November 27th

Well, it was a much quieter group this week. Fewer girls, and plenty of room to move around!

Everyone was working quietly away on this and that. The year is clearly slowing down. Only two more weeks till our final meeting for the year, and our Christmas Party. Hope everyone can make it. Don't forget to bring along your finished aprons for a smallish fashion parade! I have quite a few here with me, but there are still a few outstanding (mine included!)

Also don't forget to bring a plate of something scrumptious to share from the table. A glass will be handy for having a Chrissy drink or two as well. A few of us have been nutting out some fun activities to break up the eating and drinking a bit. Let me know if you have a favourite that you'd like to share and we'll try and include that. It should be fun! Items for the Stepping Stones House Hamper can still be brought next Thursday before it's all wrapped up. 

This week marked the 10th anniversary at Hunters Hill Quilters for a group of five who started together on the same day. They are Suzie, Audrey, Felicity, Judy S and Deb L. Congratulations ladies! That must have been an interesting entry on November 25th ten years ago!

Joy was telling us about how she has a map of where to go for good quilting fabric if you find yourself in Tokyo! She's a mine of information that lady!

We think we've found someone to fill Audrey's shoes as treasurer next year, thanks to Audrey's husband's great suggestion of how to make the job more manageable. TBA........

Kathy D told us some great tales of her travels and of a remarkable quilt group she visited. Some interesting suggestions for activities were passed on. Kathy would also like everyone to know that on Saturday December 6th, there will be a sale at the shop and a Swap Bucket. In addition she mentioned the many new and interesting courses and workshops for next year. See the website and/or blog for details, or ask Kathy when you see her.

Just a few Show and Tell items this week. Things are slowing down.

Janet and Beryl B made these two baby quilts for the Grace Centre. Lovely

Robyn J made this interesting and attractive quilt from her recent Canadian adventure. A striking effort!

What a souvenir of the trip!

Well, there you have it. Thanks to all those who have already responded to my email regarding the request for a visit next February. So far it seems that my hunch was correct, and people have the same hesitation about it as I do. We can talk more at group on Thursday.

See you all then. Enjoy the weekend.

Cheers, Elva

A very packed hall!

Hi everyone.

There was an amazing roll up today. So many ladies quilting and chatting away happily. Great to see!

Maybe it was because they all knew that Coleen was coming along to set up her little 'shop'. I know I gave in to temptation and I suspect plenty of others did also. Thanks so much Coleen. We have all stocked up for Christmas presents, either for ourselves or for lucky friends.

Akiko is back, all tanned and relaxed. She actually did some shopping for us on her honeymoon, which impressed many of the girls. Thank you so much for the two lovely books you bought for us Akiko. For peoples' info they are "The Hawaiian Quilt" and "Sashiko Design". They have been passed into the very capable hands of our librarian Janet, who will process them for borrowing.

Thanks to Helena for holding the fort for me last week while I was away. Always reliable and accommodating. Good on you Helena!

Don't forget that donations are still being received for Stepping Stones House. These can be given to Grace next week and Helena after that. Goods for the hamper can be brought along at the Christmas Party where the hamper will be put together and wrapped for presentation. Thanks for all your generosity girls. A reminder that the hamper goods needs to be non-perishable and well within use by date. Thanks.

DATES FOR THE DIARY!

11th December - Christmas Party (starts at 11am)

15th January - HH Quilters resumes weekly meetings

19th February - HHQ Annual General Meeting

                          a reminder that at the AGM we will be looking to fill 4 positions on the committee

                           these are - Treasurer, Show Convenor, Community Quilts Co-ordinatior, and

                            on the sub-committee Communications Person.

Please keep in mind that we are a suburban quilting group, so these and all other positions are performed as best as our skills enable us to do. In addition, there are many people in the group who have done these positions before and are always ready to lend a hand with advice and experience during the transition. I can certainly attest to that. Also I have found that taking on a position in the committee has opened the whole group up to me. I now know so many more people better, and have made many new friends. It's well worth jumping in. Plenty of help and support available!

And now for some "SHOW AND TELL"

A lovely lady called Sharon came to collect the finished quilt we did for the Lord Mayor's Picnic. Well done everyone. It looks fantastic! Sharon was thrilled and fascinated with its design and textures. 

