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2010 Event Reviews:

 From an Australian point of view

Hello Ladies,

My name is Jeannie  Murcutt and I am from Melbourne Australia.  I am a quilter myself and enjoy the craft immensely I have been quilting for nearly 6 years.  In September/October this year I was going to visit my son & his wife in London, I thought it would be nice of I could experience seeing some British quilt exhibitions close to London.  I was lucky enough to be able to get in touch with Eileen through e-mails who kindly gave me the details of the Shirley Quilters' Group Quilt Exhibition held at the Shirley Methodist Church, Shirley on October 9th 2010.

My son, daughter-in-law and myself went to the exhibition and were very impressed by the standard, variety, colour and volume of the exhibition.  You even had international themes like Japanese/Oriental and even New Zeland!!  We particulary found it interesting to see the skills in the different appliqué and embroidery work in the quilts displayed.

After seeing the exhibition, my son, who has no idea about the craft, was able to offer comments on the handiwork that had gone in each quilt.  Now that’s an appreciation of the work displayed!!  So thank you ladies for the great exhibition and congratulations to all those who contributed in making the exhibition so interesting and a worthwhile experience for me and my family.

Last but not least, thank you ladies for the lovely home made cakes we thoroughly enjoyed with our cuppas. They were Yummy!!!! If ever I am back in London I will be in touch .

Warmest Regards,

 The Exhibition - by Julia

This is my first year with Shirley Quilters and I dragged my husband along to help set up on the Friday evening.  Fortunately he loves mucking in and joined in putting up the poles and quilts with the other husbands which he was very pleased to see!  We were both amazed at the wonderful variety of beautiful quilts and accessories.  Sorting through them gave me the chance to familiarise myself with their names and designs and at the end of the evening when we had to pin their labels on, I found myself  able to match the name to the quilt, no easy feat with the vast number we had on display. Luckily many hands made light work and the exhibition was ready for Saturday.

Saturday saw me helping on the cakes. We had many compliments on the variety and deliciousness of all the cakes so many thanks to everyone that made and donated them!  Thank you also to the lovely gentleman that is addicted to cake and happily bought loads from my leftovers at the end!  Although I did check he wasn’t diabetic first!

It was lovely to see Steph from ‘Thread Bear’ selling her wares and I managed to stop and buy a few fat quarters, a girl can never have too much fabric!!!

What a wonderful idea the ‘sales’ table and exhibition sales are, many visitors remarked on the high standard of all the pieces for sale and I was fortunate to have a few pieces sold including one of my ‘cupcake’ cushions.

My husband returned at the end of the day to join in with the other men and as we left we reflected on the enjoyable experience we had both shared.

We had such successful cushion tombola at our mini exhibition last year.  For our main exhibition we decided to run another tombola only this time we thought we would have handmade bags, you know how us ladies like our bags.  I am pleased to say we had another successful tombola.

Over the last few weeks our members have made a variety of beautiful bags.  We had about seventy bags on display. The table looked great with thanks to Sue and Bernadette who helped me set up on Friday evening. 

Our visitors had great fun trying to get the ticket number to match the bag they had put their eye on.   Our first ticket out  was a winner and went to Steph from The Thread Bear Shop, she was very pleased with her fold up shopper bag and one of our last bags was won by a little child who went away happy with her cat bag.

 I would like to thank all those members, friends and visitors who gave so generously to help raise some funds for the Addiscombe Baby Café.

Every two years the men behind the Shirley Quilters come into their own.  At 6 pm on Friday 8^th October, quilting poles and bases, which have previously been stored in attics or borrowed from other quilting groups, appear from cars.  Work then commences on their assembly (quite a feat)  and their strategic positioning under the watchful eyes of those with the master plan.

Tall men with long reaches and shorter men with small ladders combined to hang these beautiful quilts which are the results of our wives and partners being ensconced in their sewing rooms for many weeks  before.

A welcome cup of coffee and biscuits enabled us to have a short break before we completed the final touches at about 9.45pm.

