Monday, April 21, 2014

Australian Quilt Convention

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.
My face book friends already know that my quilt was announced as Australia's best quilt. My feet haven't touched the ground yet and its one of the most incredible moments I've experienced, such a joy for me to say the least.

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

72 comments:

Unknown said...

A very big congratulations, Janet. A well deserved win. Your quilt is a work of art. I have admired your work for years and I am glad to see this official recognition of your quilts. Bask in the glory, you deserve it.

Martha said...

Congratulations, Janet! This is one of my favorite quilts ever, and the quilting is to die for. Well done!

Frances Meredith said...

Good to see your quilt again, a worthy winner.

Sooli said...

Its a beautiful quilt and so deserving of the award, congratulations! I'm hoping (fingers crossed) to head to the AQC next year. I'll look forward to seeing your quilt 'in person' when it tours and is shown here in Adelaide!

Rachaeldaisy said...

A Huge Congratulatios Janet!! It doesn't surprise me at all that your quilt was judged best in Australia, it's absolutely beautiful! Those pin cushions are lovely, what a great project - go Grandmas! Enjoy looking at that stylish trophy.

Julia said...

Congratulations Janet,
I loved that quilt from the very first time I saw it..
Well deserved "Best in Australia"
I'm hoping to see your quilt here in our May show or in Sydney in July.
Julia ♥

Shirley said...

I couldn't be more proud of you and for you. You richly deserve all the accolades your win brings. Sending you a great big hug and hoping one day to see that quilt up close.

Oops-Lah said...

Congratulations for winning another great prize for your wonderful quilt. It is well deserved indeed.

Terry said...

Congratulations! I can see why you won...it's an amazing quilt! :0)

Sue said...

Thoroughly well deserved. Your quilt is beautiful and you should justifiably be proud. Congratulations.
Love the grandma project too.

Cardygirl said...

Congratulations Janet! A well deserved win for a beautiful quilt... I am so happy for you!

Unknown said...

How wonderful and well deserved. Such a beautiful quilt.
Go Kiwi!

Wendy W said...

Congratulations Janet! It is wonderful to see traditional quilts beautifully made, like yours, win these great awards. Well deserved.
Wendy

Betsy said...

Congratulations Janet. So well deserved.

Thimbleanna said...

OHMYGOSH Janet -- that's FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations -- what a wonderful achievement!!!!

Susan said...

Congratulations! I'm sure you're still floating around on a high! And hand quilted too......fantastic.

Karendianne said...

Janet!!! You have to be floating right about now. What a grand moment this is. My warmest congratulations for this honor which is so well deserved. So much effort you put into everything you do. And oh my a speech. Big congrats on making it thru that, too!

Ramona said...

Congratulations, Janet! I have followed your blog for several years now and this award is well deserved. Your quilts are absolutely gorgeous. This one is probably my favorite of the quilts you have made... and there are many beauties! Thank you for sharing your gift with us on your blog.

Marie said...

Oh Janet, this is just WONDERFUL! It's so nice to see all of the love and attention that you put into the quilt be recognized for the gem that it is. I suspected that you were up to something because your blog has been quiet for while, but I never imagined this. Congratulations!

Pinkadot Quilts said...

Congratulations a well deserved win! It is a beautiful quilt.

Monica said...

Congratulations! You must just be over the moon right now. I'm so very happy for you.

Dolores said...

A well deserved award and recognition. Congratulations!!

Jana said...

Congratulations! This quilt is one of my favorite. I have never seen such beautiful combination of applique and trapunto.
Greetings from Jana in Prague

Lurline said...

Congrats again - you know I have been a bubby true believer in your artistic talent! Thank you for passing through my life xx

Phyllis in Minnesota said...

WOW - what an honor - what a beautiful quilt.
Congratulations and keep on quilting!

imquilternity said...

Congratulations Janet! What an honor. You have always done truly exceptional work and it's nice to see you reaping the rewards. I also like the idea that a traditional quilt design and hand quilting were honored about all else.

Katherine said...

Congratulations, Janet! Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous and definitely one to inspire. Way to go!

Janet said...

What a beautiful building for the convention. Your quilt looks gorgeous in her beauty queen sash :0) A well deserved reward Janet. I'm glad it was such an unforgettable experience.

julieQ said...

Wow!! I am so very happy for you...and this honor is just so well deserved...you do amazing work!

Sujata Shah said...

What an honor! Congratulations again! I am finally at home, at my desk and reading this post in large print! What a wonderful experience you have had! Thanks for sharing your joy with us.
I love the pin cushion idea of the grandma project. You can never have enough of them and your husband does not need one for sure :) Precious memory to keep in your sewing room. Enjoy!

Rebecca in AK said...

Janet, your quilt is exquisite!! It is definitely the best quilt in Australia!! You do amazing work!

Sharon said...

Well deserved and the competition was steep, I'm thrilled that it was hand quilted. Do you get to keep your quilt? If so, are you going to enter it in some US shows?

Cathy said...

Congratulations! Your quilt is gorgeous and I'm sure the workmanship is exquisite. You deserve all the accolades.

Jill said...

A prestigious honor for sure. It's wonderful that a sewing machine company gave its highest award to a hand quilter. Thanks for sharing your trip and quilt.

Cheri said...

Congratulations Janet! You are a masterpiece quilter in my book and I have learned so much from your blog over the last couple years.

