April 2020

As we are unable to hold a meeting this month due to the Coronavirus crisis, we thought it would be a good idea to present members with a challenge. A 9 patch block challenge has been suggested. If members would like to have a go a 12 inch finished sized block is a good size, as it allows scope for the more intricate patterns without the patches being too small. This is also a good size to be able to use them for group quilts, should you wish to donate them to the group for making Linus quilts. If you want to make a whole quilt, you could try 9 inch finished blocks, or any size you like. Don't forget to send a picture, we can do a Show and Tell post so that everyone gets to see what we are all up to in our isolation.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking, try the internet for more. Click here for a downloadable/printable copy

Important Notice

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, we will not be holding a monthly meeting in April. We will monitor the situation for May, but it is likely that we may have to cancel that one too. We will give an update nearer the time.

Stay safe and well, hopefully it may not be as bad as currently predicted. There is scientific evidence that crafting is good for your mental health, as if any of us need an excuse! Most quilting shops seem keen to keep their mail order sites working should anyone run out of something.

If any of our members have a finished item they would like to share, send me a picture and I will post it on the website.

March 2020 - Visit from Liz for Project Linus

This month we had a visit from Liz Powderham, Project Linus coordinator for East Surrey and South London. Liz brought along a selection of quilt donations to show us and gave a talk on how Project Linus has grown over the seven years she has been coordinating this region. Linus has developed to include children in care as well as sick and traumatised babies, children and teenagers. Liz has also become involved with a local charity that provides Christmas dinner for young adults that have left the care system and would otherwise be alone at Christmas. Another recent make was incubator covers for a Special Care Baby Unit. She receives lots of thank-you letters, some of which were passed around to read, they make you realise how much the recipients appreciate the quilts they receive at a difficult time in their lives. Some of us took the opportunity to bring along donations we had made for the project.

Linus quilt donations

Liz also brought along some goodies to raise funds for PL. The fabrics and books were popular and Liz went home with a bit less stash and some cash for her fund. An enjoyable session with some new ideas for quilt patterns. Thank you Liz.

We had some 'Show and Tell' thread catchers from last month, it's a very useful item for sewing on the move.

Other projects on the go included EPP, a perennial favourite;

A thread catcher;

Sashing blocks for a larger quilt;

A Christmas hanging;

Knitting hats for the Shoe Box appeal;