Quilters Companion

Quilters Companion is the definitive patchwork and quilting magazine. Published since 2001, Quilters Companion provides readers with exciting quilting projects. These projects are accompanied by easy-to follow instructions and accompanying pattern sheets, stunning styled shots and interesting stories about the featured projects. We pride ourselves not just on being an instructional publication — we are a good read as well!

Editor’s Journal

Quilters Companion • QC No. 111 Vol.19 No.11 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

Quilty Treasures

Rapt in Quilts • The exhibition of quilts made by members of the Kapiti Coast Guild was held in Paraparaumu in April 2021. Quilts were submitted in two main sections this year, Judged and Display Only. There was also a Textiles section and Challenge Quilts, which were made to the theme of Water.

Sleeping under the Stars • This gorgeous quilt is an excellent slow-stitching, portable project. It is also a good stash buster, so dig in and pull out a selection of prints for the stars and beige/tan light-coloured prints for the backgrounds.

Batik Treasures • Indonesian batik is a cultural treasure of Indonesia, recognised by (UNESCO) as a “Masterpiec of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2009. You can make this quilt using the unique fabric designs of Banyan Batiks Essentials made by the local artisans of Indonesia for an authentic and impressive result.

Chasing rainbows • Using batiks to make fabulous quilts

Choosing batik fabrics for your quilt • There are many different kinds of batik designs and, therefore, many different ways to use batiks in your quilts.

Tips for sewing with batiks

Which Way • A mix of brightly coloured medium- and dark-value prints makes this quilt a great choice for a child’s bed. There are only two template shapes, but many will be required of each. Freezer paper is a great way to make accurate templates and Chris will explain how to use it to make the task of cutting your shapes simpler.

Domestic MACHINE QUILTING with Anita Ellis The humble straight line • There is so much it can do.

Daisy Chain • Nine patches are a quintessential traditional block that can achieve many designs. In this quilt they are set to achieve an Irish Chain effect. The partial blocks allow the chains to join along the edges and the corner blocks extend the chains out. The 9½in setting squares use a lot of small blue remnants — dig into your scrap stash.

Textile Travels • Highlights of the 2021 Outback Tour Travelled by Michelle Marvig

Dresden Blooms • Slow down and enjoy your sewing time with needleturn appliqué and big-stitch quilting with Perle thread. Combine polka dots with vivid colours and shapes to make this an eye-catching quilt!

Lilianna • This classic charmer could just as easily be in Laura Ingalls’ log-cabin bedroom as in a contemporary Australian home. Such is Carol Roberts’ timeless design that it defies the ticking of clocks and foibles of fashion.

Solar Eclipse • There is something awe-inspiring about the sun and earth lining up so perfectly to produce a solar or lunar eclipse. Here, the ring of light around the shadow of the earth has been translated into quilt form. The colourful rings of light around each shadow offer a perfect contrast between dark and light. Vary the temperatures of the colours and the balance of light and dark to make it a stunning addition to your home.

Off the Shelf • Look for these great titles at your nearest book or patchwork shop.

Festival of Quilts • From April 30 to May 2, the South Australian Quilters' Guild members held their 2021 exhibition. The theme was 'Masquerade'. After the uncertainty of the previous year, and so many quilt shows cancelled, it was a wonderful opportunity for members and visitors to get out of...