Welcome to 2018!

OIt was a cold and miserable evening, but there was a bumper turn out for the first meeting of 2018.  We were delighted to welcome quite a few new members - I hope they had a good evening.  The speaker was our own Maria Thompson, who had brought lots and lots of wonderful quilts.  She said it was less a talk, and more a show, and there was certainly plenty to look and wonder at. 

Here she is in front of a mountain of quilts. 

And here is the interest her work inspired.  In the front of the photo is her 'Down the Rabbit hole ' BOM, which is all ready to be hand quilted.  Most of her quilts are hand quilted, because, she says, she can't do machine quilting!  I'm sure that's not true, but her hand quilting is gorgeous!  On the right of the photo you can see the bags and boxes which were all full of her work at the beginning of the evening!  Lots of treats! 

June had provided us with delectable raffle prizes, as usual, and had bundled them up so beautifully.

It's a bit late, but Anne had brought the Christmas tree we entered in the Misterton Church Festival, so we could admire it, and people could take their own doves home.  It looks fabulous, and apparently won second place!  Well deserved. 

Some people had brought their four seasons challenge hangings.  I have photos of some, but not all unfortunately.  This is Maria's.  Lots of stitchery here. 

Gwyneth's children's literature is on the left, and some real beauties on the right. 

A clever idea to integrate all the seasons in one hanging. 

Here is a child's view of the seasons. 

Is this Sunbonnet Sue, or just one of her relatives?  Such fun. 

Next came show and tell.  Here is a handy bag, which was first made for a present, but then quickly repeated as its so useful. 

Di made this quilt from a panel, which she cut up.  It's a perfect child's quilt. 

This is a lovely Linus quilt using squares,  the red is a clever addition. 

You know how at shows, some stalls ask you to fill out your details and promise a prize draw?  Well, Chris filled out one of these cards and won this kit made from beautiful Oakshot fabrics.  Fabulous! 

Madeline made this quilt for her granddaughter from a Stuart Hillard pattern.  It's all foundation pieced, and has a lovely snugly fleece backing.  Perfect! 

Stuart Hillard's book '100 scrap quilts' has made quite an impact, as Paula made this striking design from it too.  It's a great way to use up scrap squares, and the white adds extra pizzaz. 

Paula has used the recent poor weather to make more Linus quilts.  Pink and green windmills, what's not to like? 

Paula also made this stunner.  Some while ago we had a pack of navy and white fabrics donated to Linus, and Paula has made good use of them, adding red to make the colours pop.  Lovely. 

And finally here is a quilt made by Rose from a bag of Linus squares.  Rose is a new quilter and has made a great job of this.  Keep up the good work! 

Next meeting will be a sit and sew where we all make name badges.  What a great idea, especially for those (like me) whose memory is getting increasingly dicey! See you then.