Robian Applique Designs

GP&QG Exhibition 2011

2011-12-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

If you have checked out my web site you will know about my wins at the Geelong Quilt Exhibition held in November, as my husband, Ian, has had a fun time putting photos on the site for all to see.
For those of you who don't know, I won four prizes, which were:
Best In Show for, "Adorable Adelaide",
Best Art quilt for, "We will Remember Them",
Best Handwork for, "Jacobean Jumble", and,
Members' Choice for, "Horse Play", which was for our theme challenge.
The theme for the Exhibition was "Nautical" - not necessarily nice! My horses were sea horses.
The display of quilts was fabulous. It was a very successful Exhibition and well attended by people from right across the country.
It has been a big year this year and I have taught loads of classes which have been a lot of fun.
I am hoping to get some more videos and patterns on the web next year, so keep an eye out for those.
I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy 2012.

Til' next time,
Happy Quilting,
Robyn

News and New Web Designs

2011-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I have been doing a lot of teaching this year at a beaut shop in town called, "Jiddi's Patch" - see home page for link, at a most wonderful group in the country called, The Bacchus Marsh Friendship Quilters, our local Geelong Guild and at the Barwon Heads group called Seachange Quilters; what great groups they have been and we have had so much fun. Quilters have the best sense of humour and we always manage to laugh at ourseleves a lot. It continues to amaze me that my classes fill up and I feel so lucky to be able to teach my "Appliqart" method. I would like to say a huge "thank you" to all of the girls who have been in my many classes this year, for your company and for making the time we spend together thoroughly enjoyable. Although I teach, I seem to learn so much from you all and I thank you.

This year I have had several designs in magazines, including Australian Patchwork and Quilting, Australian Country Craft and Decorating and a block in Homespun, as part of a quilt for the Starlight Foundation.

My husband, Ian, is currently updating the store on our web site and adding some new designs. Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of printing we have had to increase the price of our patterns; this is the first time in two and a half years that we have done so. However, we feel that they are still very reasonablly priced, especially given that they are all full sized.

The Geelong Patchwork and Quilters' Guild is holding our biennial quilt show on the 25th, 26th and 27th of November and I am looking forward to that. I am the Treasurer again this year and although it takes a lot of work to organise the show, it is truly worth it. Our small committee of Carole, Mary, Pam, Chris and myself, is a wonderful little group to be a part of. I would encourage you all to try to make it to the exhibition as there is something there for everyone to see. I have 5 quilts that I will put in the show - 3 that will be making their "debut". We also have a quilt challenge and our theme is, "Nautical" - not necessarily nice.

Til next time,

Happy Quilting,

Robyn and Ian

Pam Bono's new web site

2011-05-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

What great quilting weather we have been having here in the southern part of Victoria. It has been a delightful week or two of cold outside and warm and snuggly inside doing our quilting. It is times like this when it is so cold at night that I think about those who are homeless and much less fortunate than we are, and I always appreciate how lucky I am.

The garden is a bit of a mess with the leaves from the apricot and nectarine trees scattered in a carpet across the lawn. But they can stay there until they have all fallen because sure as anything, if I go out and clear them up we will have a windy day and the rest will fall. The seasonal changes that we experience here in the southern part of Australia are one of the things I love most about our climate.

I have continued to be busy and now have another pattern with a DVD on how to make my "Duet" design on Pam Bono's, Pam's Club, web site. Pam has worked so hard over a long period of time to create a new and wonderful web site, where for a small membership you can get the best free patterns and bargains. I am just so in love with Pam's magnificent creations and would encourage people to go and look and consider joining up. The link is http://www.pamsclub.com

I have had two other patterns in the Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine and continue to work on new designs.

Til next time,

Happy Quilting,

Robyn

New Pattern On Our Website - "Geometry and Grace".

2010-09-03T23:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Quilters,

This is just a little blog note to let you know that we now have a new pattern on our web site called, "Geometry and Grace". It is a pattern made up of blocks in an unusual configuraation. They have a centre part made from 8 triangles and the outer part is a wavy border that has it's edge covered with leaf stem bias. It has some great secondary patterns as well. It would suit either an experienced quilter or someone wanting to start out, especially if their foray is into the world of applique.
For our Australian web browers we have a special of free postage on any patterns for the month of September. But I am sorry that we are unable to extend that to our overseas customers as postage is just too expensive for such a small business as ours.
I hope you are all still thoroughly enjoying your quilting and that there is sunshine in your life.
Actually, I feel for the USA people because I have been watching some of the tennis - another love in my life - and you guys have had some pretty hot weather over there.

