Kerry@tulis

Happy Easter Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 04:46:00 +0000

There is a touch of chill in the air for us in the Southern Hemisphere I guess that means Autumn is on its way.
With Easter being early this year the holiday is still warm and sunny and a great time to be out gathering for the winter. I do think of Quilters as hunters and gatherers don't you?.We make purchases often for a later time and a future project and for a "just in case we need it."and a" just because we like it". I was over in Dargaville this week teaching a Squedge class at Country Dawn in Gladstone Road and could not help myself with doing some gathering of my own. Sue has the most amazing collections of fabrics I have seen for years. I spent all my teaching fee on fabric. A win win situation for us both. Now will stroke it and find a space to put it.

Ainsley at the Gem Class

As promised in my newsletter(if you did not receive it click here and it will take you straight through) here are a few pictures from the classes I have taught recently. I do hope they give you some inspiration.

Dunedin

X Block Class

Squedge class at One Tree Point

Crafters Heaven in Greytown

Coast Quilters at Whangaparaoa

Kerry at Warkworth

Warkworth Quilters Mariners Compass

Warkworth Double Wedding Runner

I have done a little bit of patchwork my self over the last couple of weeks.I 've made a kaleidoscope quilt for my Aunts 80th,

some cushions for my friend Barbara who also had the same special birthday using the Squedge tools. Just love working with stripes ,and have created a special category on my web site for my Bali stripes, until the end of April there is a special price listed.

Butterfly Reborn

Best of all I have been making the Butterfly quilt featured in Cheryl's Quilts without Corners Platinum edition. I have used a Hologram thread to create glitz. This quilt will be on display at AQC in Melbourne (Australian Quilt Conference)on my stand 40. I was able to obtain the same stripe Cheryl used and it is now available on my website.

Here we are in Palmerston North...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:16:00 +0000

As the title suggests I'm currently in Palmerston North at the Craft & Quilt Fair. I thought you might be interested in the busy quilting related week I've had so far.

The Craft & Quilt Fair is being held in Palmerston North for the first time this year. As I had to drive all my stock down from Northland; the hubby and I decided to make a wee trip of it.

We had a lovely trip down from Auckland to Cambridge. When I travel around New Zealand I love stopping at all the places along the way and meeting quilters from around the country. This road trip was no exception. I really enjoyed meeting the ladies from the Waikato area and Jill from Tauranga. We also stopped at the Quilter's Patch, Bev has such a lovely shop and its well worth a look if you are ever in or passing through

From Cambridge we moved on to the Hawkes Bay and more specifically Napier. Just a quick fact about me, I was born in Hastings, Hawkes Bay; so I always love the opportunity to visit family while I'm there.

In Napier I taught my Simple Double Wedding Ring class using the Simple Curve. This was at Rachael's shop the Patch and Quilt, it's right out in Wine country. I also made sure we stopped at a couple of wineries while we were there, combining my two loves is always an enjoyable experience.

Unfortunately I haven't got any pictures at this stage to show you from the first leg of the trip.

Because the trip couldn't possibly be all about me...I made sure the hubby got in a couple of games of golf which kept him happy. Also while we were in Napier there was a vintage car conference on...more points for me.

There he is...doesn't know which way to look!

From Napier we went to Martinborough for the weekend. It is such a lovely area and should be on everyone's list of places to visit in New Zealand. While we were there we went to one of the winery tour shows. Even if you're not a particular fan of the artists playing, it's still worth the experience. We had a very enjoyable afternoon/evening.

On Tuesday we drove to Palmerston North, in time for set up at the show on Wednesday. It is now halfway through the show and I thought you might like to see what's been going on so far.

Some images of the stand, there is a strong focus on the various wedge tools this year.

The girls next door to me from Elna Sewing & Jan's Patch.

Here's Elwin from Just Patchwork, based in Australia. I'm sure you ozzies will be familiar with them.

