Hello there and welcome back to Bonjour Quilts. Can you believe it’s the weekend again already? Where is this year running away to? Well, let’s try and slow it down with a leisurely reading of all the latest news.
Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair 2025
My most exciting news for the fortnight is attending the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair last Thursday with my lovely niece.
We had a brilliant time looking at all the shop and quilt exhibitors, making some crafty purchases and then enjoying a nice pub lunch at the Pig ‘N Whistle. (Sadly, neither pigs nor whistles were seen or heard.)
I debated taking the ‘good camera’ to document the day. However I knew it would be a long day so I opted to keep it simple with just my iPhone.
I enjoyed perusing work produced over 30 years by Nick Wilson, who was this year’s featured quilter for the Queensland Quilt Show’s Member Showcase.
Here are some further quilty things that caught my eye – a mix of the pretty, interesting, entertaining and inspiring. I hope you enjoy them, too.
It was at this time my phone gave me a low-battery warning, subsequently photo taking had to cease. There were so many more I could have posted, it was a great show. If you get the chance to attend either of the 3 shows in 2026 – do it!
Around the Interwebs…
If you’ve had enough of cute Halloween projects, why not start on Christmas? Here’s a folded fabric star ornament, and here’s another decoration you can whip up with paper.
After all the photos above, how about entering a quilt in next year’s Australian Quilt Show? Or perhaps give yourself some fun constraints and enter the Australasian Quilt Convention Challenge?
Speaking of constraints, I enjoyed this article on how they can fuel creativity.
Tigger (our orange Burmese cat) is now a model, appearing in the QuiltFolk Cats special edition (he’s on page 112). Use code QFCats2025 to get 25% off your copy.
Other crafty inspirations: clever paper sculpture, textile treasures, gorgeous handmade French ceramics, fantastic, colourful installations!
Reader Quilts
I feel like we’ve had enough quilts for the day. But have no fear – Reader Quilts will be back again next newsletter.
If you’ve made a quilt from a Bonjour Quilts pattern (a completed quilt, quilt top or quilt block) please let me know! (Email in a photo or tag me on Facebook/Instagram.)
Cats’ Corner
As usual, our cats Tigger and Lulu send you off with all the love they can muster. When they’re awake. Which isn’t that often, really. Oh well, lucky they look super cute while they sleep!
Have a great weekend
That’s all from me for today. I hope you enjoyed all the quilting eye-candy and accordingly you’re inspired to work on something creative this weekend. Happy sewing, don’t forget to touch grass (as the kids say) and I’ll see you soon.
Until next time,
Kirsty x
The pics of the quilts are beautiful. Thanks for sharing
Thank you Carol Ann! Glad to hear you enjoyed them.
I see even the kitties are speechless! Awesome all around! Wish I could pick a fav – but all truly awesome!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Yes, it is very hard to vote for the people’s choice award!
Beautiful, intricate quilts! Beautiful cats! Lovely blog. Thank you, Kristy. So enjoy your weekly newsletters.
I am a new quilter. Started this past March. Have made 3 little quilt tops and a bigger quilt top. Am just finishing the big one so I can get it together to quilt. Nothing fancy but hard for me, a log cabin. Made so many mistakes but I am finishing it anyway!!
Welcome to the club.!
Great to hear, Vinni. Yes, there are always mistakes but it’s the best way to learn – and a quilt with mistakes will still keep you warm so is it really a mistake? I say no!
I appreciate the time it took you to share such awesome quilts with your readers. Thank you —
Glad you enjoyed them Gayle, thanks for dropping by.
Thanks for all those amazing quilt pictures, peoples talent does amaze me
I know, it’s amazing and also wonderful that we get to enjoy it with our eyes, even if our fingers won’t comply!
Thank you for all the photos—lots of inspiration and a chuckle over the highland cow quilt.
My thoughts exactly. How do they do it? Such tiny lines and features… Beautiful color blends. Just breathtaking.
She’s adorable!
I was awestruck by the ingenuity and workmanship of the quilts that you photographed.
Thank you for sharing them Kirsty.
You’re most welcome Judy!
Wow! All the awesome art work in those quilts. I can’t pick a favorite. I’ve finally been able to start sewing again…back to my big star quilt that I started pre-operation. It’s your pattern, so we shall see if I can do it justice.
Good luck with getting back to sewing Rosey – take it slow and enjoy it!
Those quilts are quite inspiring! I have a way to go before I reach the talent of these quilters, but enjoy the hobby anyway.
Hi Anne, I don’t think I have the hours to dedicate to being as good as these quilters but like you, I very much enjoy looking at all they have achieved.
I was at the show on Thursday too. The Macaw by Neil Jackman is just amazing, he is actually our president of Maclean Patchwork & Quilters (you can find us on facebook)
Oh lucky you! He could show you how to make a macaw of your own!
Hello from Pennsylvania,
Thank you for sharing the photos from the show. Stunning. Such workmanship.
Such talent. As always I love to see the kitties.
I really would like to get to Australia one of these days.
Stay well and stay safe.
Sandra
Thank you Sandra – and yes, come and visit Australia!
Congratulations on your elevation to stardom Tigger. Don’t let it go to your head.
Thanks for your quilt show pics Kirsty. I was unable to go this year, but it’s on my calendar for 26
Jenny
Hope you can make it next year! And Tigger says thanks for reminding him to keep his paws on the ground.