onionbagblog

Four years in the planning - sixteen years in the case of some of the quilts; you clearly need some patience to be part of the rather wonderful Wivenhoe Quay Quilters group.

The stitchers extraordinaire staged a weekend exhibition at the Loveless Hall [where else] showcasing more styles and stitch work than you can shake a little needle at.

This was no Wivenhoe hyperlocal matter either. The group has gained such a reputation for the dedication to the quilting cause that guests descended upon North Essex from afar as Wales and the Isle of Wight.

A stitch in time, etc…

Sixty quilts in total lined the walls of the Loveless Hall. What was striking was how the colours could transform what has been described by *some* as a rather drab and dreary space.

It was as though a home makeover team from some up-market TV show had taken on the task of giving the Loveless Hall a little… love. The ambience of the hanging quilts also helped to produce a calming atmosphere within. They should leave them up for the next Wivenhoe Town Council Annual Meeting.

The fine quilts were complimented by fine cake. This appears to be something of a recurring theme at the Loveless Hall. All proceeds from the weekend were very kindly donated to the Little Havens Children Hospice.

The theme for the competition for the weekend was circles and curves. Not officially an entry, but I couldn’t but help admire the curve of the quiff sported by Elvis on the King’s quilt.

We had the good fortune to gatecrash the grand prize giving ceremony, come the close of the exhibition late on Sunday afternoon. And whaddya know - the good Quay Quilters only needed a Poster Girl to draw the raffle.

Step forward…

Um, @AnnaJCowen.

Cripes.

Membership of the Quay Quilters is currently at capacity, although a taster group is hopefully being started to allow the skills and expertise to be spread around the town.

As The Girl observed as we exited the Loveless Hall after her star raffle drawing appearance - I get the impression that the lovely ladies of the Quay Quilters offer much more than simply a patchwork session. It’s the stitch ‘n bitch (or maybe not…) that offers up an invaluable social and support network.

I wouldn’t mind joining, to be honest.

Blimey.

Full flickr feed over here.