As previously mentioned; my new website is up and running, check it out by clicking here Tulis Website

This website is much more user friendly than the previous version.

Also if you're not part of our Newsletter Club please send your email address to me at kerry@tulis.co.nz

The monthly newsletter includes a free pattern and exclusive specials on products. By emailing me your email address you'll get the newsletter delivered straight into your inbox.

Until next time...happy quilting!

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Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:48:00 +0000

*Please Note: This is a re-print of the blog posted 18/01/2013, the images weren't uploaded properly in the previous version.

Happy new year, haven't posted on the blog for a while

Just prior to Christmas the new website was launched, there's lots of new features on there, had a few glitches to start off with but that's all been sorted

You can now access the blog and newsletter directly from the site (newsletter link)

I have sent out two newsletters, the first announced this year’s new series of free patterns using the squedge tool. To celebrate 2013 the 22.5 squedge is on special at the moment until 31 January, check out the newsletter

I've been making new samples; the Double Wedding Ring is my new class sample, done with the Simple Curves and Simple Bands pattern.

I will be teaching it in Napier at Patch and Quilt on the 8^th Feb and Whangarei Patchwork and Quilters group on 6^th April and the Auckland Quilt Guild on 8^th June

The other samples I've been making are quilts out of Cheryl's new book, Quilts Without Corners Platinum

I haven't quite finished the quilting and binding but here's a quick preview, these will be the display quilts at the Craft and Quilt fairs I will be attending this year, the first is a new Expertise Event show in Palmerston North.

I'm currently cutting fabric for this show

On my way to Palmerston North I'm doing some Show and Tell talks at

7^th Feb Quilters Patch 5/39 Victoria St Cambridge Call Bev to find out more

11 Feb 9.30am Crafters Heaven Greytown . info@craftersheaven.co.nz email Rita for the time

11 Feb 7.30pm Quiltworx Lower Hutt 517 High Street Lower Hutt Lynettes new store

12 Feb 10am and 7.45pm Cherry Pie Levin Phone Lynette 06 368 3680

In the latest newsletter I announced that I am having a quilting class retreat here at sunny One Tree Point, I put the wrong date but it is going to be 22nd to 24th march, teaching for two days doing Drunkards Path Stepping Beyond contact me directly for further information kerry@tulis.co.nz as there are only 12 places, if you are interested you will need to contact me fairly smartly.

I'm thinking about the girls in Australia, dealing with the heat, hope you are sitting inside in the air conditioning and quilting.

Till next time .

What Happened to the Spring Days

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:49:00 +0000

I really enjoyed the Hamilton Craft and Quilt Show especially the Creative Fibre display. I took lots of photos to show you in the very next blog post.

But................................ some scumbag decided to enter our motel room at night and remove my phone along with money from my handbag.

All is not lost . My lovely friend Karen from Bisbane was helping me over the weekend so I re did the pics on her phone, But......................she is away on holiday so it will be the next post before you see the pictures from the show.

You will recall I showed a hint of the new quilts for my talk on Simple Curves. Here they are I do hope you like them.

One tool three diferent uses.

I had the pleasure of Carol from Christchurch staying with me last week and she worked on a number of quilts using the Jewel Box, Junior Gem,Starmaker and the Bargello colour wheel. I just did all the talking and kept her fed and watered.

Two of the local quilting groups came out mid week the Kamo ladies in the morning and the Ngunguru in the afternoon .The helpers (check out the pillows ) and I gave the afternoon ladies a talk on Lickerty splits,Simple Curves and the Mariners Compass, they were a little on the chilled side so what does any quilter do but pass around a quilt or two or to keep warm.

I am currently working on a new website which I am very excited about. I will post the date when it will go live in the next couple of weeks.

This coming weekend the Australian Machine Quilting Conference is on in Adelaide so I will be on another aeroplane to this beautiful city again. I am one of many merchants .This Conference is not only for those who have a long arm machine but for all quilters. Please check out the details here Ricky Tims will be giving a concert at the banquet, having seen him at the Auckland Quilt Symposium I know he will be great.

