Regular readers may remember that my quilt Rings and Roses was selected as the New South Wales Best Of Show quilt last year. All the State winners then get judged at the AQC in Melbourne for the Best of Australia award. Bernina who is the main sponsor sends these quilts and their makers to Melbourne and that's where I was last week.
This is the World Heritage building where the show is held and I was very excited to see it at last. It was my first visit to Melbourne and the city turned on some lovely sunny weather for us.
The award was presented by Mr HP Ueltschi, the owner of Bernina international.
What an amazing honour and privilege to have my quilt selected as the other state quilts were very special and you can see them here.
I'm looking as gobsmacked as I felt in the photo below. It was scary making a speech but I got through it without blubbering or sounding like a complete idiot. I'm most proud of the fact that my quilt was the only hand quilted one judged.
My quilt got a lovely beauty queen sash, pretty exciting to see.
I recieved this gorgeous glass trophy which I take care of for a year. It's large and really heavy. It still needs engraving and Bernina apparently gift me with a smaller one. In addition I recieved a generous cash prize.
At the Gala dinner, there was a gift from Bernina at each place setting. I stole my husbands one since he doesnt need a pincushion.
Take the time to read the label, its such a wonderful story and a treasured gift.
There were other awards presented throughout the night as well as some great entertainment. Michelle Hill has a wonderful blog post here where you can read more.
Lastly, thank you to my readers who talked me into putting my quilt in the Sydney show, I may not have done so without your input and wouldn't have had such an incredible experience to treasure.
Yours in quilting, Janet