A warm Australian welcome to Grandy Zine Quilts!! Although I (Marion Stolk)
am the owner you will find me constantly referring to *us* rather than *me*!
That is because I could do no quilting at all if it weren't for the support and
co-operation of my wonderful husband and five children. I had originally planned
to do this as a business but it is simply too time consuming in this season of
my life to even be remotely possible! So, in true and freeing female style I
have changed my approach, and...have to say, that I love the way it's rolling
out now even more! This is now geared to help *you* do this so you will get all
the credit for a wonderful occasion!!
Our 2 eldest girls and myself enjoy selling
Usborne
books
for our family business. We love using these books in our
Home
Schooling
and find they are an exciting resource for children, teenagers and
parents alike. It's something we do have just a little time for in this season of our life!
This site has been redesigned to help you organise and hold a Patchwork Party
for a Baby Shower or any other special occasion yourself. I am happy to do my
best to help people organise their own Patchwork Party and complete their quilt
via e-mail support and (if) you are close enough, you would be most welcome to
come to our quilting group for hands on instructions and advice. If you are
elsewhere in Australia (we're in Melbourne) or in the world, we could usually
help you find a quilting group close to you (depending on how remote you are)
who I have no doubt would be thrilled to give you assistance and support!
The idea began when we were expecting our fourth child and
were longing to have a shower to celebrate her impending arrival. We didn’t
really want to receive gifts as such, but to do something really special and
different that would be just for her, create a memory. I became inspired with
the idea of a Patchwork Party where everyone could take part and contribute
something special to a quilt. I asked a quilting friend to help me and it was an absolutely fantastic night; the
resulting quilt was just beautiful!! (Not only had I NEVER done any quilting in
my entire life but I wasn't a sewer either!)
I have been so inspired by this experience that I just have to share this
opportunity with you! In my experience it's only taken 3 hours at the most for the party and each
guest hand sews a block or two for the quilt at the Shower (usually either from
material they have chosen in advance or that you have chosen). It’s not unusual
to have a few people who complete 2 or 3 blocks. Truly even the non-sewers can
achieve this one – my husband sewed a patch for the quilt too! And he did the
same for our 5th baby's quilt! Inspired? Maybe you'd like to hold a party at the
time of your child’s baptism or thanksgiving celebration. Have a different
occasion in mind to hold a Patchwork Party for? Someone else to bring blessing
to? Bridal shower, friend or relative going overseas, special anniversary...? At
our {MOPS} group at church we've made 2 surprise quilts in the last couple of
years with almost everyone participating in Party style! There was barely a dry
eye in the house when the quilts were presented. These quilts make priceless
gifts and are just incredible blessings, I cannot recommend the experience
highly enough!
You can be host to a unique shower/party where everyone will
be able to contribute to an utterly unique gift. Interstate/overseas friends and
family can participate by sending you fabric to be included in the quilt! It’s
such a wonderful opportunity for community and sharing. You and those special to
you will have created a gift that is not only practical but will become a family
heirloom as well.
Whether you’re a grandparent, aunty, friend or mum and dad it
makes no difference, anyone can host a party.
Of course it is true that completing the quilt itself will
take much longer than 3 hours, but it is a project that you can do bit by bit as
time allows (or as you make time allow!!). And again we will do our best to help
you bring it to completion.
For more details or to ask any questions see:
Contact us
(I'd also welcome ideas from any quilters or not-yet-quilters out there on
anything you've seen on the site or would like to see)
Site last updated: 18/2/2005
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...thanks for dropping by!