Till next time Happy stitching.

Posted with Blogsy

Spring's Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 00:18:00 +0000

What a busy couple of weeks I have had. I enjoyed teaching a lovely group of ladies from the Friday Howick Quilting Friends Drunkards Path techniques using the Phillips Fiber Arts Cut A Round tool. Because this one day class is a technique class I have no quilts to show you in this post but I am hopeful someone will send me some pictures which I will pass on. But here the girls are being busy.

I have been getting ready for the Craft and Quilt show, those that live in the North Island of NZ, here is your chance to revisit with friends and come to the show. Check out the website www.craftfair.co.nz, I know there are still a large number of Australian exhibitors coming despite the rumours from last year that because of way GST is treated for them it was going to be too expensive for them to come again. This problem has now been resolved so a number of your favourites will be back along with a few new exhibitors. My friend Cecile from Unique Stitching is coming with some wonderful mixed media materials and she will be running hands-on workshops during the day. Check out her website www.uniquestitching.com.au

At the show this year I will be doing two new workshops

11.30am Mariners Compass: Check out the no paper method for this popular block,

1.30pm The Fastest Easiest Double Wedding Ring Quilt Ever. I have featured this in my previous blog. “But Wait There’s More” You have heard that expression. I can’t give away too much information now but here are a couple of sneak peeks.

Check out my next blog and I will post all the pictures from the show so you ladies who cannot be there will get to see what the mystery is all about.

As a “seasoned” show attendee from both sides of the counter I thought a few tips would not go amiss.

1. Nobody looks below your knees, so comfort is the order of the day. Wear shoes that will carry you around from start to finish.

2. Carry a bottle of water with you. If possible bring one from home. The caterers at the venues charge like wounded bulls for bottled water. But do treat to yourself to a nice lunch. You deserve it after all that exercise you put in walking the halls.

3. Take those bags that fold up really small in your handbag, you always buy more than you thought you would. And it saves needing octopus arms to carry all those individual parcels.

4. Look before you buy. I have been told by customers so many times at shows that they bought …. a few aisles before. Then when they listen to another merchant during their visit, have found that the impulse buy at the start was sometimes unnecessary. Also sometimes prices vary.

5. Take time to enjoy the exhibits. I am guilty of not doing this. We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent and here it is all under one roof. So plan your day. If you can stay longer in the afternoon then do .For some reason the aisles are much clearer after 2.30pm.

6. Attend the workshops, they are usually free and you can always pick up a new tip or technique. I like to talk about and show the newest of my quilts and tools.

7. Use it or lose it. The show held in Auckland in February this year and last year, will not be on again. This sounds harsh but in this economic climate if we do not support these events they will not be there in the future. This also applies in the Quilting industry we will lose those wonderful suppliers in our area if we do not support them financially. In Australia I have been told in the last 12 month over a hundred quilt shops have closed down. Not easy to find a person working in a quilt shop when you are in need of help, to complete that project the one that you bought the fabric from the US, if the quilt shops are not here, is it?

I love being at the show it’s a great way for me to meet up with fellow quilters, customers and friends that I have not seen for a year. As a specialist web based business, it is the way my customers get to meet me and touch and feel fabric.

So much happens in our quilting world, there is always something new to learn and see. There is something special about spending time with like-minded people. Yes the show is a commercial venture but I think it’s more than that. We are very fortunate in the North Island to have the opportunity to attend two shows. Craft and Quilt Hamilton and Calico Christmas now called Auckland Festival of Quilts. This year I will be attending as a merchant once again and am really looking forward to it. More on that closer to the time.

Because this is my “home” show i.e. in NZ not Australia and I do not need to freight over the ditch, I do like to have a little special or two or three.

