Friday, September 30, 2011

Quilt Aid 2011

This year we are part of Quilt Aid.  Don't know what Quilt Aid is?  Then keep reading.  If you already know then skip the next couple of paragraphs.

Quilt Aid is a charity quilting project which launches on the 1st of November online worldwide. Women from around the world can make a difference simply by participating and doing what they love – quilting.  A major portion of the profits from the designers, the stores and the fabric sold is donated to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia through the Hamlin Fistula Relief and Aid Fund in Australia.
   
About the Charity: The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital was founded by Dr Catherine Hamlin AC and her late husband, Dr Reg Hamlin OBE, and is dedicated to the treatment and care of women who suffer horrendous childbirth injuries, known as obstetric fistula.  Obstetric fistula is caused by prolonged obstructed labour when a woman will spend days in labour without any medical help or pain relief. If she survives this ordeal she will give birth to a still born child and her internal injuries will cause her to be incontinent of urine and sometimes bowel contents as well.  She will spend the rest of her life a destitute outcast unless she can get to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital or one of its outreach centres.  The surgical technique developed by the Hamlin’s successfully cures 93% of obstetric fistula cases. The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital has established a purpose–built village called Desta Mender ("Village of Joy") to provide long term care for women whose childbirth injuries are so severe that they cannot return to live a normal Ethiopian village life. At Desta Mender the women are trained in new skills so that eventually they can re–enter Ethiopian society as "citizens of the world" once again.  The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital is committed to the UN Millennium Development Goals and particularly those directed towards improving maternal health, reducing infant mortality and empowering women. It has established the Hamlin College of Midwives to train young Ethiopian women as midwives to work in the Ethiopian countryside amongst women who presently have little or no access to medical help during their pregnancy and labour. The mission of the Hamlin College of Midwives is to have a midwife in every Ethiopian village.  The Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital relies entirely on donations from overseas to fund its vital work of improving maternal health, reducing infant mortality and empowering women.

So on to 2011.  This year there are 12 designers and 6 shops involved.  Each shop will sell 2 blocks.  Also each shop will design their own quilt using the same 12 blocks and will offer a finishing kit if you would like to make a quilt just like ours.

The fabric used this year is Ruby by Bonnie & Camille for Moda.  The 2 blocks that we are selling are designed by Natalie Lymer and Liz Stanaway.  Aren't they beautiful - a mixture of piecing, applique and stitchery.  Who could resist!



We are currently taking pre-orders if you would like to join in the fun.  We can also supply any extras that you may need like threads, interfacing, fusibles, etc.  You can call the shop on (07) 3875 1700 or e-mail us at quilts@tqes.com.au or click here to be taken to our website..

To read more about Quilt Aid and see all the blocks and shops participating, go to www.quiltaid.com.au/2011

Enjoy!

Karen



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Vignette Issue 4




Enjoy!

Karen



Today we received our shipment of Issue 4 of Vignette magazine.  If you haven't come across this magazine before, it is written by Leanne Beasley, an Australian designer.  There are no ads in this mag - just lovely articles, recipes and projects!  We still have stock of Issue 1, 2 and 3 if you haven't come across this delightful magazine yet.

 Vignette Magazine Issue 4

Monday, September 12, 2011

Hello, hello

Well I have finally decided to dive in to the world of blogging.  My name is Karen and I own The Quilters' Store, The Embroiderers' Store in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

This blog will relate mainly to my sewing life which obviously revolves around my shop.  I have sewn all my life - don't remember ever not sewing.  My mother was a tailoress and a wonderful seamstress.  She taught me (and all my brothers and sisters) from a young age how to sew.  She also taught me to knit, to crochet - basically to create.  So thanks Mum.

I remember at high school getting into trouble becaue we started a project one week and I had it finished by the next week - it should have taken me all term!  Obviously I only did sewing at school for one year - they were way too slow!

For me if it has fabric, thread, beads, buttons, lace, trims and anything remotely related, then I'm interested.

About me personally - I'm married to Andrew, the love of my life.  We met in my first year at Uni, age 17 and he still makes me melt.  We have 2 beautiful daughters - Leah and Caitlin - both have grown into delightful young women that I am so proud of.  I also have a son-in-law, Jared.  He is a good young man who loves my Leah dearly.

There have been and are assorted pets - currently 2 cats Ceva and Louis.  Ceva is a Maine Coone and he's big - weighing in at around 11kgs.  Louis is a Ragdoll and a featherweight compared to Ceva - only 5 kgs.

I'll find some photos of them all soon and pop them up for you to see.

That's it for now

Talk soon!


Karen