November 4

Our first meeting at the end of October was huge, so I was astounded at how many quilts came in this week.  You had better have a cup of tea with you to read this post!

Firstly, Dale Larsen, from Drummoyne Rotary came to chat to us about the club's new initiative - a shop called Spinning Tales in Norton Street, Leichhardt, which is operated by volunteers, the profits from which goes to charities supported by Rotary.

24 quilts were to Concord Palliative Care Unit.  The quilts have been well received over the months, and we have received several lovely emails from relatives of recipients.

Domestic Violence are unable to accept quilts from us at present, so we will need to find another outlet.  It was suggested we look at the San Miguel Family Centre at North Richmond.

We have received a thank you note from Canberra CWA for quilts we have donated to them.  They have asked for a quilt to use at a fund raising auction.  This is the quilt which has been selected for that purpose:

We have made a decision that our next meeting will be the last working meeting for the year.  We will break after our Christmas party until mid January.

So without further ado, here are the completed quilts brought in today:

This first one was made from fabrics donated by Robin O from Berrima:

All the rest of the quilts were brought in by Maria, and were made during lockdown by Maria and her two friends Robin and Mary.  Thank you Robin and Mary!  Both of these ladies have been extremely generous with their donations to our group even though they are not officially members of the group.  

No.  I haven't made a mistake, this is a second quilt in this design.  (I did a double take too 😂)

See you next time.

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.
 

3rd October

Dale Larsen and 2 committee members of the Drummoyne Rotary Club, Lorraine Plant (Treasurer) and Nora Duane (President Elect) came to visit today.  Stitching Hearts has been supported by the Rotary Club for many years, going back to the early years of our little group.  Dale mentioned the Art Show Rotary Club organised in 2008 at which Stitching Hearts was invited to participate.  If you are interested, you can read about that Show here.

Robyn took some quilts to domestic violence, who were very happy with our donation.  Quilts are much appreciated as they bring life and colour to the rooms for the residents of the refuges.  We have been asked for flannel wraps 30 x 30 for Christmas, and for booties, crotched bonnets for babies.

Jeans for genes day thank you letter received for the quilt made by Jan.

Jill took 3 quilts for the Senior Citizens Christmas lunch lucky door prize gifts.

We have had a very generous donation from Susan and Shelly from Pittworth in Queensland, who saw the article published about us in the magazine a year or so back.  These two lovely ladies have made and posted 8 quilts to the group together with lovely letter.  All the quilts need quilting, so you will see them as we complete them.

The Parish of St Paul's, Kincumber have donated some beanies, crocheted lap rugs and a large bag of wool as well. 

Here are the completed quilts

 

The pretty soft colours don't show up too well in the photo, so here is a close up.

 

 

These lap rugs and beanies were donated to us by the knitters of the Parish of Kincumber.

 

The rest are flannel wraps.

 

These two above, and the last two were made with the cutest fabric!  Love the gingham kitties and the butterflies.