My special this year is Spend $75 or more on fabric and I will give you a specialist quilting tool free. The value is $34.00

1. Buy 1 Tucker Tool pattern get another free. Value $18.00

2. Buy a Wing Clipper Quilt tool and receive a free pattern .Value $18.00

To the girls who are not at the show I will extend this offer to you for 1 month until 6th October 2012.

Thought I would show you a little of what I have worked on this last week. We have a friend with a special birthday he enjoys being on ,boats so what else but a Mariners Compass wall hanging.

My helper Carlos wanted to be in the photo. Check out the boats behind.

Only two weeks to go until the Craft show, so better get my skates on, make a couple more quilts and cut more fabric.

PS Lesley from Australia sent me this picture from a Quilting retreat in Mansfield. Cute eh check out the Spicy Spiral Pattern they used.

Posted with Blogsy

My Adventure to the South Island

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 08:53:00 +0000

Hello wonderful people,

I thought it was time for another blog post to let you guys know what I've been up to lately and what's on this weekend.

A couple of weeks ago I had a trip to the South Island. Flew in to Christchurch visited a number of Quilt shops:

Quilters Quarters in Rangiora it's a lovely big shop, helpful staff lots of different fabrics;

Bernina Dress Sundries ,they have moved since the Quake and are now in 466d Papanui Road;

Stitch at the beginning of Colombo street. Their specialty is all those gorgeous modern fabrics;

Cottonfield at Avonhead ,Beautiful store, stock those lovely Japanese Taupes among other styles of fabric. Took some pictures to show you all how flat the Canterbury plains are. Southern Alps in the background. Had the most beautiful clear days.

Then off to Ashburton to visit with Cindy and her team at Bernina. They have moved and are now part of the Hands Ashford village. If you have time well worth stopping for lunch and a wander around the super specialty shops.

Oamaru is well worth spending time checking out the lovely old buildings.Pics 4 5 6

The main purpose of my trip was to teach for Jan’s Patch in Dunedin. First a one day class “Circ-Elation” this covers 3 techniques to create circle blocks. Here are the girls and what they spent the day enjoying.

I had a wonderful day off on the Friday and took the opportunity to check out the local tourist sites. Again had the most wonderful sunny days (cold for a Nth Islander but mild for those hardy Sth Islanders) and the company of hubby who decided perhaps he could have a game of Golf in Dunedin and notch that venue up on his belt.

Saturday and Sunday taught my Lickerty Splits Class. This is creating a quilt using strata made with a Jelly fabric Roll . They all nearly completed their quilt tops on the weekend and Sue has sent me a picture of hers finished. Its beautiful.

Over the last couple of days I have been preparing for our local Quilt Show. The Whangarei Patchworks and Quilters hold their show every two years . There is amazing talent here in Northland and I know it will be stunning. Here are the details, please come for the drive if you can.

Whangarei Patchworkers & Quilters Club 2012

25th Anniversary QUILT SHOW

Forum North, Exhibition Hall

Rust Ave, Whangarei

10am to 4pm

Fri 3rd, Sat 4th & Sun 5th August

$2.00 entry fee

(children with adult have free entry)

100's of Quilts on Display

Local & Out of Town Merchants

Great Raffles

Demonstrations

Check out the Quilt Whangarei Blog. There is a quilt made after my class a couple of months ago.

http://quiltwhangarei.blogspot.co.nz/

Thought I would show you a little of my slice of Heaven here on earth. OTP and introduce you to just 1 of my Furry Helpers (Spencer) you will meet the other soon.

Happy sewing!!

Posted with Blogsy

Stargello Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 10:29:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I promised a showcase of the new Stargello Pattern that has been flying off the shelves; at the shows I've been to this year.

The Stargello pattern is made using the Gem Thirty Tool which is a companion tool of the Jewel Box Set. Phillips Fiber Art have included a paper template so the Jewel Box is an option rather than a necessity. However I like quick, easy and accurate so would reccomend using the acrylic Gem 10 Template.

