Monday 7 April 2014

Rajah Quilt Pattern release

WOW………..you too can make the Rajah quilt as you will find out below. Those of you who don't know about the quilt click on the link to find out more: Rajah Quilt from the National Gallery. Briefly the Rajah Quilt is probably the most important quilt historically attached to Australia. In 1841, 180 women prisoners were sent to Australia on the Rajah ship. We hear stories of offences of stealing a hanky and other petty crimes - women were sent to the colony of Australia as punishment! These prisoners were given fabric and thread and so the quilt was made by the women on those 3 long months on the ship…….
Photo from ABC News

A number of years ago Expertise Events (who bring us the convention I am attending), decided on creating the Rajah Award. This award is given to an outstanding Australian quilter who has contributed to quilting in Australia and our very own Lessa Siegele has been one of those well deserved recipients. So Lessa thought it timely that she also reproduce the quilt but in a smaller version which we got to see at camp this past weekend………

Well I am thrilled to announce that Lessa has just published the directions (with permission of the National Gallery), in the form of a pattern and for only AU$15 (plus postage and handling). Such a bargain pattern for such a significant quilt and maybe…. just maybe…. one day I too could make this quilt??!!  With the popularity of reproduction quilts I know this is going to be a 'must make'….so if you are at all interested send me an email and I can pass on your details to Lessa (you  will find a 'contact me' at the bottom of this blog by clicking on my profile photo). Those of you attending the Quilt Convention from Wednesday this week will also be able to see it in the flesh and you will not be disappointed. The hand quilting is a joy to see too. See you there!

10 comments:

  1. Too late, I bought the pattern last week at Guild, I haven't had a good look at it yet, but I think you are right, it is going to be a "must make" - and I am trying so hard not to start anything new, with very little success though :)

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  2. That's wonderful news. I have seen the Rajah quilt a few times and it is lovely that there is a pattern.

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  3. Lessa has done an amazing job of reproducing the Rajah Quilt, it is on my must make list....

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  4. OH, my what a quilt, I had never heard of it but sure want to be connected to Lessa so I can get the pattern, who knows might even make it. Thank you for all your posts, I learn so much and want to lvie in Australia. But I am forever in Texas. Margaret Foster

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  5. Will the pattern be available at the quilt convention?

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  6. I saw the Rajah Quilt last year in Brisbane and will definitely buy the pattern to make it.
    And for those who like to read between quilting I recently read "The Silver Thread" by Kylie Fitzpatrick. Its a fictitious story about the making of the Rajah Quilt on the ship Rajah during the voyage of the Rajah in 1841, a very easy and enjoyable read.

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  7. So good to see the quilt made in an accessible pattern :)
    Bernadette
    http://rajahsgranddaughter.blogspot.com.au/

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  8. I had heard of this quilt when I was first learning the history of quilting. So excited that there is now a pattern. Thank you Lessa for making it and thank you, Michele for telling us about it!

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  9. Hi Michelle, I would really love the pattern for this quilt. Can you please let me know when it s available

    Thanks

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  10. As an update.. The Quilt Show featured this quilt as the 2016 block of the month. It is also available from 2 Sew Textiles who sell Lessa's patterns on her behalf. See Www.2sewtextiles.etsy.com for the pattern. Or email twosewtextiles@yahoo.com.au

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