'Surfaces to Paint' workshop with Fabric Gallery, Bray

Our October workshop was delivered by Gwen from Fabric Gallery in Bray, Co. Wicklow (http://www.fabric-gallery.com/). We began the workshop with a piece of plain white fabric. We started with the paint straight from the jar and made a mark. We then added water to dilute the paint, starting with a 75% paint to water solution and continued making marks and adding water until the colour ran out. We continued using different paints and then applied a base coat to see how this changed the results. We then tried out the same effects on different fabrics. Our final piece was great fun as we played around with the different paints and stencils. This workshop was very informative and our samples can be mounted on cardboard or put into a logbook for future reference.

By Lynn Naughton

Vikki Pignatelli Workshop, 19th September, 2009

Professional quilt-artist, international teacher and author, Vikki Pignatelli came to Galway on 19th September, to teach a workshop on creating curves and openings in quilts. More information on her work can be found at http://www.vikkipignatelli.com/.

For those of us attending the workshop we were treated to a stunning display of her quilts and an insight into the methods she uses to create such stunning effects.

Vikki demonstrated her simple method of drafting a pattern, cutting the fabric, placing the pieces correctly and stitching them in place.

We were then given a pattern to try the method for ourselves, with Vikki on hand to guide us through any difficulties.

Vikki is an excellent teacher and explained how to solve any problems we might encounter. Her method is so adaptable that it is easy to improvise and adapt the pattern as you go. Check out her website for details of her DVD and books.

September meeting

The Western IPS got off to a great start after the summer break. 'Rags for Linda' (www.ragsforlinda.com) provided the shop with a great range of fabrics and supplies. Loretta O'Brien was our guest speaker with a suitcase full of quilts and wall-hangings charting her journey as a quilter. Jan Adams was presented with the Western Challenge trophy for her wall-hanging in the Volvo Ocean Race exhibition in St. Nicholas' Church in May. There was a wonderful display of member's work in our 'Show & Tell'. We look forward to our workshop on 19th September with Vikki Pignatelli. The National AGM is in Tralee on 3rd October. Our next branch meeting is on 10th October in Galway.

We often work on group quilts and donate them for charity fund-raising. This photo shows a 'Think Pink' quilt made by members of the Western Branch of the IPS for Breast Cancer Research. It was constructed using the 'quilt-as-you-go' method. Members were asked to make a block with 'flowers' as the theme using combinations of pink, green and cream fabrics. The group worked together to finish the quilt. The quilt raised significant funds when auctioned at a charity ball.