Til the next time,
Happy quilting,

Robyn

2010-07-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick little note to tell you about my big win at the Victorian Quilters Showcase Quilt Show in Melbourne last week. I won Runner Up in the Mainly Applique - professional section for my "Hearts and Vines" quilt. The same quilt also won a Judges Commendation. I was so overjoyed as it is a state show and I didn't expect to even get a look in there. I won some beautiful prizes, too.

It is the second time I have entered a show and won prizes and I still find it hard to believe because there are so many divine quilts being made and entered.

The quilt that won Best of Show was staggeringly beautiful with such fine detail and gorgeous work. So often these days I am stunned speechless (no mean feat) by the scale of magnificent and spectacular creativity that is going on among women (and increasingly, men) around us everywhere in the quilting world.

It was also wonderful to see some many young people taking up quilting as well, and putting their work in the show.

It is still quite cold here and I am longing for the warmer weather, although it is still very dry as we seem to have had little rain this winter.

Til the next time,
Happy quilting,
Robyn

July 1st - Quilting

2010-06-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Again, it is an age since I have done a blog post but here I am.

June was a very exciting month with the Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine having my quilt, "Fuchsia fanfare" on the front cover and a profile of me inside. It was such an honour to be in the magazine, let alone have my first published quilt pattern on the front cover. I was elated.

I have recently completed another quilt that may go into the magazine and I have also just finished a small Jacobean wall hanging which was a lot of fun. One day I will work out how to put photos on my blog and will show you what I am on about.

We are in the middle of winter here and it has been very cold. I have just read in today's paper that we are having a colder winter than the previous couple of years and it really does feel that way. However, it is perfect quilting weather.

I have spent a lot of time in the garden of late, too, as it seems that winter in the garden is a very busy time; there always seems so much to do like pruning and preparation for spring. But even when it is cold it is still nice to be out there in the crisp air, if it isn't windy.

Til the next time, happy quilting.
Robyn

For The Love of Quilting

2010-03-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It's a new year and already we are well on our way to Easter. Time really does fly, especially when we have lots of fun projects that we want to work on.

I wish to inform everyone that we now have a change in our PO Box number. We used to have our box in the city but when it came up for renewal we decided to get one close to home. So our new PO address is Robian Applique Designs,
PO Box 7545, Geelong West, Victoria, 3218 Australia.

I went off up to Bendigo early yesterday morning, to see my nephew play soccer and what a lovely little surprise, of the quilting variety, I had. Tom (nephew) didn't have his first game til after lunch so we had some free time. AND, what else does a quilter do when she/he has free time away from home, but go to the quilt fabric shops, of course.

I found a shop in Bendigo called Honeysuckle Stained Glass and Patchwork which, as an appliquer, had me salivating. Nicky stocks among the best, most beautiful and somewhat prolific range of tone on tone (among other things) fabrics that I have come across in this state. Her fabrics are to dye for (sorry) and she also stocks a full range of Fossil Fern Fabric. WOW - I was over the moon and will be telling everyone about it and returning to that shop again. If you love applique, as I do, you will be in applique paradise in this shop.

There are several other quilting stores in the beautiful city of Bendigo, also, so it is well worth a drive if you don't live in the area.

Tom played brilliantly in his two soccer games and kicked most of the team goals. They won their first match and had a draw in the second. I would have loved to have been there again today to see his other games but we were unable to find accommodation. But there will always be another time. I hope you have good matches again today, Tom. Congratulations on your fabulous playing.

I hope everyone rushed out and got their copy of Homespun magazine in January which had my pattern "Wattle Day" and profile in it. Also, I hope you all get Australian Patchwork and Quilting for February as some of my quilts were in that also, from when we had our Geelong Quilting Exhibition.

Til next time - happy quilting

Robyn

Thank goodness for Quilting

2009-12-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

It seems like such a long time since I have sat here at the computer and done my blog and Newsletter.

I have been away for quite a while up in Northern New South Wales with my sister Chris. I was with her when she passed away from this world into the next, in November, aged only 58 years. She died from lung cancer and it is just the most terrible way to die.

I feel that my world will never be the same without her in it and my heart goes out to Shane and Tim; Chris’s husband and 17 year old son. Thank you to my wonderful friends and family everywhere who have given me the most heartfelt support.

But life goes on. The sun will surely rise tomorrow and we left to grieve must, in some way, take care of ourselves and nurture each other when and where we can, so that we can survive this.

