Smaller group this week

Hi Everyone,

Some members were away this week but there was plenty going on nonetheless.

It was wonderful that Robyn Jms could join us. Robyn has been very ill. We were able to finally give her the Cup she had won for first place at our show in August.

We also heard that one of the quilts we had donated to Inala has raised just over $700 for them which is very pleasing.

Elva told us that she will bring Norma to our Christmas Party in December. I am sure she will be the centre of attention and will enjoy catching up with everybody.

Visit next week:

Two ladies from Westmead will be visiting us next week. They are going to speak to us about the quilts they want us to make for their special "Kangarooathon" in May next year.

 "Kangaroo Care" is where  a new mother is encouraged to hold her baby close, skin to skin, for warmth and contact. The quilts will be placed over them both during this time.

A kangaroo logo is to be included in the quilt and a particular colour to be used. I will have more details after the visit next week.
They will also kindly be bringing morning tea.


Show and Tell:

Above is a photo of the quilt we donated to Sydney Community Services, hanging at the Gladesville Shopping Centre.

Above is a work in progress. The Churn Dash blocks are for a Community quilt. 

The top left two blocks are an improv version of the traditional Amish pattern "Indiana Puzzle". This was shown in a class at Material Obsession with Megan Manwaring.

Below these is an "Attic Windows" block that I am playing with. I like the 3D effect.

Below that a star block to be used somewhere!

Above is Elva's beautiful quilt almost finished. Elva has added a kennel for her dog and will add the dog next to it.

So many of our members can turn their hand to any craft. Many crochet, sew, knit, embroider, even paint. Such a talented group.

This pattern is based on a Wendy Williams design.

As you can see, Elva has added her own special touch.

Until next week ....

Another Busy Day

Hi Everyone,

As it was our first meeting of the month, many members were busy with their community projects. Iris and Jenny spent a lot of time sorting through the fabric in our cupboards. Some was given away, some folded and kept and some was discarded.

There was lot of laughter and chatter in the room. I look forward to my Thursdays as we always have fun, learn something, and share our experiences with others. I feel very lucky to be part of such a group.

We received two very nice thank you notes this week.

Grace received a lovely note from St Josephs Nursing Home for the sensory mats we donated to them.

Lucy from Inala also emailed a thank you for the sensory mats we gave to her organisation. Lucy included photos of two of their residents using the mats. See these photos below.

Helen K. passed on a request to make some sensory mats for special children from 7 to 13 years of age. These will be used in the Blue Mountains area. 35 mats have been requested. I am not sure that we can supply quite that many. If you have some spare time and imagination, perhaps you can come up with something.

Reminder:

Remember to sort through your fabrics at home for colourful material for Days for Girls. Perhaps you can do this over the Christmas break. Remember that the minimum amount is 12" by 30". This is the amount required to make a bag. Of course more material is also gratefully accepted.

Note for your Diary - Westmead Visit:

On Thursday November 15, we will be having a visit from Carolyn and Grace from Westmead Childrens Hospital. Carolyn has generously offered to bring morning tea. Grace will talk to us about the Baby Quilts she would like us to make. They will be slightly bigger than the ones we currently make for them. They also must include a kangaroo square that Grace will explain.

Recipe Book:

I have now received two recipes for our recipe book. Please try to think of something special that you make and would like to share with us all. At the moment it is going to be a very small recipe book with only two recipes!

Show and Tell:

 Above and below are sampler quilts that Susan D (above) and I (below) have made in a class at Material Obsession with Megan Manwaring. They are in the improv or wonky style. The blocks are quite varied. Some blocks were challenging but overall they look pretty good.

Below is the finished star quilt we have made for a special raffle. So bright and colourful and Grace quilted it to perfection on her regular home sewing machine.

Below is a quilt from Marie K. The quilt has been called "Roll the Dice" because of the backing fabric which has red and black dice all over it. This is a quilt for Community.

 Now for some Baby Quilts: Below are four from Carolyn grouped together.

 Below we have one from June.

 Below we have one from Jenny with some hand quilting and geometric shapes.

 Below is one from Beryl R. made with leftovers from the larger quilt that she is now hand quilting. This baby quilt has been hand quilted by Beryl as well.

Below are three of the baby quilts from Carolyn to show a little more detail.

 Below are the photos from Inala showing two of our sensory mats being used. It is heartwarming to know that our work is used and enjoyed and gives some comfort or benefit to those with needs.

Until next time .....

A Busy Day

Hi Everyone,

It was a full day at our meeting this week with lots happening.

Coleen's visit:

Coleen Tracey is a local gemologist specialising in Design and Creation.. She is also an invaluable helper at our Quilt Show every two years for which we are very grateful.

Coleen kindly agreed to bring some of her wares along this week for us to purchase as gifts or items for ourselves. It was lovely for us all to catch up with her and to browse her 'goodies'.

Thank you Coleen.

