Hanging at Winchester House

I was at Winchester House, (owned and run by the Cancer Society)  this week for a meeting and as usual, I always check out what quilt is currently displayed for the month.  This time, it was a vision of whimsical creatures portrayed in watery blues, greens, and lilacs.  This lovely little quilt, Sea Angels, was stitched by Yvonne Symonds, who kindly loaned her quilt to brighten up the surroundings at Winchester House.

Sea Angels, by Yvonne Symonds

After the meeting, Cancer Society Volunteer Sharon had something special to show me.  Her friend had purchased an afghan and pattern sheet from the Op Shop for $5, and Sharon had offered to do the cross stitch designs for her.  Stitching friends have all donated threads for the project – a wonderful collaboration between a group of ladies who all wanted to help out on this project.  Once completed, this beautiful afghan will be backed with something cuddly, and donated to the Ronald McDonald House for a sick child to enjoy. 

Cross stitched afghan to be donated to Ronald McDonald House

July Club Night

It’s no surprise that with such a wet and miserable evening, numbers were well down at Town and Country’s July Club Night.  But we were warmly welcomed to the meeting by Lynne, and settled down to listen to the speaker.

Our speaker was Birgit Moffatt, a bright and bubbly woman originally from Germany who is now living the quiet life in Otaki Gorge.  She is currently doing a textile course, and told us all about how she dyes white fabric with leaves and plants, which ultimately get made into garments.  Birgit passed around her notes on samples, showing how different fabrics, such as silk, cotton or merino, react when the same dyes are used.  She told us about mordents (used to set the dye) and cooking up things in a large copper pot – all quite fascinating.

Birgitt Moffat showing her leaf printed clothing

Selection of garments for sale

The quilts on offer for Show and Tell were down in  numbers too, perhaps everyone is keeping their creations under wraps for the upcoming Quilt Fest.  One very special little quilt caught everyone’s attention.  Kaye had purchased a “colouring in panel” and her 4 year old great niece took great delight making it her very own.  And she did a great job with her colouring in too, for someone so young.  With a castle, a princess and Prince Charming, it certainly is a delight.

Colour added by a four year old

My Maple Leaf quilt, and donated Rail Fence quilt for Ronald McDonald House

Due to circumstances, I had missed a couple of club nights so it was good to meet up with members again.