Cath said...

Congratulations! I have just been over to the link to see the rest and although there are some stunning quilts, I would have voted for yours.
I look forward to viewing it in person when the show arrives in Brisbane.

gracie said...

What an honor and it is easy to see why you won! Congratulations.

FlourishingPalms said...

Oh my gosh, Janet! This is the most wonderful news, in the quilting world, to ever hear! You! It was you and your quilt that won! Oh, oh, oh! I'm so terribly happy for you. Obviously, your workmanship is outstanding, and I'm glad the judges recognize that. And you needed to be convinced to display it?! Really? In any case, I'm very happy for you. And I find it interesting that the most traditional, hand-work quiltmaking gets the most recognition. Us machiners can only sit back and watch. And appreciate. Congratulations to you!

Every Stitch said...

Wonderful news Janet - huge congratulations! Your work is amazing and we are so lucky that you share your progress on your blog.

kim mclean said...

Well done Janet, I knew you are going to do great with your quilt, it is beautiful and the workmanship is just gorgeous. Kim McLean

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Congratulations Janet! well deserved, that quilt is just plain fantastic!

Teresa Rawson said...

Ya-HOO! Yippee, yippee, yippee! You SO deserve this distinctive honor. Your quilt is just the loveliest quilt ever. How very exciting for you!

Susan said...

Recognition so well deserved! Your quilt IS the best quilt in Australia! Congratulations Janet, I am so pleased for you!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Well done Janet! You are an inspiration!

pandchintz said...

Janet, that was you! That was your quilt that I admired on my visit to the show! I wish I'd realised at the time -I would have studied it even harder!! Congratulations - so well deserved!

Donna~~ said...

A VERY well deserved award--Congratulations! So glad you finished it and entered it!

Donna~~ said...

A VERY well deserved award--Congratulations! So glad you finished it and entered it!

conny's quilts en creaties said...

Congratulations, you must be so proud with your, welearned, award. It really is a stunning quilt! Well done!

Rose Marie said...

Bravo .... when I first saw your posts about this quilt, I knew that it and you were bound for great things! You didn't let us down! Congrats.

Lori said...

Such a well deserved honor! Congratulations again!

Pat said...

What a tremendous honor and recognition of your exquisite handwork. Particularly significant that your quilt was hand quilted in this day and age of so much machine work. Savor these moments!!

StaroftheEast said...

Well deserved, your quilt is amazing!

Eileen said...

Janet, I've followed your work for quite a while now and only want to say Congratulations on the award and acknowledgement of your exquisite work. Good on ya!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Congratulations!!! *applauds loudly*

Aunt 'Reen said...

Congratulations Janet on a well deserved and very special recognition! Your quilt is a stunning work of Art.

Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your Award ceremony and lovely gifts. How truly inspiring you are to many of us!

Dixie Howard said...

Bravo, Janet! Your quilt is so lovely, and you are such a deserving recipient! Pleased as punch for you! Dixie

Karen said...

Janet, I am so over the Moon happy for you. You are possibly the most incredible artist I've met thru my blog travels and I value your kindness and friendship. I hope our paths cross one day. Enjoy this moment, you are so deserving of the honor.

Karen said...

Congratulations! That is just wonderful and what an honour. I am so glad you were able to attend.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Janet.Your quilt is beautiful and it's a well-deserved win. Happy quilting - Helen Draper

Nat Palaskas said...

Congratulations again Janet! Sorry I didn't get to see it in person because we were away that weekend. I have met Mr Uellschi in Barcelona years agao. He looks as smart as ever, but you look great Janet! Hugs Nat

Carrie P. said...

WOW! Janet, you deserve to win with that quilt. It is stupendous and I have admired it each time you would show your progress. Congratulations!!!!

Piecefully Pam said...

Standing ovation, Janet!!! How positively MARVELOUS!!! <3 I am fortunate to call you Sensei.

Lina said...

CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS!!! Oh Janet so so happy for you! Reading all these comments is a joy! Ditto to everyones comment! Hoping someday to meet you in person! Love the sash banner!

Annemieke said...

Congratulations with your award!! Your quilt is so beautiful! I got goose bumps when I read your post, I can imagine you must have been very thrilled about all this.
Good story for those Japanese grandma's and the pincushions look pretty.
Groetjes
Annemieke

Featheronawire Sally Bramald said...

Congratulations, well deserved.
I wish Bernina UK would do something similar.

Patsy said...

Your quilt is beautiful! Congratulations for this well-deserved honor!

Katie said...

Wow. It makes me feel privileged to be one of your readers! :-) Congratulations. Your quilt is stunning.

Vivian said...

And a well deserved award it is. Congratulations! One of my favorites.

liz said...

I haven't seen the other quilts (yet) but I have seen yours up close and personal and it is a worthy winner. Congratulations. It is a quilt that incorporates so many different areas of patchwork and is a wonderful reflection of why I love quilts. It is a classic.

Anthea said...

Hello Janet - I am just dropping in to say Congratulations on your wonderful award - I had the privilege of seeing your stunning creation at the Perth Craft & Quilt Fair - it was worth my whole day out just to see it!
Congrats again & thanks for inspiring those of us who could only ever ASpire to such ability!

momto1 said...

Congratulations!!! You've made one absolutely stunning quilt. I'm not at all surprised that it won. You deserve the honors.

Carole S.

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