The Jewel Box tool set is made up of two pieces, the large piece is called the Gem 10 and the smaller the Gem 5. The Gem Thirty tool is one third of the Gem 10 so you can sew three pieces together to make the Gem 10. You can create some wonderful effects within that shape.

This is the free pattern that comes with the Gem Thrity tool. Like the Jewel Box, an endless number of effects can be achieved with using different colours and patterned fabrics.

Here is my version. I have squared the quilt off using the Framing paper template .

The Stargello Pattern is one of those quilts that looks very difficult to make but is in actual fact, incredibly easy to construct.

To demonstrate this, below are a series of pictures showing the process of making the quilt. It all starts with a strip set . I have cut most of my pieces already so it looks a little odd shaped.

The Gem Thirty tool and Stargello pattern are available on my website under Tools & Accessories

Gem Thirty RRP $28.00NZD

Stargello pattern RRP $18.00NZD

If you have any questions regarding the product, feel free to email me at kerry@tulis.co.nz

Posted with Blogsy

Sydney Quilt Show

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:51:00 +0000

For those of you who didn't know, the Sydney Quilt & Craft Show was on over the weekend.

The 5-day show is the biggest in Australia and is on in June every year.

As usual I had a lovely time catching up with friends and getting to know some of my customers.

It was surprising how many New Zealanders I ran in to during the show.

I was lucky enough to have a number of helpers on my stand this year. My friend Karen Merseides, a keen quilter, came down from Brisbane for the first two days. On Friday and Saturday Doreen, from Rolleston NZ and Denise, from Blenheim NZ. For those of you who are from the Blenheim area you may know Denise, she works at The Quilter's Barn. I owe an eternal gratitude to my helpers, at the the big shows I couldn't get by without them.

Once again I did the Mariner's Compass Workshop. And it was wonderfully received, so much so I had another 25 bought over on the Friday.

For the second year my stand was next to a couple of super guys, Wayne and Peter. For all you keen embroiderer's out there, they specialize in cross stitch and needlework fabric. Peter has also invented an amazing self framing system for all embroidery and cross stitch needs. He demonstrates it on the stand. They operate a mail order shop on their website.

Check out their website here Click Here

The most popular item I sold over the week was the Stargello Pattern. Keep an eye out because over the next few weeks I'll be showcasing the pattern on the blog.

Check out more pictures on my Flickr Account Click Here

Jewel Box Class at Whangarei Quilters Group

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:50:00 +0000

Over the weekend I went up north to teach a class at the Whangarei Quilters Group. I have sold the Jewel Box for a number of years now, it has been vey popular at the shows. I created a class which I have taught at a number of quilt groups around Australia and New Zealand.

The Jewel Box is a tool created by Phillips Fiber Art. The tool creates quilts that are not quite like anything else out there. Its popularity is largely due to its simplicity, a quilter of any skill level can create something beautiful and unique. As you'll see in the pictures below; although the pattern is the same for all the quilts, colours and patterns are used to create unique quilts. Fussy cutting can create something else altogether, check out the first quilt below, Sue fussy cut the fabric for the borders.

There are a number of patterns that accompany the Jewel Box tool. The class I taught over the weekend used The Swirl pattern. I'll have a link to my website at the end of this blog, you can see the different patterns available. Also in the last 12 months Phillips Fiber Art have released new sizes for the tool. Check these out on the website too.

The best thing about this tool is creates a quick and easy quilt that can be completed in ONE DAY!!! One of the ladies finished her quilt top during the class and the others finished theirs at home.

Here are the links to my website:

The three tools and various patterns can be found on this page Click Here

This will take you directly to the Jewel Box Tool Click Here

This will take you directly The Swirl pattern Click Here

Lastly just another reminder for those of you in Sydney. The Quilt & Craft Show started today (Wednesday) and finishes on Sunday. Come visit me at Stand E-12.

Here is a link to the show website for more details Click Here

Quilt Market in Kanas City

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 08:18:00 +0000

It's been a few weeks since my last blog, between the show in Brisbane and heading off to the United States there hasn't been much spare time for writing blogs.

