Individual River Quilts Part 1 More to post

RIVER QUILTS at the 2012 QQ EXHIBITION

Robyn McPherson and Kay White issued a challenge to members to participate in creating a series of interconnecting River Quilts.

Robyn based the Challenge around the exhibit of River Quilts at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah.

The basic guideline was that the quilts were to have river entry and exit points of 4, 5 or 6 inches wide which could be at any point on each side of the quilt. The river could then meander across the quilt according to the quilter’s own creativity.

Such as been the success of the project that Robyn and Kay have a vision that the ‘River Quilts’ will become a ‘living’ and ‘growing exhibition  being expanded not only by Queanbeyan Quilters but by all quilters.

‘River Quilts’ is available to other quilt groups  for display at  meetings or shows. The guidelines developed by Queanbeyan Quilters are also available for interested groups.

Joan: By the River

This quilt was inspired by memories of the 1930's depression days when the 'swaggie' was a constant sight on country roads. We had many of them call to the farm where they always did odd jobs - wood chopping etc in exchange for a meal. My mother always sent them away with a parcel of sandwiches. 

Sue: Eat Money

"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish caught will we realise that we cannot eat money" (Cree Indian saying)                                                                                               

 My River Quilt is the ugly one, the one that people would prefer not to look at. Yet it is the reality check that we must have if we are to preserve the precious beauty to be found at such places of nature. The future of the planet requires the cooperation of its inhabitants. We all need our natural world to survive but exploitation threatens its very existance.                                                                                              
We witness pieces of our environment being taken when it is not rightfully theirs to take, and they destroy that which affects us all.                                                                                                       

 Our seas are being emptied, our last trees cut down. Our land is mined, our air polluted and our food supply contaminated. Around the world, the earth's resources are being plundered with no regard for the long-term health of our planet or the future lives of our children.                                                

 I am horrified that the 'Gunns' company in Tasmania, a wood chip supplier, can claim to be able to totally destroy heritage forests yet not pollute a pristine environment at all. There is always the cry that they will provide employment, but for how long. Once the last tree is felled......where does the woodcutter turn to next. Queenstown in Tasmania is still a stark reminder if the devastation that occurs when the earth is stripped bare, simply because we can.

Kay: Log Cabin River

We specified in the guidelines for this project that traditional blocks were OK. A number of years ago I learnt to do log cabin pieced houses and trees. I have used this technique in my river quilt.

Sandra: River Sunrise

Constructed using techniques I learnt in a workshop with Gloria Loughman. The background is painted, the applique is raw edged, definition is achieved with stitching.

Sandra: Walking with Pardy

I based this quilt on photos taken of the Queanbeyan River below our house. The three girls are my grand-daughters walking with their 'Pardy'.

Leslie: A Celtic River

My stained glass river quilt with free motion machine quilting. I learned how to work with bias binding at a Fiona Hammond Celtic workshop.

Wendy: Night time Magic

 Robyn McPherson showed me how to use BoNash and foiling on fabric and I have applied this to my nightime river quilt. I had a ball with the neon light signs - Singer, Janome plus QQH(eadquarters), AMEX, VISA etc. What more could a quilter want?

Wendy: Sitting by the River

Inspired by Robyn McPherson and artist Sandy Hellis in Gundagai. I had fun constructing this using liberated raw edge applique, crayons,

Wendy:  Panther in the Jungle.

Wendy: Close up

Narell:  

Having finished two Helen Godden workshops I decided to try out my set of paints. I was inspired by the Tour de France, thinking of the Swiss Alps and wonderful farming land with meandering rivers.

Narell: 

I've had the river piece for a while and thought that it would make a great river quilt as nearly all rivers finish in the sea.