Lord Mayor's Picnic Quilt:

Jenny and Iris put the blocks together last week or so. Grace took it home and has quilted it. It looks spectacular. The quilting was admired by everyone.
Thank you Grace.

Dragon Boat Ladies:

You may recall that we made a quilt in pinks for the Dragon Boat Ladies in Geelong who were raising money for Breast Cancer. We each contributed a block and Grace put them together and finished the quilt.
In gratitude the Dragon Boat Ladies sent us a parcel containing chocolates, caps, a flag, and a pen.
Everything was distributed and the chocolates were very welcome.
It is always very nice to receive feedback about our quilts.

Sydney Community Services:

Sydney Community Services are the previous Ryde and Hunters Hill Community Services. We have given them many quilts in the past. During the week we were contacted by one of their staff to ask if we were happy to donate a quilt for their Art and Craft Show. This will be held in Gladsesville Shopping Centre from Novermber 9th.
They provide services such as Meals on Wheels, aged care, help residents to stay at home and remain independent, home nursing, respite care, etc. etc.
There is a photo of the quilt we gave them below. We thought it is very appropriate for an Art Show.

Quilt as you go:

Susan H. spoke to us about a different way of making 'quilt as you go' quilts. I really like the result and the quilt stays very flat and even.
Thank you Susan.

Remember that Jenny has put three books about Quilt as you go in the library for us all to borrow.

Our Recipe Booklet:

Bev has given me the first recipe for our new cookbook we are putting together. Gil will have something for me next week. So it's now up to you all to find your favourite recipe and send it to me.
It can be savoury or sweet.

Show and Tell:

Above is a baby quilt from Lindy. Lindy has now made three quilts from $10 worth of fabric. Such pretty fabric too.

Above is the quilt we have given to Sydney Community Services for their Art and Craft Show.
Pamela R. made it.

The pretty quilt above is from Robyn S. I believe it will be a quilt for community.

Until next week .....

Guest speakers and a new member

Hi Everyone,

We were very pleased to welcome our guest speakers this week from Inala. Inala provides the highest quality support for individuals with disability.

Susi Stuby, a founding member, and Lucy Regan came to talk about their charity and the wonderful work that they do. The charity is now 60 years old.

Our members were very interested to learn more about the charity and to hear that our quilts have  helped raise necessary funds for them. Since 2010 we have donated 11 quilts to the charity.

Both Lucy and Susi were very taken with our hall , especially the light and the space we have. We are very lucky to have such a place for our meetings every week.

Grace offered 8 of our sensory or fiddle mats to them. Lucy was delighted to accept them and said they will be very welcome for some of their residents.

Grace also dropped off a number of the mats to the Montefiore Home in Hunters Hill. They were gratefully accepted.

Recipe Booklet:

A number of years ago, our group put together a booklet of members' favourite recipes. A few members  have asked that we do another one.

So if you have a favourite recipe that you would like to share with us all, please email to me and we will put them together for us all to enjoy.

Be sure to acknowledge the author/creator of the recipe for copyright purposes.

New member:

This week we were delighted to welcome Karen to our group. Karen has had much experience with QuiltNSW and also knows many of us already.

Shop next week:

Coleen Tracey will have a popup shop at our meeting next. Coleen makes lovely jewellery. It is a good opportunity to purchase early Christmas presents or something special for yourselves.

Show and Tell:

 Above is a lovely quilt from Helena, made from many of  Kathy Doughty's fabric ranges. Helena will donate the quilt to her golf club for their raffle.

Above is the finished quilt made from members' orphan blocks at our retreat this year. Iris took responsibility for the making of it and has hand quilted it. It is wonderful and shows what can be done with blocks in your stash that you are not sure how to use.

Above is a baby quilt from Laurel. The ice creams look good enough to eat. This one will go to the Westmead hospital.

A few of us are making a sampler quilt in a wonky or improv style. It is  fun to do. It is quite a challenge putting it all together. In true Jenny style, it  has been finished in record time. It looks great Jenny.

Above and below is a lovely Peter Rabbit cot quilt from Beryl R.  Beryl went to quite a lot of trouble to find 'just the right' Peter Rabbit fabric.  It will be well loved .

Until next week .......

Another week

Hi Everyone,

It was an enjoyable meeting on Thursday. Gil was back from her holiday. Jenny and Iris pinned the quilt for the Lord Mayor's Picnic. It is now ready to be quilted.

Suzie L. said that there was an open day for Days for Girls on Friday at the Beecroft Scout Hall. Everyone was welcome.

Days for Girls purchases a lot of the fabric to use for their kits. This is all added cost for them.
We have suggested that our members look through their stash for any fabric they can donate.
The minimum amount is 30" x 12". This is the size required to make the bags for the kits. Of course larger amounts are welcome.

Due to International regulations, any themed fabric cannot be used. This includes Disney prints, Peter Rabbit, Movie characters etc.

The fabric should preferably be washed and bright colours are favoured.

