Blog Posts

Mystery Quilt: FINAL IMAGE!!

We hope you have really enjoyed this Inspiring new project brought to us from some very talented (obviously!) crafty people from Australian Country Spinners. Please let us know what you thought of this project and let us know how you went with your knitted quilt! If you would prefer ...

Margaret Conlon

A quilter for around 30 years, Margaret took up quilting when her airforce husband was posted to Penang in Malaysia. “I met another airforce wife while there and she’d been quilting for a little while. I just loved the work that she did... I haven’t stopped since,” says Margaret. “My ...

A global view - Destination: Zambia

“I was lucky enough to recently travel to Zambia in Africa to see how women in developing countries are undertaking training in sewing & tailoring as a means of social & economic development.” - Janine Janine Nutley from Spotlight’s Kawana Waters (QLD) store recently travelled to Zambia in Southern Africa. ...

Artist profile - Carolyn Sullivan

An inspiring woman who pursued her love of quilting and embroidery via further education, whilst raising her family, Carolyn Sullivan is now at a point in her life where she can focus on her work, happily ensconced in her much longed for studio in the Southern Highlands of NSW. We ...

A good friend is like...

“A good friend is like a warm quilt wrapped around the heart.” - Anon. Whenever you talk to a quilter, novice or professional alike, the word ‘friendship’ comes up early in the conversation. Like many other creative hobbies, quilting provides people with much more than stitching skills or an overflowing ...

Artist profile - Maggie Grey

Sometimes in life it takes a huge and tumultuous change to put us on a new and happier path. When the husband of textile artist, Maggie Grey, was retrenched from his insurance industry job the couple were initially in shock. “We thought it was the worse thing in the world,” ...

A brief history of... Crazy quilting

Crazy quilting does not actually refer to a specific kind of quilting; instead it refers to a kind of patchwork. Originating in the late 1800s during the Victorian era, the word crazy was used to mean not only wild but also broken or crazed into splinters; a good description of ...

Quick ‘quilty’ tips

From Michelle Yeo: • Join an in-store class that also offers discounts on fabrics. • Form or join sewing groups so ideas, books and fabrics can be shared. • Buy the right tool for the right job. For instance you only use a 24” x 6.5” ruler for borders. I ...

Jane Sassaman

Every year since its inception the Australasian Quilt Convention has presented local quilters with the best of local and international quilting talent. This year is no exception and, as AQC moves to its new home at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, it welcomes Illinois (USA) based quilter, fabric designer, author and ...

Sue Dennis

Not many people can say their quilting career kicked off in a mining region where the dramatic, sometimes harsh, natural environment inspired their work. Sue Dennis can. It was when her husband’s work took her to Mt. Isa, in North-West Queensland, that the stitching bug bit. Since then she has ...

Hayley Wandelt-Smith

Quilts by Hayley Wandelt-Smith from the Queanbeyan (NSW) Spotlight store A graduate of the Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) from Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), 21-year-old Hayley works in the dress fabric department at Spotlight in Queanbeyan while she saves to move to Melbourne and pursue the dream of building ...

Solving the world’s problems...and quilting too!

For 25 years the Hunters Hill Quilters in New South Wales have been raising money for worthwhile charities while enjoying the creativity and friendship that comes when you get 70 quilting devotees together. Redkite, a group supporting children, young people and their families affected by childhood cancer and Cansupport, a ...

Artist profile - Nic Bridges

Nic Bridges is a professional longarm quilter, artist, designer and teacher whom we met at Be Creative By the Sea at Coffs Harbour. She makes fantastic textile postcards, journal covers, quilts and much more and, this month, Nic shares her talents, and her story, with us. Nic has been making ...

Christmas quilts in Kansas

US quilters come to the aid of children in foster care. In yet another example of crafters helping out those around them who are in need, quilters in Kansas are working on a special Christmas project to provide quilts for children in foster care and for those awaiting ...

Artist Profile - Helen Godden

She only began quilting in 2002 and already Canberra’s Helen Godden has become a rising star of the international quilting world. While those who have toiled over needle, pin, machine and fat quarter for years might groan when they think of the success of this ‘newcomer’ - she had an ...