Saturday morning at 9.30am here we are again putting up bunting before we are dismissed for a quiet day to recover!

At 4.00pm we are needed all over again to take down the exhibition ( in record time) and return the stands to their various homes and put the church back together again for Sunday worship, everyone feeling exhausted but agreeing it has all been worthwhile.

Two years will come around all too quickly. The quilters will be busy again making more wonderful exhibits and we men will meet up once again Whew!

September Meeting - by Helen

• Linda must be notified of any late entries by end of Wednesday this week as the Committee will finalise the exhibition content on Fri 24th with the programme going to the printers
• All quilts, bags and mini makes  for display must be given to a member of the Committee before Fri 8th or handed in to the church hall between 6.00 & 7.00 pm that evening at the latest.
• All quilts must be clearly labelled and have a hanging sleeve for display purposes
• All cakes can be handed in on Fri evg or on Sat morning - please label your tin so it gets back to you safely

To view Shirley Quilters at Hever press here

Hever Quilt Show September 2010 - by Ann

We arrived at Hever on a bright Friday morning loaded down with quilts and other makes to set up for the first day of the Show.  We hung the raffle quilt, one of the mystery quilts and a selection of smaller items made by members of the group at various workshops, which included three Christmas tree hangings.  We also had a box of mini makes again made by members, each of which had a ribbon attached giving details of the Shirley Quilters web site, to be sold to raise money for this year’s charity, Baby Café.

The quilts hanging in the big marquee were splendid and ranged from formal designs down to quirky wall hangings, all beautifully crafted in a wide range of colours.  I am always amazed at how gifted people are when it comes to the sewing of patchwork quilts and hangings.  Not one of life’s artistic people I usually go by a pattern and even then sometimes struggle with the colours.  Not so with the Hever entries, they were truly beautiful.

Back at the SQ table people were arriving and looking through the mini makes which were flying off the table.  Julia was pressed into completing the last remaining incomplete tree hangings at breakneck speed so that people were not disappointed.  However if a vote had been taken on the most popular item outright winner would have been the large Christmas Trees made at one of the evening workshops which consisted of squares of fabric sewn “on point” to a backing, backed with material and bound up the sides with a hanging loop at the top.  These formed part of our display and almost everyone visiting our table asked to buy them or for the pattern to make them.

The day flew so quickly and unfortunately for Linda and the rest of those who would be manning the table on the Sunday, we had almost sold out of mini makes.  As I left Linda at her house she was about to rush in and run up more items.  It had been a very rewarding day.

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August Meeting - by Ann

Our August meeting was to be a show and tell evening.  Linda was manning a table demonstrating free machine quilting, Jan was showing how foundation piecing worked and Brenda had books and was open to questions.  Luckily Brenda had two new members on her table and they had lots of questions, which she very manfully answered.  It also gave others in the group a review of the workings of quilting.

Jan’s table was very engrossed and didn’t seem to be in any hurry to move to the next table.  The machine quilting was also holding the interest of those around the machine.  There wasn’t as much movement between the tables as usual, but as is the way with Shirley Quilters everyone seemed happy to be there and were enjoying the displays.

After coffee we rounded off the evening with a show and tell of the quilts members had loving made.  All in all another very enjoyable evening at the Club.  Keep up the good work!

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Shirley Quilters Visit to Beckenham Quilters on Tuesday 3rd August - by Julia

At the last Shirley Quilters meeting we were invited to visit Beckenham Quilters. Being a new member to the group and keen to discover more about quilting I went along with two other new members, Helen and Jane.  We were made to feel extremely welcome and the familiar sight of Linda put us at our ease.

