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The Australasian Quilt Convention AQC
By Kerrie Hay
AQC 2009 took the bull by the horns this year and moved the much loved event to a new and bigger venue, The Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens. Wow, what an amazing building full of charm, beauty and memories. This change was to help accommodate the masses that come every year from near and far, in groups, with a friend or alone to be involved in this wonderful event in some way or another. Everyone enjoys being part of this amazing show that celebrates the achievements and talents of quilters of all ages. Where else do you have the best classes, tutors, exhibitions, make and takes, store holders and their wares? Quilters Heaven! When people arrived in Melbourne, the thoughts on every ones minds were the devastating bush fires still happening as well as the floods in Northern Queensland. Who would have thought that the masses would have come, but they did and fun was had by all despite the heat! During AQC Bernina Australia had the opportunity to launch the new Bernina 8series machines. The Make and Take classes featured a special event, the world’s first launch of the Bernina 820 long arm quilting machine. The buzz around the show was electric; the limited tickets were in hot demand. Those that were able to grab one were not let down as the features of this machine excelled everyone’s expectations. The talk from many was “I have to have it”. Jenny Bowker, - one of the world renowned tutor’s at AQC, had the honor of having one of her incredible quilts from the Bernina 8series challenge purchased by Bernina Switzerland to hang in the CEO’s office for all to admire. Many of the challenge entries were on display AQC on the Bernina stand, at the Make and Take and other areas of the show. For those attending the Craft and Quilt Fair in 2009 will have the opportunity to view them and see the incredible talent of many of the Bernina Guru’s. The Bernina “Best of Show” quilts were one of the many exhibitions on display at AQC were each state compete for this award as well as the winners. The standard in this competition must give inspiration to many people to strive to excellence in their own quilting. The quilts were judged by three judges that had the difficult task of choosing one winner. The winner was announced at the Gala Dinner by a very proud Kevin Anderson, Managing Director of Bernina Australia and New Zealand to a very shocked but extremely happy, Merelyn Pearce. Other awards were also presented at the Gala Dinner, the winner of the Rajah Award went to Gloria Loughman, the only tutor to have taught at AQC since its inception. Gloria is an inspiration to everyone as she is a tutor who shares her creativity and love of the craft with everyone she encounters, no matter where she may be. The Lut-da Award went to Barbara Hallion for her recognition of her consistent outstanding contribution to the community. Fun and games at the Gala dinner are always on the cards as everyone who attends feels that it is the one time that everyone can relax and let their hair down a little and enjoy being part of one big happy family. Bernina kindly donated an activa 210 sewing machine for the winner of the “Bollywood” dance off competition. Many were game enough to get on the dance floor and strut their stuff to the judges in hope of winning. The lucky winner was Glenda Ashton who impressed us with her ability to shake her booty! Expertise Events have decided to move AQC 2010 to a new and cooler time slot of April 29th – May 2nd so be sure to add this to next years diary. |