Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC)

After a very busy day at work, I finally arrived in Melbourne on Friday night for AQC. My 6.40pm flight from Adelaide was delayed and eventually took off at 9pm arriving at our destination at 10.30pm local time. My loving sister and her husband were patiently waiting to take me home for a much needed rest.

On Saturday morning I caught the tram from St Kilda and headed off to AQC to see all the beautiful quilts from around Australia and to stand proudly next to my quilt. Wow what an honour!

The challenge quilts were amazing. The theme was ten as it is AQC’s tenth anniversary. The winning quilt was “10 Together  Equals Teamwork” by Alison Withers. So clever, her ten men in a boat looked like skittles supporting each other as they navigated past obstacles.

The display of quilts by the 2013 Rajah Award winner Jenny Bowker was awesome. We have all seen her beautiful quilts on her website however to see them in real life was amazing.

I was looking forward to attending the Gala Dinner on Saturday night where awards are presented and we get to catch up with friends we have made over the years but rarely see. Wow, was I in for a surprise. The night started with a bang. We had a drum band performing on stage and that was followed by wait for it…a Kylie Minogue impersonator and two gorgeous pink winged angels!

Then came the highlight of the night! The awards.  Janet Treen from NSW was awarded the Bernina National Quilt Award for her Best of Australia quilt “Rings and Roses”

Excitement in the room as Gary spoke about the 2014 Lut-Da winner. Wow our very own Faye Packham! The South Aussie table were on their feet for a well deserved win. Congratulations Faye you are an inspiration to us all for your fun loving nature and dedication!

The came the prestigious Rajah Award. How could the South Aussie table contain themselves as Gary began describing our beautiful Michelle Hill! The look on Michelle’s face as her name was announced was priceless. Congratulations Michelle! So well deserved.