Patchwork of classes

So the region’s experienced patchworkers are opening their doors for free evening patchwork workshops.

The group looking to spread the love of a hobby to new members, both women and men.

“It’s such a satisfying hobby. I would die without my sewing, patchwork, appliqué, quilting...” one of the group’s founding members Audrey Gerrard said.

The group, Gloucester Patchwork Group Inc, initially began as ‘Fletcher’s Fledglings’, named after Nabiac’s Jenny Fletcher who Audrey says taught the founding members shortcuts and tricks “not available in the books”.

Twenty years on, the group still meets every third Tuesday over the month for a day of patchwork at Barrington Hall.

But now they would like to pick up on days gone by and extend their expertise into the night.

It’s a move to encourage anyone who has an interest in patchwork and quilting to learn some tips, just as Audrey did, whilst hopefully attracting new members.

“I get as much satisfaction out of teaching as making the quilt myself,” she said.

Audrey has been quilting for more than twenty years, and estimates she has made more than 200 patchworks in that time.

Today, she gives most of them away to be raffled off for charities. 

 generous feat, considering one patchwork fetched more than $8000 in raffle ticket sales for the ICU ward at John Hunter Hospital.

“I make quilts because I love them,” she said simply.

According to Audrey, the most important skill to patchwork is not patience, is not design, but is “the ability to cut and sew a ¼ inch seam. If you can’t do that, your seams don’t meet easily.”

If you want to learn how it’s done, pop on over to Barrington Hall from June 21 between 9am to 9pm.

Advice comes free, but a half yearly payment of $20 will help cover membership and insurance.

The workshops are open to beginners through to advanced patchworkers.

BYO materials and sewing equipment.

Please telephone either Roslyn McIntyre, Acting President, on 65583173 or Audrey Gerrard on 65581751 for further information.