Fray stop hint

When using fray stop don’t cut the tip with scissors but pierce the nozzle with a pin. This gives you a very fine line and is easier to control. Joan (SA)

Beth Miller

Canberra’s Beth Miller attended her first quilting class in 1981. What started as a hobby became a passion and in 1997 she completed tertiary studies in commercial screen printing and fabric decoration. It was during that period that Beth started making quilts and printing, painting and dyeing many of the ...

Fat Quarters in Pink tribute exhibition

A Melbourne retail gallery called Lumina Fibre Arts Gallery has taken the cause of fundraising for breast cancer research to new heights by dedicating the entire month of October to a tribute exhibition called Fat Quarters in Pink. Owner of Lumina, Suzanne Vial, is rallying the patchworking and quilting troops ...

Artist profile - Lorraine Carthew

At 'get creative' we met quilt artist, Lorraine Carthew, and decided we had to know more about her. Lorraine is a former fashion designer and, now, an award winning quilter, author and teacher. Many of her quilts have been exhibited in international shows including the American Quilter’s Society’s one in ...

Indie craft report

Changes are afoot in the craft scene and major players in the industry are finally sensing the shift. Carrying the moniker, ‘indie craft’, this new trend sees 18 to 35-year-old crafters taking to needle, thread, the computer, the recycle bin, you name it, and coming up with beautiful, cheeky and ...

Where quilt police fear to tread

Seeing the women behind Bathing Belles, the seabreeze Quilters’ delightful, semi-autobiographical work-in-progress, try to stop giggling long enough for a group photograph to be taken is a bit like watching school girls, bursting with stories & secrets, trying to keep quiet during class. Community quilting groups like Seabreeze, which meets ...

Sister Sheila Flynn - Keeping five stitches ahead

At the 2008 Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) one of the most striking exhibitions did not come from Australian quilters. Instead, it came from embroiderers working in South Africa as part of the Kopanang Project. In an environment wracked with poverty and HIV/AIDS, this ancient craft is proving a financial and ...

Projects

Japanese inspired cushion

Buy specific fabrics for this project or use up some remnants.

Flying geese quilt

Expand your quilting repertoire with this favourite pattern

Printable fabric art quilt

Use your own photos & imagery to create unique fabrics & art.

Lattice quilt

Use this wonderful block pattern to create a one-of-a-kind lattice quilt.

Single wedding ring block quilt

This block also sometimes goes by the name Crown of Thorns... not quite as romantic!

Patchwork tote

Embrace the new season with fabrics that reflect the beauty of spring.

Sewing easy curves

Ready to move on & put your sewing machine through it straps? Easy Curves are the next fun challenge for budding quilters.

Floral churn dash quilt

The Churn Dash quilt block is an interesting pattern that is composed of triangles, rectangles, and a single square.

Hot stuff! Coffee sleeve

Have fun with free machine embroidery & use your fabric scraps in this simple project that makes a great office gift.

Continuous curves quilt

Inspired by Beth Miller... we’ve tried our own version of this technique.

Spots & Stripes Quilt

Create this quilt using fabrics from the 'Spots & Stripes' range. Quilt measures: 34" x 46" (86cm x 117cm)

Classical Black & White Stripe Quilt

Create this classical black & white quilt in several simple steps.

Rose Garden Quilt

Create this beautiful quilt with fabric from Spotlight.

Christmas star quilt

Quilting for Christmas is a precious tradition. Make this for your own home or present it as a gift that will truly be treasured.

Melody of Flowers Quilt

Create a beautiful quilt using this range of colourful fabrics.

Using strip piecing - Checkerboard

Strip piecing eliminates the need to work with small individual pieces of fabric & can save lots of time when making quilts with complex blocks. The basic technique involves cutting strips, stitching them together & cutting them into units which are stitched together into blocks.

Using strip piecing - Rail Fence

Strip piecing eliminates the need to work with small individual pieces of fabric & can save lots of time when making quilts with complex blocks. The basic technique involves cutting strips, stitching them together & cutting them into units which are stitched together into blocks.

