Rajah Quilt Retreat Weekend
Get ready for a weekend of stitching, socialising, and quilting delight at the Rajah Quilt Retreat in picturesque Goulburn!
30 July 2024 Update
Don’t forget your best coat when you come to Goulburn. So far our weather has been typical winter cold, which brings beautiful blue sky days, but chilly nights.
Attached is the Project Quilt for the retreat. I hope you like it. Don’t forget to let me know if you are wanting fabrics or the kit that I have created.
I have also attached an updated schedule for the weekend. I have included some places that I can recommend for dinner, as well as 2 shops along the way for those travelling from the north.
Not long to go, I’m really looking forward to welcoming everyone to the retreat,
If you have any questions just give me a call or an email. All the correspondence so far is available on the web site, on the retreat page, you can access it quickly and even print it if you would like to.
Rajah Quilt Retreat Quilt Project
Please download the Full Rajah Quilt Project Requirements
I hope that you like it!!
I have made this design with the original quilt in mind. I have also decided to make it my own by adding options in design and size that will lend itself to any level or style of quilter.
The quilter can determine the finished size. The main section shown below is bordered by a 3” wide mustard border at 60” square. You can choose to continue adding borders as shown in the full pattern and finish your own design as large as you choose.
I have also added options for block designs that you may prefer in place of the amount of applique.
I have used the Applique paper method with machine sewing. I have used the Hugs and Kisses Applique paper method which I can’t wait to demonstrate.
In keeping with the tradition of the original Quilt I have decided to applique the birds into the centre, again this is optional.
I have decided to complete my quilt with a border at the 60” size. I have added a 10” border which makes my finished size 80”x 80”
Quilt Retreat Weekend Schedule
Thursday August 22nd
For those making their way to Goulburn from the North, there are a couple of places you might like to include in your trip.
- Kathy at The Stitchers Cupboard will be open all day and is happy to welcome you to her home store @ 27 Crookston Drive, Camden Sth. Her range is amazing, covers everyone’s style.
- Thread Botanica, 16A Bowral Rd, Mittagong. Sally has a beautiful, curated collection and is worth a visit.
We will be kicking the weekend off with a short event at the Soldiers Club, RSL from 5pm. Included is a glass of wine or soft drink and some light nibbles. There you can mingle and get to know each other. You can stay on for dinner (@your own expense) in the Bistro. Some other places I can recommend are listed below.
Dining options:
The Paragon Café ,174-176 Auburn St.
Lush café restaurant, 277 Auburn Street
The Southern Railway Hotel, 188 Sloan St
Thai Som Boon, 288 Auburn St
If you are looking for breakfast options, or coffee! Café 5911 opens from 6.30am. they are conveniently located near the courthouse on the side of the park, opposite the Soldiers Club.
Friday August 23rd
Bus leaves 8.15 am from the Visitors information centre,
We will arrive at the Gallery at 10am
Gallery visit is 10 till 11.30. The quilt display is not large but you will have plenty of viewing time. You will receive a ticket from me to be scanned on entry.
Coffee is available at the outdoor café located near the entrance.
Lunch Arboretum 12 to 1.30pm @ own expense, a cafeteria-style menu with a large choice and plenty of seating, and stunning views of Canberra.
Shop 1 2pm to 3.30pm The Makerie is a beautiful shop . Split into 2 sections. One offers a large selection of wool and the other provides a wide range of fabrics, paper piecing, embroidery, cross stitch and more. A beautiful modern collection of Tula Pink, Kaffe, Ruby Star and more.
Shop 2 3.45pm to 5.30pm Calico Patch A lovely shop offering Japanese fabrics, licenced prints, reproduction ranges, wide backs, minky and flannel, and Christmas fabrics.
Return to the Visitors Information Center by 6.45
Saturday August 24th
The door to the sewing area won’t open until 10, club rules. You can be sure that there is plenty of room, so no need to worry. You can bring your supplies up in the lift, which comes from both the back parking garage and the main lobby. You will need to register as a guest if you are not a local, on your way in each day.
Morning tea will be served from 10.45 both days.
We have 2 visiting shops for you to enjoy.
- Appleyard Cottage. Veronica will have a selection of her fabrics and patterns for sale, along with a selection of notions and threads.
- Fabric at the right price, Robyn will have her beautiful collections of reproduction fabrics for sale.
Sewing from10 am till 5pm , breaking for lunch when you choose.
Evening sewing 5pm til 9pm, untutored.
Sunday August 25th
Sewing from 10 am, concluding at 4pm
1 July 2024 Update
I hope everyone is well and staying warm.
I’m getting very excited now, with only 8 weeks to go until our Retreat its time to get organised.
So far there has been only one change to the plans. That is the Welcome Drinks venue has been moved. It will now be at the Soldiers Club, not the Alpine Heritage Motel as planned. The club is spacious and warm; you can stay on for dinner there without having to venture out after the get-together to find a meal.
The Quilt!! This will be my version of the historic quilt. While it is the focus Quilt of the retreat, it is not in any way restricting your choices of project and what you want to achieve with your days of sewing. You can do whatever you like, it’s your choice. Just let me know what you intend to work on so that I can be prepared.
The Rajah Quilt is a unique piece of Australian history. While I admire the actual quilt, my fascination for the quilt lies mostly with the circumstances and women who created it. Why they were there, how they endured the journey, the conditions, the hardships and sewing on the dark, cold stinky ship. All of it interests me.
So I have created my version of the original. I have used the same blocks, increased the sizes and left out some of the embroidered elements. I have chosen a bigger colour palette but kept it in more reproduction fabrics than I would normally use. I hope you like it.
It is a quilt of many options. You can choose to make the finished size 60” or 88”. I have designed alternative blocks and various ways to achieve the same look depending on your skill level or technique preference.