Thank goodness for quilting. I had never entered any of my quilts in an exhibition before this November. We had our biennial 3 day quilt show in Geelong in November. It is an exhibition of work of the Geelong Patchwork and Quilters Guild members. I put 3 quilts in and a small quilt in the challenge.

I won equal 3rd place in the challenge, Best of Show, Viewers Choice 1st and Viewers Choice 2nd. I am still in shock about this.

It just demonstrates how, during life, we can experience the most exhilarating highs and the most soul crunching lows in a very short space of time. I find it difficult to explain how one can feel shattered and heart broken whilst on cloud 9. But that is surely how I have felt for a while.

I have a small wall hanging pattern and profile in the January edition of Homespun magazine which has been something to look forward to. I have just completed another quilt to go into another fabulous Australian quilting magazine next year. But I will tell you more about that when it happens. It really is very exciting.

I hope you are all enjoying your quilting and/or other hobbies. I hope, too, that your Christmas is full of good news, good health, good friends and family. I wish you all the very best for the New year and, God willing, I will be back here in 2010.

Happy quilting,

Robyn

My Sister, Chris

2009-10-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

I have been away from my blog and my website for a couple of weeks and going through a bit of a tough time this year.

My sister Chris, second of we 5 siblings and next in age to me, 15 months younger, at age 58, has lung cancer. I am shattered - one can only begin to imagne how it must be for her.

She lives in New South Wales near Maitland which is a long way from me. It is a one hour drive to the airport, a flight of an hour and a half and a drive of about half an hour to reach her.

She found out she had lung cancer in November last year and up until about 2 months ago wasn't doing too badly.

She contracted pneumonia in September and almost died; but she has rallied and is still in hospital. At that stage she wanted us all to be with her. I am the eldest, then Chris, another sister, a brother and another sister and our Mum. Our Dad died of lung and brain cancer in 1982.

Chrissy faces a battle and we all want to be there with her. But, like everyone, we have commitments of one sort or another and things we need to do, and we all live hours from each other. So I had to leave her last weekend and come home to do things. I am so torn because I want to be with her but need to be here too.

I will probably go back up to be with her and will be neglectful of my web site and blog posts. My beloved brother also had a partial removal of his prostate and a kidney removed with cancer earlier this year. As well, a nephew has had testicular cancer. So it has been a big year for this dreadful illness in our family.

I wanted to let people know so that there is some explanation for neglect of web things.

I hope you are all quilting to your hearts content and loving every (well, most anyway - maybe not the unpicking) minute of it.

Til next time,

Robyn

New Design - Dresden Diamonds

2009-09-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Quilters,

Just a quick little note to tell you all that our new Dresden Diamonds pattern is now available in the store. The pattern contains all of the instructions and information you will need to make the quilt top and I hope people enjoy doing so. It is a full size pattern and there is no joining of pages, photocopying or enlarging.

I have just had two wonderful days with a friend who came down from Melbourne to stay. She, too, is a quilter, and we had a lovely time gallivanting around the countryside looking in fabric, quilting and patchwork stores, drinking coffee and eating cake etc. We are so lucky to be able to do these things.

I hope you out there are happy and well and feeling excited about starting a new project or finishing one off; or just enjoying being in the middle of one.

Til the next time
Happy quilting,

Robyn

The Relevance of a Blog

2009-08-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Blog Readers,

When we set up our web site, my husband (the computer guru) told me that I needed to be "out there" and have my own blog. So I wrote a few things and posted a few blogs and then began to wonder what they were all about.
I know that people read them because Feedjit tells me they do but there are no comments or responses ......
As the web site provides information about our products and we have a Newsletter that goes out monthly, what is the purpose of a blog????
Can anyone tell me??
Can anyone tell me why they read them and what they want to read???? Do people who don't receive the Newsletter read them???
Should I be communicating what I am up to in my little room designing and making my quilts????? Are people interested in knowing those things???
Are people interested in our beautiful garden as my nectarine tree is bursting forth with pink blossoms??????
Please leave a comment and let us know these things or send an email from the web site because I would really like to know.

Happy Quilting,

Robyn

Craft and Quilt Show

2009-07-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

I went off to the Melbourne Craft and Quilt Show yesterday and I just have to say how wonderful it was. If you have even a tiny inclination toward craft and creativity you will find something there to interest, look at or purchase.
For people like me who live and breathe quilts it is a feast for the mind and spirit that sets my imagination ablaze.
I find that to wander through the beautiful quilts is a most nurturing and inspiring experience and I always leave with more ideas for future projects.

