Surprise Visit

 Hi Everyone,

Robyn J and Jonquil popped in for a visit this week. It was very good to see them. Both are looking the picture of health. They will join us from now on. We haven't seen them since the lockdown in March.

Sandy has assured me that we have the required number of quilts for Sylvanvale. Thank you to all who contributed.

As some members will not be coming to the end of year Christmas party, Sandy will bring in some of the Christmas Challenge instructions next week . Please take one for anyone you know who won't be at the Christmas lunch on December 10.

I received a copy of the Guild Template this week. You may not know that Grace is contributing the "Block of the Quarter" for this year. Any member who wants to make a block does so, and sends it in. Another group puts them together for a Charity Quilt.

There is also a listing of Proposed Shows for 2021. These include Avalon Quilters (March), Snowy Mountains Group (April), Eastwood Quilters (April), and Caroline Bay Quilters (May).

The Sydney Craft and Quilt Fair is scheduled for June 23-27, 2021. 

Show and Tell:

Sue D made a rabbit without stuffing. Her husband immediately called it Road Kill. Sue also made a couple of Road Kill throws for her grandchildren. Such fun! 

A baby quilt from Marie G.

A pretty blue and white quilt from Sheila. It is a gift for her friend.

Marie G. made this quilt for charity from bits and pieces. Unfortunately the photo is a bit wonky.

Everyone loved it.

Until next week ......

No News

 Hi Everyone,

I had no news to report this week. We were a group of 22.  I noticed there was a lot of collaboration between members. Alison helped Beryl with a serpentine quilting pattern. Robyn Jnst has finished adding eyes and noses to the 40 knitted rabbits from Ros. Others sought advice on quilts they were making. And of course lots of laughter and chatting - good for the soul.

However we had lots of Show and Tell:

Baby quilts from Carolyn. Carolyn is bringing 10 in each week as she made so many during lockdown.

Baby quilt from Judy. I made two almost the same from leftover 2 1/2" squares I had, using my favourite 9 patch block.

Sue D.'s granddaughter sewed the strips together for this baby quilt. Sue did the binding. A quilter in the making. She is only 9 years old.

Community quilt from Robyn S.

Alison made this using a pattern from Treehouse Textiles, for her grandson.

An Arkansas Crossroads pattern quilt from Alison. This is for Sylvanvale.

Another baby quilt from Sue's granddaughter.

A cot quilt from Jenny for the Womens' Refuge.

Ann made this pretty quilt for her new granddaughter. 

Bev has finished her knitted shawl. It is an intricate pattern that required over 50 stitch markers. It is so soft and warm. Bev and Helena are wonderful knitters, as is Ann.

Another cot quilt from Jenny from the Womens' Refuge.

A very special bear made by Kerry for her granddaughter. It is so soft with a lovely face. We have such clever ladies in our group. 

Until next week .......

Busy Meeting

 Hi Everyone,

We had a busy day this week despite the sudden cold weather and heavy rain. The hall was a good place to be.

Our last day to meet this year will be Thursday 10 December. We will then resume on January 14 2021 to allow the appropriate time for announcement of our AGM to be held in February.

Sylvanvale Christmas quilts: We have filled the required number of 7 quilts for Women and 6 quilts for men. More quilts are underway and these will be for general Community.

Quilt NSW has announced their Special Themed category for their 2021 show - Blue and White, no cream, any blue, if patterned fabric it must read as blue, and no minimum size.

Their Sydney office is still closed. They are hoping to open again at the end of January.

I will send an email to everyone with details for our Christmas party next month. We are permitted a maximum of 34 people in the hall at the moment, with appropriate social distancing. I will be happier if we can manage to do this. We can open the side doors into the playground area if it is fine to give us more space.

If you do not intend to come to the Christmas party I would be grateful if you would let me know.

It was a treat to have a visit from Kathy this week. She and Helena had been hosting an online workshop earlier in the day. Kathy said that the whole world has opened up to us with virtual/zoom workshops. Anyone can join in and learn new techniques, find inspiration from others etc. Kathy urged us to try a virtual workshop.

Akiko is away now until next year. She is visiting her Mum in Japan. Ros has kindly agreed to step in to open the hall each week. Please see me if payment for any expenses is required.

Show and Tell:

Pretty baby quilt from Beryl R.

June's long time friend, Bronwyn, has made and donated 4 quilts. Some have been finished off by June and Iris. Apparently there are many more to come. Bronwyn's work is exquisite. She just loves making them. We are very lucky to receive so many.

Sue D. made this lovely pink quilt for Community.

Until next week ....

Lockdown Projects Completed

 Hi Everyone,

Val Nelson called in with her daughter again this week. We received rotary cutter blades, a large box of basting pins and clamps, and scissors from Val's stash. We were able to show her the baby quilt and the other quilt that had been made from her donated fabric.

Val was pleased to catch up with Robyn, Marie and June.

Grace has finished sewing the Street project from our lockdown blocks as well as the Star blocks. You will agree that the quilt really looks good. We will hang the Street quilt in the hall for us all to admire.

After quilting on Thursday, five of us walked over to check out one of the HH Council's initiatives - The Yarn Space. We had been booked from 2 pm but on arrival, meetings were being held and we weren't able to stay. We were however given a brief talk about the facility. It is a space that can be booked by the community for yoga, storytime, baby bounce sessions, and upcoming village talks and workshops. 

