July 24, 2023
The annual Quilt Trail is not only a highlight of the Winter Craft Festival, it’s also a highlight in the lives of the many keen quilters who are eager to show off the results of their days, months – and in some instances, years – of intricate work.
The Winter Craft Festival is organised by the Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery and features displays and workshops in and around the gallery in June and July.
But on one weekend, the focus switches to the region.
On Saturday and Sunday, quilters opened the doors of their workshops and meeting places from Maidenwell to Wooroolin to allow the public to come in and admire – and in some cases buy – their colourful works.
Seven venues were open from 9:00am to 3:00pm om Saturday, and from 9:00am to noon on Sunday.
Different styles of quilt were on display at the many venues, including machine quilting, patchwork, English paper piercing (a traditional style that dates back to the 18th century) and Japanese sashiko.
In Kingaroy, the Cooinda Craft Group took over the Town Hall Reception Room with a big display.
Co-ordinator Di Rattray said the 60 members of the group not only enjoy their weekly get-togethers but also do a lot of charity work, including fundraising for the McGrath Foundation and supporting victims of domestic violence.
The group meets on Mondays from 9:00am in the Town Hall Reception Room, and Di says it’s a great way to meet new people and socialise.
“A lot of ladies move to town and don’t know anyone,” she said.
Over at the Kingaroy QCWA Rooms in Kingaroy Street, another big display of quilts filled the main meeting room.
Sewing and embroidery have always been skills the QCWA fosters, with their regular interclub competitions and even patchwork retreats.
Club members also took the opportunity to sell some of their other wares, including jams and baked goods.