That is to say nothing about my arms being laden with fabrics and tools of all kinds.

I find the experience of a day at a fabulous fair like that to be uplifting and inspirational and it is such a credit to the organisers that we have a show of this calibre in such a great venue - thank you.

I do hope that lots of you out there can make it to the show or to those held in other cities, as it is definitely worth every effort.

Happy quilting
Robyn

Tangerine Tango Release

2009-07-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

PHEW, how busy can one get these days. We all seem to be flat out , don't we?? We have been busy down here at Robian Applique Design Headquarters coming up with new ideas and getting ready for our July special. Don't forget, if there are any of you out there who haven't yet signed up in the web site store, for our Newsletter then please do so. Our list is increasing and we are very happy to welcome lots of new people to our site.

http://www.robianappliquedesigns.com.au

Pam at Pam Bono Designs USA has just released my, "On The Village Green" pattern to the world today and I am hoping it goes well. "On The Village Green" and "Robianville" are still very popular here.

If you haven't checked out our new Tangerine Tango Table Runner pattern, that is it there at the top. We hope you like it. There is also a Place Mat pattern to go with it and DVD's. See our store.

Til the next time,

Happy Quilting,
Robyn

New Pattern Available

2009-06-09T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Things have been going really well and we are now able to release our new pattern "Hearts and Vines" ahead of schedule. However, it is at the cost of "Mostly Dots". I have had to put this pattern on the back burner for a while but I'm hoping to get to finish it later in the year. I apologise to those of you who are wanting it.

Hearts and Vines (57" x 57") is a stunning design consisting of four centre blocks and a magnificent curved outer border. It is the sort of quilt that can be taken with you to hand sew - particularly the centre. Flowers, bias and leaves make up most of the applique on the quilt. The outer border is unusual and the finished quilt will make a gorgeous addition to a bed or wall.

See the online store on our website http://www.robianappliquedesigns.com.au for further details.

Happy Quilting,

Robyn

Our First Newsletter

2009-05-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Toaday we posted our first web Newsletter. It heralded a new stage in the growth of our web site and we plan to try to get one out at the start of each month. If you would like to receive it just register in the store and it will be sent to your email.

I am in the process of making up a gorgeous table runner with my beginning trade mark curved borders for our DVD. I am sure you will like it.

Thank you to Karen for posting a nice comment on my blog and to Monika for yours in the store. As we are a relatively new site we do appreciate your comments and you can join us as followers if you wish.

I am very happy to be able to tell you all that I have been working with one of the most amazingly talented quiltmakers, Pam Bono, from the USA. Pam's warmth and generosity of spirit are matched only by her ability to design and make the most beautiful quilts and she will be selling my designs on her web site in the coming weeks. If you wish you can go to her site and see the sneak preview which she did of my work. http://www.pambonodesigns.com/ You will need to go to Resources/E Newsletter/Pam Bono Memorial Fun Day.

Until next time,
Happy quilting,
Robyn

Great Quilting Weather

2009-05-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. Just wanted to say that Ian and I are busy doing all manner of things to get more patterns on the web site and to make it as user friendly as we can.

We are hoping to make our DVD in the next few weeks and will put it in the store when available. The DVD will demonstrate the applique method I use to make my quilts and you won't believe how simple it is - unless you have done one of my classes!!

There was a lot of interest shown in the web site and orders as a result of my flyers going in the show bags at the Geelong Quilt In. It was a great day.

I hope you are all managing to stay warm and enjoying the cooler quilting weather - in the southern hemisphere, that is.

Happy quilting,
Robyn

2009-05-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

2009-05-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

Online Store Now Open

2009-04-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

Looking for a challenge?

Robian Applique Designs has opened their online store where you can browse the new and exciting Applique Quilt Patterns, designed by Robyn Coots.

Visit http://www.robianappliquedesigns.com.au/ for further details

Below are some examples of the unique work that is creating widespread interest from all who have seen Robyn's work or attended her classes.

All patterns are professionally produced, and come with clear instructions to ensure you get the most enjoyment from your purchase.

These patterns are not for the beginning quilter, but offer a challenge to those who have already covered the basics and want something more creative than those patterns offered on many sites. Challenge yourself and be rewarded with a truly unique finished quilt.

Remember, Robyn is only an email away if you have any difficulty.

See full details on the Web page, and contact us via the provided links if you would like further information. Products may be purchased from our online store with secure connections for PayPal, Credit Card, Cheque or Money Order.

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars, so our International customers can take advantage of the current Exchange Rate while the Aussie Dollar is so low.