Melbourne craftaholics to gather at Australia’s most popular craft and quilt event

Victorians will once again be treated to Australia’s most popular craft event, the Craft & Quilt Fair when it returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from June 26 – 29, 2014.

Sewing newbies, hipsters, artists, designers, families and textile-lovers will be inspired to thread their needles in new ways and experience craft as never before at the event renowned for its world class displays, non-stop classes and workshops, latest and greatest craft products, and inspirational and knowledgeable special guests.

Official ambassador, television personality and passionate crafter, Shelley Craft will join the fold of craft loving enthusiasts at the fourday event together with internationally acclaimed experts in showcasing and tutoring their respective crafts, including guest mosaic artist, Meredith Scott and the ‘Queen of Tea Cosies’, Loani Prior.

The fair will feature more than 300 quilts covering traditional, innovative and art quilt categories in all sizes from miniature to queen. A ‘Coming of Age’ challenge themed in honour of Victorian Quilters’ 21^st anniversary will be exhibited, alongside a display by Victoria-based Australian Quilters Association who have interpreted The Elizabeth Quilt, an antique now in the possession of the National Gallery. There will also be a selection of finalists’ entries from the AQC Challenge where artists were invited to create a quilt inspired by the theme ‘Ten’ – resulting in a diverse, personal and inspiring mix of works.

The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair will also showcase a host of inspiring craft ideas, make and take classes and workshops, including unique fashion talks and presentations with a twist from leading vintage fashion expert, Chrissy Keepence of the Lindy Charm School for Girls. Miss Chrissy will present entertaining and timeless advice on how to transform and update any outfit using the ‘Make Do and Mend’ mindset from stylish women of the past.

Visitors will also have a special opportunity to stock up and be inspired by specialty retailers selected from all over Australia and their latest supplies including high-tech and coveted sewing and craft gadgets and tools, unique and exquisite trimmings, ribbons, fabrics and buttons and beautifully designed and easy-to-use craft and quilt kits.

The Melbourne Craft & Quilt Fair is a great opportunity to see inspirational displays, meet experts, attend workshops and classes and see, try and buy the best in crafting supplies from card making, scrapbooking, knitting, embroidery to sewing, quilt making, mixed media, jewellery-making and more.

Adult tickets from $18 and a family pass from $42.

Fair admission tickets can be bought on the day or online. To book a ticket in advance and plan your day, please visit www.craftevents.com.au

Lots of Americans seem to think that May 5 is Mexican Independence Day, but that holiday actually falls on Sept. 16.

May 5 is the celebration of the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexicans defeated the French in 1862. Independence Day marks the beginning of their fight for independence from Spain in 1810. That was the day of what’s known as El Grito de Dolores, or the cry of Dolores, for when the Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bells at his church in Dolores and declared that Mexico should be free from Spanish rule.

They would fight for their freedom until 1821 when they finally gained independence.

Fabulous Classroom has a little of the history and ideas for celebrating the holiday for all age groups. There’s also a link to a good video in that post about the real story of Mexican Independence Day.

Twinkl also has a good tops about the history and different activities, discussion ideas, crafts and foods that can be incorporated into lessons at school or used at home.

I also found a few pins that no longer link to a website but include good information on Mexican Independence Day, including some questions for students to answer based on the reading. You can find more printables and questions for kids from TX Homeschool Mama on Etsy (also available in Spanish).

You can find a lot more paid resources about Mexican Independence Day at Teachers Pay Teachers.

Mexican flag crafts are a fun option for celebrating Mexican Independence Day (though the current iteration of their flag has only been in use since 1968). Kids Activities Blog has a free Mexican flag printable and a few different ideas for decorating it including dot markers and torn tissue paper.

You can also find some great Mexican crafts at Red Ted Art. The post includes all sorts of Mexican inspired projects including Day of the Dead crafts, Frida Kahlo pinatas and upcycled musical instruments. I love the giant paper flowers they shared from Honestly WTF.

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