Self Isolation Post No.1

I was planning to post to let you know that our little group has "gone into hibernation" until this dreadful virus plays out its course and that my blog posts may be few and far between for the next goodness knows how long.

But on Friday Jill sent around a Newsletter to keep us all informed about what has been happening since we closed the doors.  And there is a lot, so I thought it might be more cheerful to share the news with you.

The day after our last meeting, Jill had a phone call from Dale Larson of Drummoyne Rotary to ask if we had any quilts for raffles for a fundraiser for Kathleen York House.  The fundraiser was called "Strong Women Symposium" and was to be held at Parliament House on Tuesday 24th March.

Jill gave Dale three quilts, a single and two cute kids quilts.

 

 

We actually haven't supported Kathleen York House for ages, so it was great to be able to help that cause in some way.

We haven't heard back whether this symposium went ahead.  Difficult to know as things are being cancelled everywhere at the moment.

Maria emailed to let us know that the quilts she passed on to Domestic Violence Service Management a few weeks ago were very well received and the ladies and children were so grateful that others care and think of them in this time of trouble.  Domestic Violence Service Management provides direct services to people experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness and is a new avenue for us to donate to so it was wonderful to get that feedback from them. 

Last week we were contacted by Lillian from Crookwell CWA (Country Women's Association for those who are reading this overseas) She sent information on the outcome of the quilts we gave them to raffle for Drought Relief and a bit of history of the CWA.  The Crookwell branch opened in 1922. The first 2 quilts we gave them raised almost $700.  The proceeds were sent to an area north of Lismore, an area very badly affected by the drought. The other 2 quilts raised over $600.  This was distributed to the surrounding areas of Crookwell. All in all a great result.

I had a beautiful email from a lady whose sister in law was unfortunately in the Palliative Care Unit at Concord.  She received one of our quilts.  I don't know which quilt since we donate a lot to the Palliative Care Unit.  Here is the email in part:

"Good afternoon lovely people,

Today my beautiful sister in law received one of your stunning quilts. It is just beautiful and the quilt is made of blue and yellow material which was perfect because blue is her favourite colour.

Your quilt has made a world of difference to my sister in this her final days. The care and comfort it is providing can not be measured.

We thank each and everyone who has given their time to make such a wonderful gift.

Thank you for caring, words are not enough to express our feelings towards your group."

What lovely feedback, and this sweet lady has taken the time and trouble to send it at what must be a truly sad time in her family's life.
We have also received an email from Stephanie at Canada Bay Council, asking if any of our members might be interested in making face masks for the children at Westmead Childrens' Hospital.  Some of us have put our hands up to make a few.  Another good way that we can help those in need in our community. S

So although we aren't meeting, we are certainly still sewing!  Not many photos this time, and there may not be any at all until we meet again, but at least you know we are still in there and sewing.  I suspect that the next meeting might have a humungous pile of quilts.  LOL

Bye for now, and keep safe.
 

Drought, Fires, and now Rain

We have had a lot of rain lately.  Yay!  Thankfully its quite widespread and had done a good job of filling dams and rivers and putting out all the fires.  But it has meant getting around is less than appealing.  Perhaps that was the reason, but we didn't have many members come to our last meeting.  That of course reflected on the number of quilts which came in.  Always lots of stuff to cover though at our meetings.

Remember this quilt I showed you last week?

 

It was donated to  the Central Coast Leagues Club Bridge Club, who will be fundraising on 12^th May for Coast Shelter (crisis accommodation on the Central Coast) and Pandora (supporting grandparents raising their grandchildren).

Fairholme Quilters  will be having their quilt show at the Thornleigh Community Centre on 3-5^th April 2020.

Helen brought in a pattern for a knitted Trauma teddy for anyone interested in doing some.

Bev took 5 lap quilts, 3 singles and 1 raffle quilt to Concord Palliative Care Unit.

We discussed giving some of our quilts for bushfire relief in the Southern Highlands. Robyn is the contact and will arrange transport.  We will select some next time she comes to a meeting.

Here are the quilts which came in today.  First up is another gorgeous quilt sent to us as a top by Susan and Shelley from Pittsworth in Queensland.  Are you ladies reading this??  Thank you for this (and the others you sent of course).

This is the cutest panel printed on flannel.

 

Here is a close up of the little mice.  Aren't they just adorable?

 

 

And last, but not least, a few beanies and scarves.

 

 

That's All Folks!  (For now...)