The chairlady discussed what the group had achieved during the year with the help of other quilters. We were amazed at the imagination, creativity and calibre of quilts and projects they had taken on. Varying from quilt making for ‘Valour’ (injured soldiers in Afghanistan), 9 blocks and seaside pieces for ‘Linus’, festival quilts for Hever  and lap quilts for the elderly at Beckenham Old Peoples home. This led to them being invited to Bickley to give a talk, donate 3 quilts, and stimulate their creativity and imagination to make their own quilts alongside a volunteer from the home. They are regularly invited back to see the quilts as they are finished. The project which captured my heart the most was the quilts for the special care baby unit at Farnborough. Having previously had a son who was transferred to the unit (now 25 years old with a daughter), and having lost another baby could really identify with the reasoning behind the quilts. There are two quilts that can be made:

         A 16” by 20” premature baby quilt that would be hung on the end of a baby’s incubator for the parents to take home. (Any colour scheme suitable for babies.)

       An 8” by 11” or 10” by 13” white or cream quilt which was embroidered suitably for a stillborn or terminated (due to medical reasons) baby to lie on. The quilt could be kept by the parents or could accompany the baby.

        Lastly they were going to make miniature Christmas stockings which would hold for example a baby soap, for each baby in the unit to be given at Christmas.

These quilts and others were displayed in the hall and I found myself engulfed in thoughts of how I could create my own special quilts to donate. I found myself talking to many members who had much in common with me and many stories to tell as to how they had come about choosing the embroidery patterns for the quilts. The next day, inspired by the group I went to ‘Threadbare’ to purchase some suitable white material and thread and got busy!! I will bring my mini quilt to the next meeting to show in case any of you are moved to make such a worth while and priceless item.

We were also invited to show and tell and I found myself out at the front showing my cushions and bags with Linda’s support! The other invited groups also joined in with show and tell and there were two quilts that stood out. One was from Bromley made of felt with appliqué embroidered animals on and a stunning huge quilt with 3-d cubes on.

Beckenham quilters was well worth making the extra effort to visit, an inspirational, friendly and charitable group of women who were truly a privilege to be with!

Talk by Paula Ozier - by Neredah
 

At the July meeting of Shirley Quilters, we welcomed textile designer, Paula Ozier, of Paula Ozier Designs.  Paula trained in textile design at Leeds University but, when work in that field proved difficult to find, she trained as a teacher.  Having spent the past five years teaching Textiles in a challenging north London Comprehensive, Paula felt in need for a change of direction.  Her interest in stitch and quilting, combined with occasional frustration at not being able to find just the right fabric for her own projects, prompted Paula and her sister to launch their own company in 2009.  Michelle lives and works in Shanghai, running a manufacturing consultancy business, so is able to source good quality cotton patchwork material and arrange the printing process.  Paula creates the designs in the UK then emails them to Michelle who arranges for samples to be produced followed by the printing run.  The designs are digitally printed onto the fabric which, although a more expensive way of producing fabric designs than the traditional method with plates, enables small quantities of fabric to be produced while the business is in its infancy.  I met Paula in May when she was trading at Wimbledon Quilters’ exhibition, so already have my little stash of elephant fabrics to turn into a masterpiece at some point and I did notice some retail therapy taking place after Paula’s talk, so I won’t be the only one!  Her designs are very eye catching and particularly suitable for children’s quilts and projects.  If you are planning a trip to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham in August, look out for Paula’s stand where she will have a wider range of both her fabrics and hand stitched products and where she will be launching some new design

      AGM 2010 Chair's Report  

The first thing I would like to say in my 2010 report is how much I appreciate the hard work and support of the committee and also the contributions made by members and visitors over the past year. I have really tried to involve as many people as possible in the meetings as it is your group and everyone has an important role in making it a success.

Since the last AGM we have had a varied selection of speakers. Anna Mansi updated us on the Red Cross quilts, Wendy Dolan demonstrated her stitched textiles and Marion Haslam showed us quilts that illustrated her life. Sadly the volcano ash meant that we were denied the talk by Carolyn Forster that was entitled ‘How I got here’ – rather ironic, I think!

We are a talented bunch and have enjoyed several evenings led by members, including the wonderful Christmas Tree design taught by Jean, landscape ideas from lots of members and some mini makes. Neredah and Barbara led a workshop day on fabric dyeing which was great fun and produced many delicious results.