Thanks to Susan for driving the whole thing and to Helena who I think did the quilting. Here is the result:

The next quilt was made by The Black Group with Joy, Helen et al. It is an eye-catching design, and they have made it for the community quilts collection. The name will be decided by the time it's handed over. Well done girls!

Sheila made this beautiful bag, which was gorgeous. Unfortunately the camera must have moved a bit, but soft or not, I'm including the shots to give you an idea of her wonderful skills. Hope you can make out the Sashiko style pattern on the base. Well done Sheila!

And last of all. And only because I had to find out by accident and bully her into letting me show it, here is a cute and very usable iPad cover design by Hayley. You really come up with some fabulous work Hayley. We're so glad you've joined us! And wouldn't these make a great item for the stage sales at our next quilt show? Perfect!

So there you have it. A full and fantastic day. Enjoy the weekend everyone. Try to keep cool, especially today and Sunday. See you all next week.

Cheers, Elva

November 14

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH COLEEN
Thursday 20th November

A great day at quilting!
I managed to do a lot of quilting and not to much chatting!
Am on a deadline!
But there was a great buzz going round in Fairland Hall.

Helen had a very inspirational show and tell.
Specially for all the grand mothers and parents to young children!

a nice package

open the roll, only a fat quarter

Cars are safely kept in the pockets at the back of the race court
Play mat and toys in one!

Unfortunately I still have problems uploading my photo's, so I can only show the backs of those lovely quilts!

Marie Grove cot quilt

Stepping Stone House,

We are supporting Stepping Stone House again this year.
You can make your donations to Grace.


I do apologise for this late post.
Am struggling with the updates etc... on all my different devices.
Prefer the straight forward stitching and quilting!


Happy Stitching,
Helena

November community day

Hi everyone.

A brief blog this week. A very small group at Quilters last Thursday owing to many girls being away on courses etc. 

I still haven't heard from Coleen as to when her little 'shop' will be happening, but I'll contact her before Thursday to find out for you. I know many people look forward to it so much before Christmas.

Final preparations for the Christmas Party will be nutted out at a committee meeting on Thursday 20th November, so stay tuned!

Cheryl is in rehab and slowly on the mend!

Show and tell was pretty extensive with many community quilts ready to be delivered and on show.

Apologies if the names of the quilts or the group's that made them are in a muddle. My faithful photo-taker Helena was away and therefore the shots were taken by two of us on two different devises!! I've learnt never to do that again! Anyway, here goes.......

This little gem was done by Jill for the great-grandchild of a friend. The centre piece of crossing hearts includes some 100 year old Nottingham lace! Very beautiful Jill. Lucky child!

I'm pretty sure that Iris's Blue Group did these community quilts called variously "T- Break", Croosroads 1 & 2

The next called "Ships Ahoy" shows the front and back. Sadly I can't tell you who made it. That got lost in translation so to speak!

Jenny S and Grace can take credit for this beautiful one called "String Stars"

And next, Suzie has completed this cute one called"Beach Huts"

Well, that's it. Sorry for the delay in getting the blog to you. I won't see you this coming Thursday as I'll be away in Adelaide. Hope you all have fun. See you the following week!

Cheers, Elva

30th October - bring on November!

It's hard to believe the end of the year is rushing up to meet us! It's been so busy this year, maybe we just haven't been paying attention.

Great excitement and plenty of shopping at the MO stall in the hall. Plenty more at the shop near Birkenhead if you missed getting what you needed. Thanks to the shop assistants who ran it so professionally. 

We welcomed Susan SJ back after about six months away! She looks fit as a fiddle. Travel definitely suits you Susan, but we missed you so much. You could tell that by the cheers as you entered the room!

Cheryl is still in hospital but progressing well. Maybe one more 'procedure' to go before rehab can begin. Always thinking of you Cheryl.

Thanks to Robin S for the clipping from The Hills Newspaper about a violinist at The Grace Centre (Westmead Hospital). In the background of the photo we could see a little quilt doing its work on a crib, which may have been one of ours. It made everyone's heart sing! Thanks Robin.

Our final gathering for the year, and therefore our Christmas party day will be Thursday 11th December. Put the date in your diary and we'll talk more about details of the day later.

Now some Show and Tell!

