The Bundaberg Quilters is transforming the Multiplex into a patchwork of colour from 4 to 6 August with its 2023 expo called Showtime.
The biennial event is shaping up to be the group’s biggest and best show to date with traders, stalls, demonstrations and around 150 quilts on display.
Bundaberg Quilters Inc (BQI) Publicity Officer Kim Lomax said members had been challenged to create, sew or stitch a piece of work using three colours of a ‘paint chip’ as part of the Showtime theme.
“It’s become somewhat of a club tradition to include a members only challenge, to display over our three day expo,” Kim said.
“Members of the public are invited to cast their vote daily, all pieces are presented anonymously and it just adds a bit of interest and fun to our displays and of course further showcases the talent and skills of BQI members!”
Kim said visitors would not only be able to look at all the quilts on display but would also be able to buy all their sewing and quilting equipment from traders at the expo.
“Each trader will be offering something unique, so the expo committee have aimed for an expo that has something for everyone,” she said.
“During this three day program, there will be demonstrations and workshops running daily, giving our visitors such a great opportunity to get advice and sample all the latest products available.”
Heart of Angels
BQI will be selling handmade items from their members at their own market stall and there will also be a lucky door prize and raffle baskets for a charity quilt in support of Angels Community Group.
“Bundaberg Quilters are always proud to support a local not-for-profit charity, so during our Quilt Expo 2023, our club has donated a quilt [with] the funds raised from raffle ticket sales to assist Angels to continue… with their various charitable programs,” Kim said.
This year’s charity quilt has been aptly named Heart of Angels and is a large quilt comprising of over 1000 coloured squares with a value of $2,500.
“BQI has a small team of dedicated volunteers who have spent many months designing, cutting, sewing and quilting this beautiful quilt,” Kim said.
“The pattern creates a ‘heart’ shape on the centre of the quilt.”
The BQI has been running since 1987, with their main meeting every Tuesday as well as social sewing days and a textile art and machine embroidery group.
They also hold an ‘Introduction to Quilting a Patchwork’ course twice yearly and new members are always welcome.
“BQI’s continued success and reputation is built on friendships, shared quilting interests and the ongoing comfort quilt program that donates quilts to those in need in our community,” Kim said.
“BQI is now in its 36th year, a testament to the club’s ability to stay current and connected to our community.”
Quilt Expo 2023
Where: Bundaberg Mulitplex
When: 4 – 6 August, 9 am to 3 pm
Cost: $10 entry (tickets available at the door)
For more information on Bundaberg Quilters Inc, follow their Facebook page here.