This is more of a photo post, to show you all some pictures from my trip.

I had a great time in America with my friends Gary & Cheryl Philips (from Philips Fiber Art). Most of my time was spent in Kanas City, Missouri. It's not exactly a tourist destination but this was the location for Quilt Market this year. For those of you who don't know, Quilt Market is a huge trade show held twice a year. Manufacturers exhibit their latest designs and products to buyers and retailers.

This picture just doesn't show the sheer size of the show, Australian & New Zealand shows are tiny in comparison.

Next are some of the booths that were there.

Check out my pink quilt on the right hand corner, Cheryl is currently writing a pattern for it "Castle Walls".

The quilt on the left hand side is Stargello Pattern using the Gem Thirty Tool

Below are the "promo" girls for Michael Miller Fabrics

Below are some of the people I met

Gary Phillips and Denise, from Baltimore, she creates clothing out of quilts

Kay from Serendipity Studios, this is the cutest lady I've ever met, and she had an equally cute husband

Cheryl and Virginia Robertson, Quilter extrodronaire and writer from Colorado

Some of you may be familiar with the X blocks, this is Patricia she created them

Denise, Kathy from North Dakota, Becky from Colorado, Me, Gary & Cheryl

Since Kanas City and Grand Junction aren't really tourist places I've included some pictures of the areas so you can have a look.

KANAS CITY

GRAND JUNCTION

Wherever I go away I'm always on the look out for quilting inspiration, and I found some while in America.

This was one of the doors at Tiffany & Co in Kanas City

This was the roof of the convention centre where Quilt Market was held

I had a great time while I was in the US, I have more photos on my Flickr account Click Here

Lastly for all you people who live in Sydney, the Sydney Quilt & Craft Show starts on 13th June. Click Here for more details.

ALERT: Mad Quilters Gathering - Brisbane ON NOW!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:07:00 +0000

This is a reminder to all you lovely people who live in Brisbane; the Mad Quilters Gathering is on this weekend!

For those of you who don't know; Mad Quilters Gathering is a trade show, combining retailers and workshops...you're one stop shop for just about everything Patchwork and Quilting. Mad Quilters Gathering isn't as big as some of the other shows that visit Brisbane, however it is still worth a visit.

Today was the first day of the show. From what I have seen today there's a lot of lovely stands, plenty of parking and the admission is reasonably priced at just $10.

Also, this will be the only show I will be attending in Brisbane this year.

Tulis stand at Mad Quilters Gathering 2012 - Brisbane

Below is the need to know information I have copied from the official website.

Date: 11-13 May, 2012
Opening times: Friday, Saturday and Sunday,10.00 am - 4.30 pm
Location: RNA Showgrounds, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Venue: 10 The Avenues RNA.

Otherwise you can follow this link to check out the website for yourself Click Here

Hope to see many familiar faces there!

Exclusive Sneak Peak: Simple Bands Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:08:00 +0000

In this post I'm giving you an exclusive SNEAK PEAK of the new Simple Bands pattern, a revolutionary simplified way to put together a double wedding ring; it hasn't even been released in the US yet!

Pattern made with Simple Curve Tool

This pattern is made using the Simple Curve tool. This tool is designed to make cutting and sewing curves, simple and easy. The Simple Curve is a new product to the market and was released in the States in October last year. This is yet another tool designed by Cheryl Phillips, from Phillips Fiber Art. My friend Cheryl has a nack for taking more challenging techniques and finding ways to simplify them so quilters of all levels can accomplish them. Like all of Phillips Fiber Art's products, the Simple Curve comes with straightforward, easy to use instructions, and two free patterns to get you started.

Simple Curve Tool

First Free Pattern - this can be finished as a table runner, or add more rows to make a quilt.

The tool includes a pattern to make one of these blocks, by adding multiple together you can get this simple but visually effective quilt.