Some housekeeping:

Suzie L and Beryl R stay to lock up after our meetings each week. They have been using the carpet sweeper to clean the floor. It is easy to drop cotton and food crumbs. Everyone is very good at finding any pins or needles that are dropped.

It is really everyones' responsibility to pick up around their area before they leave. It used to be part of the kitchen duty to clean up the floor but this has fallen by the wayside recently.

So please everyone try a little harder and save Suzie and Beryl having to do it.

Remember that many other groups use the hall, including a playgroup for young children.

Show and Tell:

 The above three quilts are from Carolyn. Lovely colours.

The above two quilts are from Susan H. All the above baby quilts will go to the Westmead Hospital.

 Above are two fiddle muffs from Grace and Jenny. These will go to a nursing home. Grace has cleverly cut the remaining fliers from our recent show into "Business Cards". A great idea and wonderful recycling.

Susie M was able to join us this week as it is the school holidays. It is always lovely to see Susie. Susie and her mother Helen, also provided our delicious morning tea this week.
Above is a baby quilt she is making for a friend. The yellow triangles are open at the sides for little fingers to explore.

Until next week ......

A Quiet Day

Hi Everyone,

It was lovely to see everyone again this week. Some members were away as we often find during school holidays.
I read out the September Birthdays - a favourite task of mine.

I received a lovely note from Penny, a former member who is now living in Bowral. She has joined a group of quilters there and also works two days a week. We miss her.

Jenny, Iris and their group put the wonky stars we had all made, together for the quilt top for the Lord Mayor's Picnic Raffle. It is bright and happy and looks great. Thank you to everyone who contributed, especially Iris and Jenny for taking up the challenge.

Jenny announced that she has bought 3 new books for our library. They are quilt-as-you-go patterns.

We have a large selection of books in our library. Take some time to browse the books when you can. They are there to be borrowed.

And joy of  joys, the council finally cleaned out the fridge in the kitchen. It is sparkling! Let's hope it stays that way!

 Items of Interest:

* The Rosehill Show will be moving next year from Rosehill to Darling Harbour (where the NSW Guild Show was this year). It will be on from 14-16 February 2019.

* Fabric designer Amy Butler has announced that she will be creating only one more range. She will then concentrate more on her books. I am sorry to see the end of her ranges as I have always loved her colours and patterns.

* Womens' Shelters:

There was an article last week in the North Shore Times. Three womens' shelters were mentioned. One of these was the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Womens' Shelter that we supported this year.
The article said that every time a shelter opens, it is full in a week.
I am so glad we were able to contribute to such a needy cause.

Show and Tell:

Robyn Jnst. made this cot quilt for a friend who is living in Darwin. The family loves to go camping so Robyn found some camping fabric for the backing.

Another baby quilt for the Westmead Hospital from June. June has a  talent for colours. It will be lovely for a little boy.

Until next week .....

A Happy Day

Hi Everyone,

We had a very happy day this week. The representatives from the two charities we supported at our show this year, came to collect their cheques. It was our 36th Birthday so we had cake and champers.
Jacky's 25 year membership was acknowledged and a new name badge was given to her.

Community Grant:

Each year we apply to the Hunters Hill Council for a grant to help purchase the wadding we use when making both community quilts and the baby quilts for Westmead. We were very happy to receive the full amount of $800.  This helps enormously.

A big thank you to Kerry for organising the delicious cupcakes for our party. Also a big thank you to Narelle for organising the drinks for us all.

Both our charities were very pleased with our donations. Days for Girls immediately calculated how many kits they can make for girls both in Australia and overseas. In fact, Michelle translated it into how many days of schooling will NOT are missed by girls unable to attend during their period.

Ann from the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Womens Shelter said to me as she was leaving - you don't know how much this means to us, With their shelter having to turn away 750 women per year, there is obviously a real need for such accommodation and help.

Ann also said how much the women appreciate the quilts we donate to them They are overwhelmed to be able to choose which quilt they would like and then be able to take it with them when they leave.

Both these charities are well worth supporting on an ongoing basis.

Show and Tell:

In pride of place is the photo of Michelle and Fay from Days for girls, Meg our show convenor and Ann from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Womens Shelter. Smiles all round.

The cakes decoratively arranged by Kerry.

Below a baby quilt from Grace for Westmead,

Susan H. made this quilt to be raffled by an organisation she is involved with.  So bright and happy.

Marie G. made this pretty Christmas Quilt. It will go into our Communtiy Stash for a special group.

Jenny has finally finished her 365 quilt that she has been working on since January. Jenny joined the challenge to make a block every day.  There are many tiny pieces including 1" flying geese which she says she is totally 'over' !
The quilt is vary large. I apologise because I could not get a full photo of it.

 Laurel was able to join us this week, which is always a treat.
Laurel has made this quilt for a friend who is expecting a very precious granddaughter.

Below is the back of Laurel's quilt. The family loves to go camping. The backing fabric is absolutely perfect.

Another quilt from Laurel. This time a baby quilt for Westmead.

Another quilt from Laurel for a dear friend.

Until next week ......