Gumtree Quilters Glow

There is a wonderful exhibition on this weekend with 160 quilts on display all lovingly stitched by members of the Gumtree Quilters of Bordertown. I had the great honour on Thursday of driving our legendary Lessa Siegele (thanks Larry for the word......I couldn't come up with one apart from humble, patient, skilled, giving etc and Larry has just thought of another.....irreplaceable - how lovely is that and so true).....anyway you get the picture! Lessa is also on the offical Queen's honour list when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal several years ago. The reason for our journey was not just to view the quilts but we had the great honour of judging their show, and this is the first time they have had their quilts judged. You can read more about Lessa and her official duties at the show at THIS LINK. The journey to Bordertown takes about four hours from home and the time went fast with our natter and what a spectacular display that greeted us.......

 There is always a comfortable chair for those who need a rest alongside wonderful flowers from member's gardens.........

 Lessa and I had our own tick sheets and it was reassuring when we came back together to see we had stars beside the same quilts that we thought deserved a ribbon. Of course we would love to have given out more prizes and sometimes it was very hard giving just a 1st and 2nd in each category. But at the end of the day there can only be one Best of Show and it was an easy decision. This stunning quilt was made by Pat and is entirely hand embroidered and beautifully quilted by Judy of Cornerstone Creations...........

 It was lovely to go back the next day for the official opening (yesterday), and to also take photos. So here are a just few with the quilt maker first and then the quilt......sorry that there is no room on the blog to show them all........

 Lyn received a 1st place for her original design........

Jan also received a 1st place in her category.......

 and Lessa and I both commented on the beautiful ribbons .......

 Lessa and I had the chance to make a Judge's commendation and mine went to another of Pat's hand embroidered quilts.......

 and Lessa chose this clever original design from Louise..........

 another winner with lots of creative stitching and trims.......

More quilts worthy of ribbons....

 more winners that did receive ribbons........

 and a lovely display from the Embroiderer's guild branch......

 There was a large selection of quilts in the Modern category and these were the two we finally selected. Mary came 2nd........

 and Judy came 1st.........

 It was lovely to see some creations from the Stitching with Beatrix Potter book as well........

 Also on display were a few of Lessa's intricately pieced quilts including her very popular Ring Cycles. You can actually purchase the pattern HERE to make your very own.......

 I just loved these images of Faye and Lessa chatting. Lessa commented on a gorgeous pot of pink cyclamen that passed her and the look on her face was when she discovered they were supposed to be a surprise gift for her later!.........

 I also caught Lessa chatting to a group of high school students all about her version of the very famous Rajah quilt that you can also purchase HERE.......

 Lessa officially opened the quilt show and was then rewarded with that stunning pink cyclamen she had seen and then we both received a box of delicious home baked goodies.......

 Lessa also had the great honour of awarding Honorary membership to Mignon - a lovely lady that we all adore......

While it was a tiring couple of days it was also wonderful to spend time with quilters and friends and especially with Lessa over a coffee on our way home........