November Meeting (via Zoom) - by Ann De

Shirley Quilters November Zoom meeting   Tuesday 17th November 7:30pm  “The Christmas Make”

It was with some excitement, in these unprecedented times when “getting together” has proved impossible, that I, along with many of the Shirley Quilters, prepared for the November meeting via Zoom. We were going to “have a go” at our Christmas Make remotely, and Eileen had kindly sent us the preparation instructions in readiness for the evening. It was lovely to see everyone and 31 members tuned in to the meeting. Eileen, and the committee members have done a great job in keeping our spirits up and providing blocks and sewing information over these many months, but the introduction of these zoom sessions is a great way to stay connected.

The Christmas Make, a lovely Christmas tree hanging decoration, was shown to us, and Eileen, who had been busy cutting and sewing several examples to show us, gave us the next steps in its construction……which then prompted a very deep concentration amongst the group as we stitched and sewed the tree sections together and decorate them with either buttons or beads. Suddenly a magical musical Karaoke came through from one of the craft areas, which caused considerable entertainment and fun and background music as we stitched and chatted!

The production of lots of really colourful and interesting decorations were displayed as we completed the “make”….I felt quite Christmassy! These are ones to add to last year’s Christmas wreath!

The show and tell session showed what lovely projects folk have been working on:

Kate and Grace told us that they had attended a course remotely with Mole Valley Quilters during the day. They showed us the quilt fronts they had been working on – a design and kit from Gillian Travers and they said it had been a really successful course with some resources included with the course instructions and access to a video tutorial. At a cost of £32, I thought this was very good value for money as many day courses cost considerably more than that!

Eileen showed us a cute “Santa” holder for a chocolate orange (yet to be purchased!)

Helen showed a beautiful wall hanging from a Gail Penn stitches kit which she had made into a lovely Christmas cushion

Lisa G showed us her latest table centre quilt from Tula Pink Fabric and a purple and pink “Journey to Nebula” quilt, which was beautifully done

Barbara showed her anniversary 2020 quilt made with 20 fabric from Moda “Rue 18 Honey” – beautiful quilt to treasure 

Jill showed a Christmas Snowman wall hanging which she had made from a great kit, and the block received on 16/11/20 which she had completed 

Erica showed the top quilt layer of an amazing Christmas wreath which she had designed herself, and which she promised would be finished to show at the December meeting….no pressure Erica!

Jenny had also completed the 2020 anniversary challenge…an amazing full sized single bed quilt with 20 lovely chickens on it….also made the rash promised to have it bound and finished in time for the next meeting!

Claire showed us the cutest elephant toy made from PJs which had belonged to her friend’s child – what a brilliant way to use such precious fabrics and capture such wonderful memories (elephants never forget)….

Dee carried on with the elephant theme and showed us an amazing quilt top she has been working on using batiks and constructed into an elephant design…

Wow what an amazing and inspirational evening capturing all the friendship, fun and skills of our lovely quilters group…..all in the true spirit of why we all (and many other generations of ladies) love to make lovely things while building a community of like- minded and passionate sewers! Apologies if I left any items out, I was trying to note them all down, so hopefully haven’t forgotten anyone!

Thank you SQ for facilitating the zoom sessions and to all of you for sharing your beautiful items…..thank you in particular to Eileen, for the Christmas Make and your highly anticipated and appreciated Monday email….

Take care all of you ….can’t wait to see you all on 15th December!