I have been delighted at the way you have all risen to the variety of challenges that were put your way during the year. Firstly our charity project for Addiscombe Baby Café had a tremendous response, both in making the animal alphabet quilt and also the floor quilts and then again with the cushions donated for the tombola. The visitor turnout for the mini exhibition in November was fantastic and the evening was a great success. Well done to all of you who completed your mystery quilt in time for the exhibition or who had other items of work on display. For our December meeting the challenge was to make and exchange a Christmas cracker – rather more difficult than the card challenge last year, but there were some very inventive crackers on display.

The raffle quilt is progressing well and I hope you are now thinking what you can do with your block from last month’s block exchange.

2010 is our tenth aniversay year and we began by sharing the birthday cake baked and beautifully decorated for us by Jan.  We have some exciting things planned for the remainder of the year, not least being the exhibition in October.

The year has also seen us make some international connections via our website.  One lady in America joined in the block exchange last month and will be visitng the UK in July, so we may get to meet her.  Another lady from Australia will be in the UK at the time of our exhibition and is interested in visiting.  The website gets regular hits from many countries including a good number from Vietnam, so you never know who may be viewing pictures of our work or reading of our acitivites.

Finally, we have welcomed some new members this year and lots of visitors and I hope that the group will continue to go from strength to strength.

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Our June meeting started off with the business of the Annual General Meeting.

Linda reported on our activities over the past year, reminding us of the various projects, speakers, and “members own” sessions we had had.  To name just a few projects – the group quilt raffled to raise money for the Baby Café in Addiscombe (and the other floor quilts we made for them) and the culmination of the 12 months’ effort of individual members taking part in making their own mystery quilts.  It was good to have a reminder of just how much we had taken part in over the past year.

The number of people paying for annual membership had increased over the previous year and our web site has had quite a number of international hits and contacts.  All in all, a successful year!

Then on to Jackie for her Treasurer’s report and re-election for another term of office.

The date of the next AGM is planned for 17^th May 2011.

Now on to the practical part of the evening:

• Information about forthcoming meetings, our Exhibition on 9^th October and Linda’s craft and plant sale on 17^th and 18^th July.
• The Raffle Quilt was revealed.  ( Remember those blocks we were all given to stitch and return a couple of months ago?)  Now all stitched together, sandwiched and waiting on a table for volunteers to do some tacking during the evening.
• The Show and Tell had an amazing variety of items – samples from last Saturday’s workshop with Angela Madden, some already made up into a cushion, a bag, a pennant. There were also several quilts, pennants for the Olympics, and beaded patchwork cushions.
• Brenda introduced us to the Morsbag (www.morsbags.com). An idea devised by Pol Morsman to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags and the damage they cause to the environment and wildlife. The only criterion is to make the bag from recycled material and GIVE it away.

It was another busy and enjoyable meeting – thanks to all the hard work and planning by the committee.

 May Meeting by Margaret

The evening was opened by Brenda with apologies from Linda who was unable to be there.  The notices included information about various coming events and exhibitions.  There is a Saturday workshop with Angela Madden on June 12th which still has places available.

We were also told about a new 2012 Olympic Games project.  It is planned to give each participating nation a quilt, and Shirley Quilters have registered to make one.  More details will follow at a later date.

The theme for the evening was quick and easy “mini-makes”, which could be sold at the forthcoming exhibition in October.  Eileen, Brenda, Jan and Angela gave us lots of ideas which included pincushions, phone covers, glasses cases, coasters and a travel sewing kit.  There was also a child’s bag and a lovely hanging Christmas Tree.

After a break for tea and chat, the final thing to do was the “Block Exchange”.  Anyone who made a 12” block of their choice exchanged it with someone elses.  Now the plan is to make them into items to sell.  If all the above comes to fruition, we should have a wonderful sales table in October.

April Meeting by Pat

I arrived on the evening expecting to hear from Carolyn Forster on her quilting experiences over the years which she had very aptly titled “How I Got Here” which is exactly what she was unable to do.  Due to the Icelandic volcano eruption and the air flight restrictions Carolyn was stranded in America.