Council has an agreement with Lane Cove library for a click and collect system for books to borrow.

One handy addition for locals is items such as used printer cartridges, plastic, batteries,and various items for recycling can be dropped into the bins in the space. 

I don't think it is particularly suitable for our needs but it was interesting.

Show and Tell:

Ros has made 40 knitted rabbits. Here are three waiting for their noses and eyes to be sewn on.

Three baby quilts from Jenny

Baby quilt from June

Two from Grace 

Cot quilt from June for the Womens Refuge

Community quilt from Ros

Cutest little Halloween pin cushion made by Helen's daughter, Susie.

 Our Lockdown Street quilt. Terrific! Thank you Grace.

The Lockdown Star quilt. This will be for Community. It always amazes me that our blocks, all worked on independently and with few instructions, always come together and look great. Thanks you Grace and Sandy for finishing this one.

Until next week ......

Meeting with Council

 Hi Everyone,

Under normal circumstances we would have been in the Hunter Valley this weekend for our retreat. Sadly not to be.

Meeting with Council:

Alison, Deb and I had a meeting last Wednesday with Hunters Hill Council. The invitation was from their new General Manager, Lisa Miscamble.

The meeting gave us a chance to explain what we do, and the many years we have been associated with the Hunters Hill Community. It allowed us to mention our show, the charities we donate to, the wall hanging for the HH Public School 150 anniversary, sensory mats for St Josephs etc. etc.

I also mentioned that we hadn't received an invoice for rent this year. We were surprised and grateful to hear that Council has waived fees for all their community halls this year.

This helps a great deal. If our show still doesn't eventuate next year we will remain financial.

Changes to the Town Hall:

There have been many changes to the Town Hall set up. There is now an access ramp to the front door which has been a requirement for many years. The hall is basically the same but with the "Wagga" room blocked off. That room will be the Councils' Chambers again but with a larger capacity and without the upper stage level and modernised.

The kitchen that we use for the Show is now for visitors to the Hall. In fact the Council is hoping that the Hall and Kitchen will be used for weddings and other functions.

The staff now has a separate lunch room and kitchen area. There is a new disabled/unisex toilet to the right of the entrance and the other two toilets on the left have been updated.

There is now an easier way to contact Council by email. They assured us that these emails will be answered!

They have many initiatives in the pipeline. Council is obviously trying to do more for their Community. One such endeavour is a space called 'The Yarn' behind the HH Pub. They would like this to be used for craft groups and holding workshops. Alison, Deb and I will go there next week after quilting to check it out. I am not sure that it is something for us but you never know.

Show and Tell:

Carolyn brought in 10 of her baby Quilts. 

Sheila used pieces of fabric from Val's stash. It is a very soft and pretty mauve blue colour for a baby quilt.

Two baby quilts from Beryl B.

Bev finished a partly made quilt from Val for Community.

A bright quilt from Bev. The pattern is from 'Modern Quilts Studio'.

A Japanese wall hanging from Carolyn.

Until next week .....

Some Changes

 Hi Everyone,

First thank you to Deb for taking care of the blog last week and well done too.

Grace showed us a different way of making perfect circles for applique and Ann brought in many jars of her cumquat marmalade to share.

We had a committee meeting on Thursday morning. A few changes have been decided.

* Kitchen:

Many of our members have expressed an interest in not reinstating morning teas when the current restrictions are over. We have become used to bringing our own lunch and thermos or drink.

We have decided however to have the ability to boil the kettles for hot water. There will be hand wipes next to the kettles for everyone to wipe the handles down before and after each use. I know we have the zip hot water already in the kitchen but I do not find this very palatable. Of course if you are worried about using the kettle, continue to bring your own thermos or drink.

* Hours change:

As most of us leave just before 2.00 pm we have decided to reduce our hours from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.

Originally the hall was opened at 10.00 am to allow those bringing morning tea to set up before everyone arrived at 10.30 am.

Most of us arrive at 10 or shortly thereafter. This will save $500 in rent per year.

* Library Books:

Sue and Alison are going through our library one shelf per week and culling many of the very old books that have not been used in years. You have the opportunity to take any you would like to keep. Others are going to Achieve or recycling.

* Life Members:

Life Member badges were given to Beryl R. and Robyn Jnst. this week. 25 years of continuous service is a real achievement. Congratulations to you both.

When I looked at the number of members coming up for Life Membership I was startled at how many there will be over the next few years.

We rely on your annual membership fees each year to keep us viable. As you are aware we have rent to pay, insurance fees, cost of batting and many small expenses. It is especially critical this year without the benefit from our show. Your continuing contribution provides necessary financial support to the group.

* Christmas Party:

I will announce details for our Christmas party closer to the end of November. Our last day will be 10th December this year. We will have the 'party' on both 3rd and 10th December so everyone will have a chance to come.

Show and Tell:

Four baby quilts from Beryl

Baby quilt from Marie K.

6 Baby quilts from Sue D.

Cushion from Sandy

"Guitar Quilt" from Grace for Charity

Iris has been using her stash of green fabric. To her dismay she still has lots left! This one for Community.

Community quilt from Marie K.

Community quilt from Ros

Robyn Jnst used a panel to make a cot quilt

A very big quilt from Robyn for a special friend. It was too big to photograph easily so here is a sample.

Until next week .........