January meeting - by Freddi
Envelope Evening!!
Deidre welcomed us with ‘Happy New Year’ & added that 2026 promises to be a busy time with our Shirley Quilters’ Biennial Exhibition taking place in October.
Our attention was drawn to Kate’s events round up which mentioned the Contemporary Textile Art Exhibition at Denbies & the Quilting & Sewing show running at Ardingly from Thursday 29th January to Saturday 31st January.
Reminders:
• The Janet Clare workshop for members being held on 31st January from 10 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. here at the church hall, 1 space is left. Bring your mug & lunch.
• The Saturday Sewing Day on 14th March 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. £15.00 Spaces available.
Envelope Opening commenced! The bulky envelopes contained plenty of sewing to keep us busy. The contents, aptly titled Let’s Start Sewing 2026, were explained:
1. THE CHALLENGES:
Choose one from either the Periodic Table or the Temperature Quilt.
Explore the internet for ideas, also use AI to ask questions etc. Think about the size. Start small, keep it simple. Develop ideas using shape, colour, design etc.
Ideas given:
The periodic table: explore one element e.g. gold, copper, calcium, iron, oxygen or aspects e.g. noble gases, precious metals. Develop a symbol or item. Perhaps focus on scientists, the work of female scientists. Shapes or patterns could be explored e.g. the structure of coal diamonds etc. Consider EPP
A Temperature Quilt, Cushion, Wall Hanging: Nicky explained her circle quilt. Use ideas, videos, on the internet. Select a time period e.g. a month, week-end, a birthday week, a specific day each week etc. What times for data collection? 3 times daily/ day/night or high/low each day. What region/location? Home/ abroad? Both? Select a colour for each temperature range. How will you present it? Blocks, half square triangles, parts of circles etc?
AND
Make something featuring a Vintage Item. Your vintage item might be lace, embroidery, buttons, beads, fabric. Charity shops are a great source. Ideas for the ‘make’ included Re –purposing it, bunting, cushion etc.
2. PROJECT LINUS QUILTS: Whereas in the past we have each made two blocks for assembling into quilts as a group activity this has changed.
Each member has been given a Linus Pack and pattern. Please read the information on the Let’s Start Sewing sheet & follow the instructions. Raise any queries with committee members.
3. XMAS STOCKINGS: A regular activity with brilliant results. Members can also make & donate quilts. Finished items can be handed in at any meeting.
4. TOMBOLA MAKES: Viv and Freddi run the stall which raises much money for the club. Donations can be given to them at any time. Past contributions have been brilliant & it is hoped that this year will be just as good with every member providing at least one ‘make.’ Items for children are a huge attraction.
2 zips are in the envelope. Please use one within an item for the tombola.
Eileen explained about making the Exhibition raffle Quilt. Each member has 2 FOUNDATION SQUARES with information in their envelope: Please follow the instructions and return both blocks (UNTRIMMED) by the March meeting.
Deidre then ran through the year’s calendar explaining that Gail Lowther will be giving a talk in April followed by a workshop in June. Members can google to see examples of Gail’s work. A reminder: members are very welcome to bring a guest to open meetings.
There was a big reminder that October 17th is our Shirley Quilters’ Biennial Exhibition. More quilt display stands have been purchased & all of our challenge items will be on show so please, everyone, make a big effort to complete this year’s challenges & those from 2025.
Finally Liz from Project Linus gave a fascinating account of the amazing work carried out by the charity. She thanked us for our amazing contributions: we are one of the best supporters in her area.
In the last 12 months Shirley Quilters donated 199 quilts along with 130 Xmas stockings. All went to very needy causes including:
St Christopher’s Candle Counselling Project Croydon Domestic Violence Unit
The Evelina Children’s Charity Sutton Young Carers
The Jigsaw Trust Growbaby charity
Local Baby Units Various fostering agencies.
In many cases the quilt is the first and only item owned solely by the young recipient and it is treasured by them.
Liz showed us some bright, colourful & very appealing quilts. She said ‘The cupboard is now bare. All donations are very welcome throughout the year.’
She thanked us most sincerely for our support and said Project Linus would struggle without the support of ourselves and similar groups.
Do look at their website (Project Linus UK) for more interesting information.
It was certainly a busy, informative meeting and finished at 9.30 pm