The 18th SA National Quilt Festival takes place at Kearsney College from 3 to 7 July 2015, with activities and exhibits for anyone looking for a bit of creative inspiration.
Left: Cheryl Bauermeister and Twig Hartwig with the star quilt that inspired Twig to take up quilting
Story: Hayley Dennyson
Being welcomed into a quilters club feels a bit like discovering a secret society – with the shared camaraderie, jargon and the multitude of projects that seem to be going on at once. One thing’s for sure – quilting isn’t only for “old” people and the level of creativity to be found in the Upper Highway is astounding!
Twig Hartwig is chairman of the National Quilt Festival Committee and is thrilled at the prospect of welcoming crafty types from across the country. “This year’s event is hosted by the KZN Quilters Guild and we’re expecting 6 000 visitors over four days, with six international and 20 local teachers hosting workshops, a quilt exhibition and competitions covering 14 categories. There will also be a hall full of retailers, so visitors can get everything they need for quilting and a range of other crafts,” she explains.
The 1 500 delegates will also be treated to three gala events, giving them an opportunity to network and share ideas. “The festival is run by quilters for quilters, but we want to encourage youngsters and anyone else who is interested to learn a new creative skill. This is a rare opportunity to learn from the best about colour work, sewing, crochet, knitting and more.”
The organisers are particularly excited about international design gurus Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably, who will be holding workshops about knitting and colour at the festival. Their vibrant designs are something to behold, an inspiration for all art lovers.
International teachers for the event include Sheena Norquay from Scotland, Gillian Travis and Hillary Gooding from England and Rayna Gillman from the USA.
“Everyone has a creative side and it’s important to find a balance, to have a creative outlet,” says Twig. “Making a quilt is hard work, but all the time and effort is worth it. Quilts are made with love and form a permanent link between quilter and recipient. It’s a physical manifestation of love – a hug that you keep forever.”
Essentially, a quilt is three layers of fabric joined together by stitching, but the options are endless. Whether you use a machine or hand quilt, the range of styles is incredible, from traditional to contemporary, and every quilt is unique. “One thing is for sure,” says Twig, “a quilter will never be at a loss for something to do! There’s always a new idea, another piece to the puzzle.”
KwaZulu-Natal is home to 30 quilting guilds, which are growing all the time, but the Upper Highway is seen by many as the centre of quilting in South Africa. This area has a vibrant quilting community that meets regularly, with clubs including the Village Quilters and Kloof Country Quilters. “It’s an escape, a hobby,” explains Twig. “Some of the most amazing quilts have been made during difficult times – at the side of a sick loved one or in a time of crisis. Like any group, we need to regenerate ourselves and we love to welcome new members.”
Local sewing shops offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes for those who are interested in learning – not only quilting but other crafts too.
If you’ve tried your hand at quilting or appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into their creation, the National Quilters Festival is a must. “The Festival has had phenomenal support from local quilters and promises to be a fabulous event! We hope to see many familiar and new faces at Kearsney this July.” *
The 18th SA National Quilt Festival takes place at Kearsney College from July 3-7, 2015. Tickets cost R50 per person or R150 for multiple entry.
Visit festival.quiltsouthafrica.co.za or email festival@quiltsouthafrica.co.za for more info.
