Bright, bold, and creative, the artistry of Australian and international quilters has been celebrated in Baradine.

Thirty-five members of the online patchwork and quilting community ‘Scrub Stitchin’ met for a five-day crafting workshop held at the Camp Cypress holiday camp from Wednesday 12 April to Sunday 16 April.

Craftswomen arrived in Baradine from Canada, USA, Germany and New Zealand along with others from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia to exchange sewing tips, tricks and techniques and have fun.

“This annual event brings together women who have connected through the online quilting community, some who have never met in person, as well as reuniting old friends,” said Coonamble crafter and workshop organiser, Donna Ditchfield.  “We have women of all ages attending; this is an opportunity to trade ideas and appreciate the beauty of the craft together."

“Unfortunately, Covid stopped us meeting for a few years, but we have all kept in touch regularly sharing our creations and ideas online.”

The definition of a quilt is layers of fabric kept in place by lines of stitching typically applied in a decorative design.

But for Scrub Stitchin’ members the word hold much more meaning.

Part of the Show & Tell session at Scrub Stitchers' workshop. PHOTO: Donna Ditchfield

“Quilting requires precision; it is a mental and physical challenge, and it got me through Covid lockdown,” said Gail Fines from Kansas City, Missouri.

“I am self-taught, and I have designed my own patterns, but it is wonderful to come to a workshop like this and meet members from the online forums, walk around and see what they are working on.

“This is my first visit to Australia and I was not going to miss the opportunity to meet fellow quilters and take part in the workshop.”

Sylvia Porn from Frankfurt in Germany agreed that the online connection was a great way to become socially engaged with other members and share creative ideas.

“The zoom sessions were wonderful during Covid, you could help each other and make friends during a stressful time for everyone,” Sylvia said. “I have met a lot of similar craftswomen through blogging."

Sylvia Porn traveled from Germany to Baradine to share in the pleasure of quilting as a group. PHOTO: Donna Ditchfield

“I like doing handsewn applique, patchwork and quilting; it gives me great pleasure and enjoyment. Getting together like this has been awesome and inspiring. I have gathered a lot of new ideas and there are some specialists in the group.

“Our future online gatherings will be enjoyable, but just not quite the same as sitting at the table all together as we have been doing here.”

Lou from New Zealand with Raylene from South Australia. PHOTO: Donna Ditchfield

Lou Heron from Timaru, New Zealand has been doing patchwork and machine quilting for fifteen years.

“Scrub Stitchin started well before Covid and during the pandemic I think we all missed the physical interaction with other quilters,” Lou said.  

“Attending this workshop in-person is a great way to learn new skills and be inspired and connect with other quilters. I have learned some new techniques and made new friends; I have been having a ball.”

The group enjoy a Baradine sunset at the end of a long day.