Liberty sew good

By Kate Taylor

Stunning Liberty fabrics will be on display this week, as the Ballan Red Cross Branch and Millrose Quilting & Gallery present the Love of Liberty Quilt Exhibition.

Liberty of London is the theme of this year’s event, and coincides with the Ballan Autumn Festival, with the exhibition featuring quilts and garments made from the iconic fabric.

Starting in the 1800s, Liberty of London is known for its style and beauty and is renowned around the world – even Princess Charlotte has been spotted wearing Liberty print dresses.

“The exhibition features the iconic Tarna Lawn by Liberty of London – it’s iconic, and it’s all over the world, women’s and men’s shirts are also made out of it shirts, and women love sewing with it, it’s such a beautiful fabric,” explained Red Cross President Anne Eskdale.

“People are exhibiting from all over Victoria, and we even have a quilt made from fabric bought before World War II.

“Our exhibition is to celebrate the Liberty fabric.

“Anyone who has something made from Liberty fabric will be part of the exhibit, as long as it’s made from at least 50 per cent of Liberty fabric,” Ms Eskdale said.

It’s the third quilt exhibition run in conjunction with the Ballan Autumn Festival, and all of this year’s proceeds are set to go to the local Red Cross unit.

The exhibition will be held at Millrose Quilting and Gallery, which has an impressive collection of Liberty fabrics – not surprising, given that owner Sue Bartleman has been to the flagship Liberty store in London on numerous occasions.

“Last time I was in London for four days and I went to the Liberty Store every day, sometimes twice a day,” Ms Bartleman said.

“Liberty fabric is the reason I have my own quilt shop. I’ve always been in awe of the fabric, which is very fine and silky. Once you stitch with it you never want to go back”.

Millrose has also donated a sewing machine, valued at $1200, to be raffled at the show.

The Love of Liberty exhibition will run from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 March, at Mill Rose Quilting and Gallery at 92 Inglis St Ballan, from 10am-4pm daily.

Entry is $5. For more information on the exhibition, contact Mill Rose Quilting and Gallery on 5368 2995.