take the opportunity to see the new season’s fashions and hear about the latest developments in home sewing.

2.00 - Fashion and Imagination - Bernina
The Bernina Fashion and Imagination parade will give you the chance to view the cutting edge of wearable art. See amazing garments created by well known Australian artisans, including Kirry Toose and Ruth Osborne, plus many more Bernina friends who have made sewing their passion and developed new and interesting ways to use their machines, accessories, threads and stabilizers. From appliqué to beading, embroidery to quilting the techniques used in these garments are truly exercises in creativity, originality and fantasy. This parade will inspire you to get creative.