Using strip piecing - Double Irish chain

Strip piecing eliminates the need to work with small individual pieces of fabric & can save lots of time when making quilts with complex blocks. The basic technique involves cutting strips, stitching them together & cutting them into units which are stitched together into blocks.

Festive ’goose in a pond’

Featuring a fabric called Memories 2 we’ve used a variation on a traditional quilt block for a festive effect.

Fabric Decorations

Create pretty tree decorations from scraps of fabric and wadding.

Freestyle Quilt

Quilt idea by Hayley Wandelt-Smith from the Queanbeyan (NSW) Spotlight store.

Fabric book # 1

A small project with loads of potential; play with scraps, stitches, adhesives & more!

Fabric book # 2

A small project with loads of potential; play with scraps, stitches, adhesives & more!

Get the basics - Gütermann Sulky Stabilisers

Stabilisers serve a wide variety of purposes in general sewing and craft as well as machine embroidery. The latest removable stabilisers, however, are highly versatile and are particularly good for ‘creative’ styles of embroidery such as free-standing lace, free-motion embroidery, and filigree techniques using ribbons and yarns. They are also ...

How to - Fusible binding

A fusible binding is perfect for display pieces such as wall hangings that will not receive the wear & tear that bed quilts do & it’s easy and fast to make.

How to - adhering Vliesofix

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners.

How to - Patchwork seams

Pressing patchwork seams affects how your quilt will look, and flat patchwork is easier to quilt.

Oriental garden quilt

Echoes of the Orient permeate the design of this beautiful quilt. All fabrics should be 100% cotton, washed & pressed. ¼” seam allowance used throughout unless otherwise indicated. Read all instructions carefully before commencing the quilt.

Fabric book # 2

A small project with loads of potential; play with scraps, stitches, adhesives & more!

Rachel’s art quilt

a 'get creative' reader’s project Rachel Carter of Melbourne VIC was inspired by a photo to create an art quilt wall hanging.

Silhouette quilt

Inspired by Jane Sassaman... we’ve tried our own version of a Simple Silhouette quilt.

Create fabric & make a tote

Use fabric scraps wisely & winsomely in this clever, creative project.

Autumn quilt

Hark back to simpler times with this creatively comforting patchwork project.

Easter quilt

Talented quilter, Fran Rourke, works at Spotlight’s Fountain Gate store in Victoria. She made her first quilt three years ago while demonstrating machines in-store & since then, has shown great flair for the form. An all-round queen of craft, Fran is also a skilled mohair bear maker, bag designer, embroider ...

Rambling rose quilt

Interested in trying quilting? This basic project allows you to develop your rotary cutting skills & showcase pretty patterned fabrics.

African market wall hanging

This free form quilt style is ideal for showcasing those special fabrics. A simple design allows the fabrics to speak for themselves.

Get the basics - Quilting accessories

Everything you need to start quilting.

Colour wheel

A colour wheel enables you to see how colours work together: the primary colours - red, blue and yellow, secondary colours - orange, green and violet, and complementary colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel such as red-green, orange - blue and yellow - violet. The colour ...

Double Irish chain quilt

A great quilt for the beginner, especially when learning rotary cutting & one that can easily be adapted for interesting variations. The traditional Double Irish Chain quilt is made from two basic pieced 5-patch blocks using 3 different fabrics or values of fabric - fabric A or dark fabric, fabric ...

Quilter’s wall hanging

Quilt wall hanging idea thanks to Margaret Conlon from Spotlight’s Braybrook store.

How to - join binding strips

Revisit different craft foundation techniques

How to - strip piecing

Strip piecing eliminates the need to work with small individual pieces of fabric and can save lots of time when making quilts with complex blocks. The basic machine technique involves cutting strips, stitching them together to form a strip set, cutting them into units which are stitched together into blocks. ...

Dresden Plate Quilt

Advertised in the Spotlight End of Season Clearance catalogue January 2010, here is your free project sheet. Dresden plate quilts are often seen as scary or an advanced technique, but they're really quite easy once you have your template drawn! By following along with this project you'll soon be a ...

