Tinellen Farm Quilt

Christine finds inspiration from being creatively resourceful. This can be seen in her textile pieces, most of which combine pre-loved fabrics and fibres with new materials. She enjoys using simple stitching techniques and appliqué (both needleturn and raw-edge free-motion machine stitching) to incorporate a palette of colour, prints and texture in her work. Simple continuous line tacking and chain stitch often feature in her pieces as they lend themselves to the naïve look Christine likes so much. “I do not mind errors at all,” she explains. “In fact, the more flaws, the more interesting the piece becomes and I have five golden rules I abide by: nothing is right or wrong; mix warm and cool colours; mix dark and light colours; respect the marks you make with stitch; and no unpicking!”

Other influences from her past are also evident in her textile pieces. “Mum’s simple flower garden and a freshly picked bunch of wildflowers on our kitchen table inspired me immensely and, to this day, floral arrangements are my most loved subject for inspiration,” she says.

Christine has been involved in the annual Quiltessentially Clunes stitching retreat. “I am the regional coordinator, working closely with two well-known Melbourne quilters, Judy Newman and Rae Telfer. Quiltessentially Clunes is a two- to four-day stitching retreat that welcomes quilters and textile workers to come together, be inspired, learn new skills, forge new friendships and network in Clunes.”

To contact Christine or find information about her teaching schedule, visit margieandbert.com. For expressions of interest for the Quiltessentially Clunes stitching retreat email quiltessentiallyclunes@gmail.com.