January Meeting - by Jackie S
The first meeting of 2022 by Zoom on 18 January was lively and well-attended, with 35 members tuning in. Thanks to Grace for managing Zoom and sorting out a few problems. Claire is still in Scotland and welcomed everyone to the meeting, relaxing comfortably on her bed.
Claire read out a couple of notices - Ardingly exhibition in Haywards Heath from 27-29 January, 10am - 4pm. Also, a free exhibition at the Crafts Council Gallery in Islington, running from 12 January - 5 February, booking is required because of Covid restrictions. Check their website for more information.
Ann De said that The Mansion in Beckenham Place Park runs various courses, none at the moment for sewing although they do have a sewing room. Jane Doxey, is the contact and is happy to run advanced sewing classes, so if anyone is interested contact her through the Know How You information page via the main Beckenham Place Mansion website.
There was an interesting discussion about de-cluttering, which some members seem to be keen to attempt. More information on You Tube video Just Get It Done Quilts.
Claire ran through the 2022 programme, which Eileen will e-mail to all members later. At the next meeting, 15 February, Grace will be running a postcard making workshop, more details nearer the time. Grace, Eileen and Jackie showed some lovely examples of fabric postcards they had made earlier. There are some very interesting workshops and talks this year, plus (at last) SQ exhibition on 8 October, so a busy time for all.
This year only two challenges set as the previous years’ challenges are still to be displayed at the exhibition because of Covid cancellation. Firstly, the Linus 91/2” square log cabin block - Eileen showed several examples and asked that members make sure sizing is correct and fabric to be cotton and, of course, no embellishments. Eileen will bring previous completed challenge quilts to the next meeting before going to Linus. Second challenge - Give Us A Clue. A no more than 24” square quilt depicting your favourite book, film, TV programme, etc. Instructions for challenges to be sent later. Challenge blocks to be handed in by June AGM meeting. Claire asked for suggestions for other charities that the exhibition raffle quilt money can go to.
No Queen’s Jubilee challenge this year, as was suggested, make if you want to, but the Jubilee challenges from 10 years ago (if still available) could be brought to the June AGM to show and tell.
To round off the evening there was a fantastically eclectic show and tell, with knitted cushions and blankets, bags, Blackwork, Redwork and many assorted designs and patterns of quilts, including pieced, EPP, appliqué, quilt as you go, traditional and modern styles.
All-in-all a very enjoyable Zoom meeting, although it will be good to see each other in person again, hopefully on 15 February, so long as Covid restrictions aren’t still with us, in the church hall as usual.