AQC was the first place I showcased this tool to the southern hemisphere. I will also have them at the other shows I'm attending this year. And if you just can't wait for me to be in your neck of the woods I'm selling them on my website for $28.00NZD + postage.

The link to my website to find the Simple Curve tool Click Here

Over the last week I have been playing around with the Simple Bands Pattern, to get some different samples to take to the shows.

This is made just following the instructions for the pattern.

These are going to be covers for European-sized cushions.

I really like the fact that the block can be changed around to give different looks. As you can see from the above picture, playing around with colours and using them in different places, means there are endless possibilities.

I don't currently have any patterns in stock, however I will be bringing some back with me from America at the end of this month. They will be priced at $18.00NZD + postage.

If you would like the pre-order a pattern send me an email at kerry@tulis.co.nz
*Just remember that you need a Simple Curve tool to use this pattern.

This is the link to my Flickr Account to check out other photos I have Click Here

Lastly, just to give you another idea about what can be done with the Simple Curve.

This is a table runner I made using the Simple Curve for detailing

Gold Coast Quilting Group Class

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:38:00 +0000

After AQC I flew to the Gold Coast. I taught my "Drunkards Path Stepping Beyond" class for the Gold Coast Quilting Group. When teaching, my philosophy is to teach a technique and watch what the student does with it. I had 14 ladies in the class and every quilt came out different.

The class itself is a 2 day class with the girls learning four ways to put a Drunkards path block together; then creating their quilt from one of those methods. The drunkards path technique was created by Cheryl Phillips, from Phillips Fiber Art; using the Cut-around tool. Some of the ladies used more than one technique to create their quilts. With the use of colour and the positioning of the blocks an endless number of designs can be discovered.

The Cut-around tool in various sizes and the Drunkard's Path book can be found on my website Click Here

Below are the different quilts that were made during the class, not one of them was alike.

I have more photos in my Flickr account Click Here

I have more photos in my Flickr account Click Here

Classes are a great way to learn new techniques.

I always enjoy a class whether I'm the tutor or student.

AQC 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:34:00 +0000

This week I’m settling back into home after a couple of action-packed weeks in Australia.

Firstly, I would just like to welcome all my new subscribers. Putting this blog together is still all very new to me; seeing people are interested in what I have to say has made my day, so thank-you!

Exhibition Stands

As mentioned in the previous post I have just been to The Australian Quilt Convention for 2012. The weather was beautiful and the surrounding gardens were stunning, the show itself was wonderful as always!

Exhibition Hall

AQC is always a highlight in the show circuit for me. It’s somewhat different, largely because its main focus is bringing together outstanding tutors from around the world, enabling keen quilters to learn new skills and techniques, not just the quilt show and exhibitor stands. With four days of classes, it’s always exciting when my quilting friends come down and show me what they have learn't.

Finished setting up the stand on the night before

From left: Leesa Siegel, Chris Timmons & Lois from Sydney

Classes take place that range from one day to the full four days

The 1 metre and half metre pieces I took this year, did much better than I anticipated. I was surprised at how many people said they would actually prefer to buy larger pieces rather than fat quarters. That’s why I have decided that I will stock these sizes, at the other shows I attend.

1 Metre & 1/2 Metre Pieces

This year I was again helped out by Kim Bastiani, I couldn’t do the shows without the help I get from the lovely ladies I’ve met over the years.

Kim on the stand

At every show; I do a workshop showcasing new and interesting tools, that people may not have seen before. The workshops are great because the stand is not the most convenient place to give complete demonstrations; they also allow me to answer questions people may have. It's always a pleasure to see the ladies that come and listen to me time and time again.

This year my workshop was on The Folded 3D Mariner’s Compass, a Phillips Fiber Art product. It’s a pattern and tool set that enables you to put together a Mariner’s Compass without foundation paper. People just loved this product; we sold over 80 in the four days.

