Here are some of the great things Sarah and Kathy, of Material Obsession, found while attending, vending and spending at Sydney’s biggest Craft and Quilt Show…

Here is another report  from our Australian guest writers:

Hello, all you American quilters out there, Sarah and Kathy here from Material Obsession.

These were just a few of the unique talents from the show:

Prints Charming creates a unique range of patchwork and quilting fabrics to inspire and arouse your creative juices for that exquisite handmade patchwork project. The range of patterns and designs is forever evolving, so there is always something new and fresh coming hot off the printing table.

 At present, Prints Charming fabric is all hand screen printed in Sydney, and only available through an exclusive selection of quilt shops – including Material Obsession of course.

However, Prints Charming will be launching a range through Free Spirit in the United States in the coming year. You can find out more about Prints Charming  here, or email us and we’ll mail order you some to play with!

Kaalund Yarns produce a colourful range of hand dyed wools. Inspired by the diverse Australian landscape, Kaalund Yarns bring to life yarn for the discerning hand knitter, embroiderer, and textile artist. Silk and wool in plain and fancy spins are the chosen yarns for the year.

Hand dyed in Australia in 25 colours that range from the reds of the desert, the greens of the eucalypt to the blues of the sea, a full colour spectrum is available. Sarah was so inspired by the colours she knitted a new scarf from their "Nimbus" wool (while she was taking a break from quilting). She is also itching to try out the 100% cultivated silk thread she bought (the "Enchante" range) to hand quilt with. Have a look at the Rainforest and Mango colour ways...yum, yum. You can see more of their fabulous yarns here.

Annie Downs at Hatched and Patched has a great choice of fabrics, colours and quirky designs together with easy to understand instructions, which has made her designs extremely popular.

She supplies an extensive range of patchwork, cross stitch, stitchery and doll patterns to a large number of shops throughout Australia and New Zealand and recently into Europe, all designed here in Australia by the talented Annie herself.

Lovers of Prim and Naïve styles will be thrilled with the variety of cross-stitch patterns, which have been introduced recently. A range of designs are available in both pattern and kit forms (both linen and aida are available) as well as stitcheries available as patterns or kits with pre-printed calico templates.

 Check out Annie’s needle-punch patterns for a really cute take on the art form. See more here.

Show was Great Success

All in all the show was a great success with thousands of enthusiastic quilters touring around each day. The show is not only a great place to see great talent but also time to meet quilters like ourselves and talk to all the stall owners. If you’re planning a journey Down Under try to plan around June….you’ll get a whole lot of quilts, a lot of fun and of course a big boost of inspiration.

Thanks for the report...and a chance to see some new things from Australia.  And if you haven't checked out our reporter's website and blog at Material Obsession...Please do...they offer fresh and fun patterns and designs for all levels of quilters.  (Photos taken by our reporters!)

Tell Me What You Think!

Have you been to a great show, or shop....or have a gadget, pattern or design that you absolutely love...tell us about it and be a guest writer on Quilter's Buzz.  Email me: gina@quiltersbuzz.com