Karen Cunningham has been quilting for approximately 30 years and teaching for 16 years. She grew up In the North of England which explains her love of English style quilts, however living in Australia has also introduced a lovely pallet of colours. She teach in quilt shops all over NSW and loves her job.

Her quilts are based on traditional methods and design with naive applique and a mix of vintage and modern fabrics.

When Karen first started to learn the art of patchwork stitching she was lucky enough to be asked to join a local quilting group. They encouraged her and patiently taught her all the steps to make the first quilt adding friendship, laughter and fabric sharing to the weekly meeting.

 Karen's teaching style originates from these kind ladies, a relaxed happy space where everyone is welcome, all questions answered, nice work encouraged, perfect work a myth.

Hand traditional techniques, colour balancing and scale are woven in to our class time.

The quilt pattern you choose can be made any size even small enough to make a wall hanging or perhaps a bag or cushion.

Quilts and patterns have been featured in both Australian and international publications.

Her book "A Ladies Garden" was launched 2022 in collaboration with Quiltmania.

Julie has been a student of textiles for most of her life, exploring colour, design, ornamentation, techniques and media. Part time work has enabled her to attend a multitude of courses, none of which led directly to quilting, but in 1998 she leapt into quilt making. This journey into quilt making has been the highlight of her creative pursuits and she feels very comfortable with what she does.A fine arts training, majoring in drawing and painting and many years employed teaching high school students art, craft and design has kept Julie within creative contexts. So much of Julie's paid work has been giving out, nurturing and engendering the creative expression of others; Now through quilting that frustration to express herself has finally been addressed. Having grown up in a creative family and lived in an artistic environment all her life, it seems that the burning desire to communicate and express aesthetically had been ‘smoldering’.  Writing was one outlet that came naturally and she has recorded many significant life events in word; A book lurks in a time when her family commitments reduce (if ever) and it will be a quilt book.

We are excited to have Jane MacDonald return to teach for us at the Getaway. She was one of our original tutors when we started back in 2005.

What has been constant throughout BeBe Bold’s development has been Jane’s enduring interest in Japanese material culture and her unwavering enthusiasm to produce designs which work within this tradition, developing ideas with materials and techniques which respect distinct characteristics and histories of Japan. BeBe Bold is founded on a philosophy of quality and admiration for Japan’s textile history, a history that is still being formed as artisans craft the future of Japanese textiles within the visual currency of contemporary design.

Margaret McDonalds returns to the Getaway after many years.

Margaret design and create quilts that she loves to make. She loves traditional patterns and block designs, but also loves to explore her own patterns and more contemporary quilts. After appliquéing, patchworking and quilting for about twenty years she realised that the geometry of repeat patterns with a strong graphic design was what most appealed to her  design ‘eye’.

Those elements of applique, patchwork and quilting are distinctly different processes which means her practice is full of diversity. 

One of the most favourite parts of her work has been the opportunity for Margaret to teach her designs and publish patterns. 

Margaret has won many awards in State Quilt Competitions.

Barbie Mitchell is an internationally renowned quilt designer, maker, and tutor, celebrated for her distinctive approach to modern traditional design. With a passion for needle-turn appliqué and big-stitch hand quilting, Barbie's work is characterised by their vibrant colours inspired by the beauty of nature, quiet often featuring flowers.

Her global presence in the quilting community is extensive, highlighted by a recent art residency in France, teaching engagements at prestigious events like QuiltCon in Phoenix, Arizona, and teaching and exhibiting at Pour l'Amour du Fil in France. Barbie also shares her love for quilting through immersive retreats, having recently hosted a successful event in Italy with another planned for September 2026, alongside numerous national and international trips scheduled for 2025 and 2026.

As an Aurifil Artisan, Barbie's expertise extends beyond hand sewing, as she is also a highly accomplished machine sewer, effortlessly blending traditional techniques with contemporary methods. Her classes are an inspiring journey into the heart of quilting, offering students the chance to learn from a true master of the craft. 

Barbie resides in Bundjalung Country, Australia, drawing inspiration from her beautiful surroundings.

Chris Timmins from Grafton, NSW is an enthusiastic and dedicated tutor of patchwork. She loves to inspire both school and adult students in her weekly workshops. As a past Textile & Design teacher Chris can teach a variety of projects in the one workshop.

Website www.christimmins.com