Linda opened the meeting explaining what had happened to Carolyn and continued by giving us a revised itinerary for the evening.  We had numerous visitors attending the evening, so well done Linda and her Helpers for organising a fun filled evening at such short notice.

Eileen and Linda had contacted as many members as possible via e-mail or telephone, asking us to bring items for a show and tell, the following are some of these - landscapes, machine embroidery, hand dyed samples, quilts made from hand dyeing, folded manipulated samples from a recent workshop, hand embroidery purchased in the U.S.A. sheep quilt and the farm quilt made for William.

After refreshments and various conversations with familiar and unfamiliar faces a 14 question quiz had been organised on the topic of quilting and sewing, the answers to some of these then produced several debates.

QUILTS 1700-2010 at the Victoria and Albert Museum - by Joyce

Yesterday I went with a friend to this exhibition and spent an inspiring two and a half hours looking at all these wonderful quilts.

There were nearly 100 from bedhangings and silk coverlets [a quilt without the wadding] to recent reinventions by current artists.

The quilts were arranged in the following themes: The Domestic Landscape; Private Thoughts; Political Debates; Virtue and Virtuosity; Making a Living and Meeting The Past. Many used recycled fabrics, eg. blackout curtains, discarded soldiers uniforms, woollen clothing, tailoring offcuts , children's clothing.  I particularly liked the silk and chintz ones because they had such a lovely sheen.  I think I will have to investigate silk in my next quilt!

Some were hung and some draped over beds. These were sidelit which showed off the sculpural effect of the quilting really well and looked so inviting I wanted to creep under for a snooze!

All the early quilts were handpieced with tiny stitches and some of the designs reminded me of the patterns we use today.  The design principal of light against dark was used to good effect.

Biblical texts were embroidered onto coverlets given to hospital patients to give comfort and hope, the text often ran sideways so that other patients could read it as well.

A 10-yearold had embroidered a map,  providing a geography lesson at the same time!

Several had printed panels in the centre celebrating military victories and coronations.  One had an appliqued centre showing George 3rd reviewing the troops and round the outside were small vignettes often showing a small red-haired figure alongside the soldiers and sailors.  Probably a self-portrait of the quilt-maker and showing loyalty to the crown.

There was quite a contrast between quilts made to give comfort, warmth and security and those made by tailors to commemorate feats of engineering,military history etc. which had a flat unquilted surface and had been designed to be hung to promote patriotism and heroism.

Modern pieces included "Whispers" by Nina Saunders.  A victorian sewingbox, open, with tiny dolls' limbs reaching out.  This was a memorial to lost childhood in response to a visit to the Foundling Hospital.  Grayson Perry used the traditional tumbling blocks pattern associated with homeliness and tradition but overlaid with another image associated with the hot topic in biblebelt America of abortion.  It contrasted the comfort usually associated with quilts with radical political commentary.

I seem to be ending on a rather gloomy note but it was a lovely exhibition with some gorgeous fabrics.  I was surprised to see shiney and glittery fabrics being used as early as the 18th century.

Plenty of oportunity for retail therapy as you leave, the V and A , in conjunction with Liberty's have produced a limited edition range of 18 fabrics.

Do go if you can, you won't be dissappointed, it finishes 4th July 2010.

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London Quilters' Exhibition - by Joyce

Swiss Cottage library, 88 Avenue Rd., NW3 3HA

I also went to this exhibiton,60 beautiful quilts in a spacious gallery with lots of interesting ideas and approaches. Also included was the Camden Quilt made as a group project by Westminster Kingsway College.

Easy to get to...Jubilee line from London Bridge, leave by the "west" exit and the library is almost next to the station.

exhibiton finishes 29th May 2010

February Meeting (A Hive of Industry) - by Brenda

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Dyeing Workshop with Neredah and Barbara – by Gemma 

On Saturday 6^th February 2010 a group of Shirley Quilters took part in a dyeing workshop led by Neredah and Barbara.  We learnt a number of techniques including dyeing in a bag, tray dyeing and tie dye, all using Procion dyes to create interesting and exciting patterns on fabric.  We were also shown how we could use some of these fabrics by admiring Barbara and Neredah’s wonderful stitched creations.  It’s amazing how different patterns can be created simply by folding, tying with string or thread, using buttons and printed fabric.  Everyone really enjoyed the day, even if there were a few stained hands afterwards!