On the more social side, I had dinner on Lygon Street with some of my friends, who had flown in from around Australia for the show. I've met these ladies over the years through quilting and we always have a fantastic catch up whenever possible.

From left: Karen (Queensland Quilters), Deb & Michelle (Victor Harbour, SA)

From left: Michelle & Kerryn (Victor Harbour, SA), Faye Cunningham (Perth)

Since AQC is over for another year, it's time to focus on what is coming up in the rest of the year.

Click Here to see more photos

AQC - Australasian Quilt Convention

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:39:00 +0000

This week I am heading to Melbourne is be an exhibitor at AQC, I've learn't from past years that quilters attending AQC are just nuts about fabric, as opposed to tools and accesseries you tend to find at the other shows. For this reason, this year on the Tulis Textiles stand I will only be selling fabric. At the other shows I only stock fat quarters but because of the classes at AQC I will also be stocking half metre, and metre pieces.

For those of you who haven't been to AQC before, it is Australasia's biggest quilting event. It's four days of classes with the best tutors from around the world and of course an exhibition of shopping and a quilt show comprised of the best quilts from around Australia and New Zealand. Although classes need to be booked and paid for months in advance, just to get a space, the exhibition is open to the general public from Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th of April.
The convention is held in The Royal Exhibition Buliding, in Melbourne's Botantical Gardens. It is a truely beautiful location. Here are some photo's taken from last year.

The building stands across from the Melbourne Muesuem, the mix of the old style architecture of the Exhibiton Building with the new style architecture of the Muesuem is always worth a look.

AQC is one of my highlights of working the quilt shows around Australia and New Zealand. There is some bias there, I absolutely love Melbourne. My family and I moved there for four years in 2000, for my husband's work. The Royal Exhibition Building is located in the suburb of Carlton, known for Lygon Street. The street is lined with restaurants and eateries, specialising in all things Italian.

Restaurants, Gelati Shops and Patisseries

Old and new quilters a like travel from New Zealand and all around Australia to be part of the annual convention. I always see friendly faces, that I've met at other shows.

For any quilting enthusiasts out there that haven't been, whether you're from Australia, New Zealand or another part of the world, it should be on your bucket list.

For more information Click Here, the link will take you to the AQC website.

Here is the link to my Flickr account to check out some more photos from last year Click Here

Hope to see many of you there

Coming to Terms with E-Commerce

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:17:00 +0000

Welcome to the next step for Tulis Textiles. After much deliberation I have decided that Tulis needs to embrace the wonders that E-Commerce has to offer.

The wonders include:

· A Facebook page; for all you tech-savvy quilters out there, click like below

· A Flickr account; with the hope of inspiring old and new quilters alike, from new projects to classes I have taught to even quilting related events, all for your viewing pleasure

· Regular updates on this blog.

Updates to the blog will include current projects I am working on, exciting new products from around the world, upcoming events, new fabric ranges, classes I will be teaching and all things QUILTING! If you are interested in receiving updates from me, sign up to the free email subscription and you’ll get the updates right into your inbox.

Tulis specialises in selling beautiful batiks from Bali, mainly via online shopping but also at a variety of quilt and craft shows around Australia and New Zealand. Check out the website http://www.tulis.co.nz. Over the next 6 months we will be re-developing the website, so look out for some exciting new changes!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Kerry. I have been a passionate quilter for many years now, so much so that 7 years ago I decided to make it my life. I operate Tulis from my home in New Zealand. It is wonderful to be able to work in an environment that fully caters for all my creative needs.

Since starting Tulis I have sold and worked with Batik fabrics, I love the contemporary feel these fabrics add to even the most traditional patterns. I have a reputation as being a bit of a "circle freak" as I have gravitated to working with pieced circular shapes. I have taught classes both in New Zealand and Australia, passing on those techniques I have learnt and developed during my quilting career.

I travel frequently to Australia and around NZ selling my fabric so perhaps I will be coming to a town /city near you.