Lantern Festival Quilt & Cushions

Very cute and colourful!

Tree Hugger Quilt

Free Project as mentioned in the Spotlight Inspirations catalogue.

Safe Harbour Banner

A fantastic looking banner that will look great anywhere.

Zest Tote Bag

A bright and colourful bag to complement any outfit!

Jelly Bean Jungle Cot Quilt

How cute is this! What a great way to brighten up a nursery. * As advertised in the Spotlight sewing catalogue starting 7th July 2010.

Mystery Quilt: WEEK ONE

Welcome to the first week of the Mystery Quilt. We are starting out easy with WEEK ONE: Knit & Purl.

Mystery Quilt: WEEK THREE

Welcome back to the Mystery Quilt... I know everyone is pretty excited. In WEEK THREE we are covering Motifs - Colour blocking (Intarsia) & Knitting stitch embroidery. Enjoy!

Mystery Quilt - WEEK TWO

WEEK TWO: Stocking stitch and colour blocking (Intarsia). Welcome back to the Mystery Quilt, We hope you enjoy the second week of knitting!

Mystery Quilt: WEEK FOUR

WEEK FOUR features Texture.

Mystery Quilt: WEEK FIVE

Covering more intermediate knitting with Intermediate Knitting WEEK FIVE: FAIR ISLE.

Mystery Quilt: WEEK SIX

This is the final week of our Mystery Quilt, and in WEEK SIX: we are covering cables. Intermediate Knitting.

Yo-Yo Wall hanging

Bring the Christmas feel to your walls this year. Yo-yos, also known as Suffolk Puffs, add a wonderful 3-D element to textile projects.

Christmas table runner

Add a stunning centre piece to your table this Christmas.

What a Hoot - Owl quilt & toys

If you love all things cute, we are sure you will love these projects!

Night Owl Quilt & Cushions

Create this decorative quilt and cushions using fabric from Spotlight. Quilt measures: 42 1/2” x 50” (108cm x 130cm) Cushions: 36cm square

Happy Owl Quilt

Quilt measures: 50 1/2” x 44 1/2” (128cm x 113cm) Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/e14-happy-owl [tinyurl.com]

Rainbow Spots & Stripes Quilt

Quilt measures: 50 1/2” x 52 1/2” (128cm x 133cm) Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/e14-spotsquilt [tinyurl.com]

Flannelette Cot Quilt

Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E15-cotquilt [tinyurl.com] This is a quick and easy quilt without binding. Quilt measures: 26" x 44" (66cm x 112cm)

Parklife Nine-Patch Quilt

Download PDF: http://tinyurl.com/E15-quilt [tinyurl.com] Quilt measures: 38" x 38" (96.5cm x 96.5cm)

Feedsack Stepping Stones Quilt

Download PDF: http://su.pr/2vluBY [su.pr] Featured in "Bargains Galore" catalogue on page 20. Quilt measures: 51” x 64” (130cm x 163cm) Finished block size: 8 1/2”

Mini Mates Quilt

Download PDF: http://su.pr/1mKktU [su.pr] Finished quilt top measures 84x108cm

Neutral Bliss Quilt

Featured in 'Picnics & Fairgrounds' VIP catalogue. Quilt approximate size 70" square Border strip length measurements are approximate. Please measure your quilt top before cutting the borders. Use 1/4" seam allowance

Sorbet Quilt

Download PDF: http://su.pr/1Az9Jw [su.pr] Quilt measures 42 1/2" x 56" (108cm x 142cm)

Red & White Christmas Quilt

Download PDF: http://su.pr/1ZQk77 [su.pr] QUILT MEASURES 43”x43” (109x109cm) Read all instructions carefully before commencing the quilt.

On the Go Quilt

Download PDF: http://spotlight.com.au/projects/e09-projects/e09-project-02/ [spotlight.com.au]

Provence Quilt

Download PDF: http://spotlight.com.au/projects/e09-projects/e09-project-03/ [spotlight.com.au]

Your Inspiration Room