Although I am not a member of Shirley Quilters myself, I have visited a few times and everyone is always very welcoming and friendly.   As an A Level student studying graphic design and textiles, I found learning about the processes very beneficial, as I will now be able to use dyeing in my future work. It was also particularly nice to talk to people who are also enthusiastic about textiles.

All in all, it was a great day and a fun way to spend a Saturday and I am sure we would all like to say a big thank you to Neredah and Barbara!

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I had not been to the Ardingly quilt show for several years and was looking forward to a good day out.  I was not disappointed. There was a great buzz about the place with a full complement of traders and a wonderful selection of quilts on show.

It was lovely to see the work of Pat Deacon at such close range.  I found the “World of Inspiration” quilts of Patricia Archibald very inspiring, especially her use of colour and the addition of metallic threads which made each piece cry out to be noticed, even though in some the colours used were very subtle. The work of Roy Dickinson was new to me and his “Engineering Quilts” were certainly something different.  He had risen to the challenge of depicting some difficult pictorial subjects, incorporating 3D elements.  It was lovely to see the selection of quilts from Beckenham Quilters who are celebrating thirty years as a quilt group.  It was quite poignant to see the photos of past members and realise how many friends have been lost, but not forgotten.

I finished the day with a good long look at the traders stalls and yes, I did spend money as well. There’s nothing like returning home with some delicious fabrics to cherish or maybe to use one day!  There was certainly enough inspiration to keep me going for a while.

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January Meeting - by Pat

At January’s meeting we celebrated the 10^th Anniversary of Shirley Quilters. I was asked (as a newcomer) to write a few words on my view of the club.

I have found meetings with visiting speakers very interesting and informative. I especially enjoy the group activities when I have had more chance to get to know members and share their enthusiasm for our craft.

I find the club very relaxed, informal and welcoming and look forward to sharing a cake at the 20^th Anniversary!

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Hello Shirley Quilters.

On our tenth Anniversary and as a previous Chairman, I would like to share my memories of the early days ……..

On that opening night, I remember walking into Shirley Methodist Church with my friend and neighbour, Anne, both of us a little apprehensive.  We joined about 70 people and all of us sat around the outer edges of the middle hall.  Facing us was our committee – Ruth (Chair), Gwen (Treasurer), Moira (secretary), Julie (Catering) and Bina.

Today, Gwen is still a member and Bina, now having a lovely son, joins us when she is able. 

On that first night I remember Moira taking a lot of photos – did anyone see them?  I never did!  Ruth stood and did the usual opening speech about the aims of the group and how the committee had formed from a class at South Norwood Adult Education Centre.  My next clear memory is of Ruth saying, “will all those who are beginners come with me into the rear hall and those who have experience remain here.”  Anne and I, who were also in classes at the South Norwood Adult Education Centre, stayed seated.  There was a lot of hustle and bustle and, suddenly, the hall was all but empty!  In the other room there was a great deal of activity while the remainder of us, about 15, quietly sat and stared at each other!

For several meetings Ruth’s classes continued, with members learning a lot and Ruth looking very weary.  Those with experience brought their own work in, shared knowledge and generally socialised.  Eventually, we took over our present hall and settled down into the group we are today.  Our membership floats round 40 in number and many are very clever and experienced quilters. We exhibit our quilts, members give workshops and well known quilters are invited to talk or give instruction days.

 We still have some of the original members – Jean and her daughter Fran, Jan Thomas, Gwen, Bina and myself and probably more.  Our current Chair is Linda Mercer, who does an excellent job of holding the group together, supported by her committee of Jackie (Treasurer), Eileen (Secretary), Jan Thomas (catering) and Brenda (Events).

Congratulations to the group on our 10^th Birthday – long may we continue!