First a baby quilt for the Grace Centre by June P

And next another one by Marie G

Lovely work ladies. Keep those baby quilts coming! They're much appreciated.

Robyn J made the next quilt from the Alaskan fabric from her last trip. A memento for she and hubby to keep. Gorgeous!

Marie K made the next one to be given away to someone special I assume. Lucky person!

Our new member Hayley has almost finished this top. It's just waiting for a little extra fabric which is on its way. We're very impressed by your designs Hayley!

Iris helped Marie G out with some inspiration in this quilt. She not only made a lovely quilt from Marie's fabrics, but a gorgeous matching bag. This will be given to the community collection.

And the back

Beautiful work as always girls. 

Enjoy the rest of the weekend now that the exhausting heat has left us for a while. We might even be lucky enough to get a bit of rain. The gardens are gasping for it!

Cheers all!

Lovely warm day at last!

Yes, why are we all indoors quilting one may ask?

Well it's because we're a little bit addicted. Can't even be enticed outside in lovely weather!

Lindy welcomed us again with fabulous produce from her crops. We're thinking it would be simpler if she just opened a green grocery, preferably in Hunters Hill please Lindy. Thanks for all the goods.

A reminder to 'bring your money with you' next week when Carolyn and friend will set up a little stall of fabric from the shop. Can't wait!

Best wishes to Cheryl from everyone during your recovery. I'll let all know when visiting is allowed.

Just an early notice that Thursday 11th December will be our Christmas Party day, and last gathering till next year. 

Anyone who doesn't have a HH badge or has lost theirs, please let Kerry know so she can put in a batch order.

Congratulations to our Jess who has an extensive profile article in the current edition of Quilters Companion. It's a good read and an excellent edition of the magazine into the bargain.

You'd be forgiven for finding a startling resemblance between Jess's flag quilt shown in the article and the one on the cover. I thought they'd used hers for the cover. Very excited! But no. Very strange indeed.?!#*?!

Even bigger congrats to Jess for having her Show quilt 'Errant Geese' chosen by the NSW Guild as one of the five 'Best of the Best' quilts to be sent to the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne, Royal Exhibition Building, April 16 and19th. Wow Jess!

And now for some Show and Tell!

First a beautiful Drunkards Path creation which Lindy described as very difficult to put together! She actually used different words (unprintable)........ But it's gorgeous!

Next, Jess made the first out of left over dress bits and pieces I believe

And the second is very striking!

Ellen is working on this fabulous quilt for a grandson I think. It's double sided, and she's going to quilt it according to the swirling road patterns on that side. Great idea. Lovely quilt. Very usable

Iris finished one of her UFO's, and isn't it beautiful? You can't see the tiny embroidered bits, but they're gorgeous! The shots show front and back. Both equally beautiful.

Finally here is Jess's take on the apron design challenge. Called 'Busy Bees' for obvious reasons. And we will be busy bees while wearing these garments!

So there you have it. Another productive , friendly and pleasant day together. Farewell Akiko. Have a great time in Hawaii!

Cheers everyone till next week.

Spring is back!

Today we had the return of the nice weather.
That must have been because of the visit paid to us by Akiko's mum.

Further on it was very quiet get to gether.
The noisy ones must have stayed at home today. 

Cheryl will have her operation on Tuesday!
We wish her all the best.
Cheryl has received many cards and message of which she is much appreciative.

Susan H. Has become 4th time grandmother of Archie David.
Mother and son are doing well.

If you want to order our HHQ quiltshow book you have to let Iris know by Monday.
You can do so by phone or email.
Iris will order the books on Tuesday.

Margaret Rowe,
author of the Maria Challenge.
Has a new book,
Glenvale Challenge Quilt

Deborah Laurie asks us to enter quilt to Mock Quilt Judging Day
This is meant to train new judges for the next NSW quilters Quilt show.
Quilt needs to be entered before 18 Novemeber
Forms to enter, see Elva, Helena, Deborah


Giant Steps have their own facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/GiantStepsSydney
On the page is a photo of Akiko's wedding quilt with a tank you note to all of us!


Show and tell:
2 new baby quilts for the Grace centre.
I'm really sorry can't get the photo's uploaded.
Thank you,
Jenny and Susie L.


Have a good week,
Happy stitching,
Helena