I have a full centre kit available. This includes the exact fabrics that I have used and all that need to replicate mine. You can then choose your colours and fabrics to carry on. I have put together kits of colour palettes for purchase also.
I have used a range called FERNSHAW by Max and Louise as my feature. This is still widely available. I suggest Threads Botanica and Fabrics at the right Price by Robyn Cawdon if you are looking for it.
I will be listing detailed fabric requirements next week.
I intend to teach all the techniques involved in the quilt to get you to the second (pink) border by the end of the weekend.
What To Bring:
All your sewing requirements.
I will allow 2 power outlets per person, one for your machine and one for an iron, but you may be able to share the irons if you need a light,for example.
Your cutters and rulers, I have large cutting mats to bring along.
I will provide 2 irons and ironing boards.
Visiting Vendors:
Veronica from Appleyard Cottage will be joining us with her pop-up shop.
Robyn Cawdron will also be joining us on Saturday with her Reproduction fabric collection.
Both ladies have EFT available.
Payment
I would appreciate full payment by the end of July.
I hope everyone is ok with accommodation. Please call me anytime with any questions on 0425816347
All the details, including all the information in this and future emails, will be available on this web page.
The fabric kits will be available very soon.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon
Susan
Your Rajah Quilt Retreat Weekend
August 22nd to 25th 2024
The focus of the weekend will be to celebrate the marvellous Rajah Quilt and the incredible women who made it.
As a special treat, you’ll receive a uniquely exclusive quilt pattern by Little Red Jug to inspire your creativity!
A coach trip to Canberra to the Australian National Gallery to view the Rajah Quilt Exhibition at your leisure, shopping, and two days of quilting!
The Rajah Retreat is now fully booked.
For further enquiries or to let us know if a spot becomes available please call Susan on 0425 816 347 or send her an email by clicking here.
Here's what's waiting for you:
📅 Thursday, 22/8/2024: Arrive in Goulburn at your leisure and kick off your quilting adventure with a special treat! Join us for welcome drinks from 5 pm to 7 pm at The Soldiers Club
It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow quilters, share stories, and get into the quilting spirit.
🚌 Friday, 23/8/2024: Embark on a captivating bus trip to the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra! Marvel at exquisite quilt displays and enjoy shopping stops to find the perfect additions for your projects.
Following the gallery visit, we’ll stop for a delightful lunch to recharge before our shopping adventure. Then, get ready to explore two fantastic quilting destinations:
- The Makerie in Gungahlin, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of quilting supplies and inspiration.
- The Calico Patch in Gold Creek offers a wide selection of fabrics, patterns, and notions to fuel your creativity.
🧵 Saturday & Sunday, 24 and 25/8/2024: Dive into two full days of sewing bliss at the Soldiers Club venue.
Tuition will be provided if you choose to make a start on the exclusively designed Rajah-inspired quilt pattern by Little Red Jug.
Alternatively bring any kind of project you like to work on, whether it’s hand-sewn or machine-sewn.
Exchange ideas, learn new techniques, and revel in the supportive community atmosphere.
Veronica Appleyard from Appleyard Cottage will have exciting goodies available at her POP-UP-SHOP. Veronica is local to the Southern Highlands with many years of experience as both a longarm quilter and teacher. Veronica is renowned for her collage designs and offers workshops on her unique technique. Check out her work Veronica Appleyard on Instagram and Facebook, as well as her website www.appleyardcottage.com.au.
Tea and coffee, as well as morning and afternoon tea selections will be provided during the sewing sessions.
Your Sewing Venue - Goulburn Soldiers Club
The two full days of sewing bliss will be held at the Goulburn Soldiers Club. Parking is available behind the Club and can be accessed from Sloane Street.
A lift is also available from both the Club entrance level and the car park.
The sewing room is the Chisholm room on the 1st floor with lovely natural light and views across Belmore Park.
Access to the sewing room is from 10 am, you can bring your car to the underground carpark and bring your sewing supplies up in the lift once you have signed in as a guest to the club.
You are welcome to stay until 9 pm on Saturday and sew. The club is open until 11 pm if you wish to stay and socialise. The weekend will conclude at 4 pm on Sunday.
Cost $160 Per Person, which includes…..
🧵 Welcome drinks and nibbles, goody bag, and pattern.
🚌 Return air-conditioned coach travel to Canberra in an airconditioned, seat-belted coach. Entry into the Gallery and exhibition.
🧵 Access to the Goulburn Soldiers Club venue from Saturday 10 am until Sunday 4 pm. Evening sewing on Saturday until 9 pm.
For the two sewing days:
🧵 Tea and Coffee
🍽️ Luxury Morning and Afternoon tea including Scones, Fruit, Cheese, and cake! You probably won’t want lunch.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to unwind, create, and connect with fellow quilting enthusiasts.
A non-refundable deposit of $30 will be required when booking. Full payment is required by July 12th.
The image and requirements for the exclusive quilt design will be released on the 22nd of July or when full payment is received.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be at your own expense throughout the weekend.
The Goulburn Soldiers Club offers a wide range of dining options under one roof.
If you want to venture out, Goulburn offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget, allowing you to explore local cuisine at your leisure.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available at your own expense. Rooms have been reserved at the Alpine Heritage Motel, www.alpineheritagemotel.com.au conveniently located within 3 minutes walking distance to the event. Call to book and take advantage of our special price! Twin and Queen rooms have been reserved or choose your room type. This is a 3-star hotel, you can check it out online, they do not offer breakfast. You can call 02 4821 2930 and tell them you are with the Little Red Jug Group to secure your room.
Other accommodation options that I can recommend are The Abbey and The Willows. Both are not within walking distance of the Soldiers Club.