One of my favourite things… is attending Quilt Shows. Particularly the mid-sized shows put on by local groups. I come away with a renewed sense of purpose, lots of ideas, and some cute fabric from one of the local shops. I may also have signed up for a block of the month, spent too much on the sales table buying fabric, and nearly always leave having had a nice cuppa.
But, I do not have a perpetual calendar in my head and I can’t find a good list of all upcoming shows so I’m creating one for myself and sharing it here in case you need it too.
Note: I’ve tried to group the shows by the style of the show. If you think I’ve got a show pegged wrong then comment but the allocation is my opinion and they are not hard and fast categories.
Thinking of attending a quilt show for the first time? Check out my blog post on what to expect at a local quilt show.
Queensland Quilters
Known affectionally as “2Q”, Queensland Quilters is the statewide Quilting Guild and their show is held in conjunction with the Expertise Events craft show in October. This is a judged show with entries across many many categories and techniques and is the show to see the Bernina Best of Australia quilts.
Wednesday 9th – Saturday 12th October 2024
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane
As the overall state guild, 2Q has many affiliated local groups so if you are looking for a local group to join some quilters, then you can check out the affiliated groups list. These groups advertise their shows in the 2Q magazine Material Facts and many shows are posted to the 2Q Facebook page.
Mainly Display
These shows are usually run by a community-based group and are primarily about showing what people have made recently. This includes the local quilt groups (mostly affiliated with Queensland Quilters) or agricultural show societies. There will be traders so you can enjoy supporting the local shops but they are primarily about the quilt/craft display.
South East Queensland: 2024
Quilts Across Queensland. At the EKKA in August
https://www.ekka.com.au/competitions/arts-cookery-fashion/quilts-across-queensland/
Dalby Quilting & Applique Club: Thursday 5 September – Saturday 7 September. St John’s Anglican Hall, Warrego Highway, Dalby.
Toowoomba Quilters Saturday 14 September to Friday 20 September. Toowoomba Community Baptist Church Hall, 100 Glenvale Road, Harristown, Toowoomba. This show is held during the first week of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers but it is *before* the Grand Parade, not after.
Maleny Arts & Crafts Biennial Quilt Show: Saturday 28 September & Sunday 29 September. Maleny Showgrounds.
Mainly Sales
These shows tend to be more commercial and are about many vendors coming together for you to catch up on the latest in quilting and crafting products and to learn techniques in workshops. They will often have a small display associated with the show.
Craft Alive: Events all around Australia. All Events page
Craft and Quilt Fair (Expertise Events): Brisbane
Submitting Show Details
I focus on the area around Brisbane but I’m happy to include any shows for local quilting groups in Queensland. If outside of South East Queensland please tell me your region. I can’t make Cairns as a day trip from my place. Email me at combicreationscraft@gmail.com.