Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting the members of the Coffs Harbour Quilters’ group – Christine Hughes, Gillian Simpson, Helen White, Jenny Peterson, Lyn Ovens, Norma Spence and Suzie Smith – who were visiting us at the Country Bumpkin Shop. The trip was organized by Norma, who on the recommendation of a friend, gathered six of her friends for a girls’ week in Adelaide, centered around visiting and participating in classes at Country Bumpkin.

- Friends stitching together..		- Jenny McWhinney and the girls..

Whilst chatting the ladies, I asked each of them why they originally started needlework. For most members of the group it has been a life long passion, learnt as a matter of necessity when growing up, first to make their own clothes and then later clothes for their children.

Gillian, who is a former textile teacher, affirmed that she still relishes “making my own clothes and the creative side of garment construction and decoration”. A few of the later starters, however, have different reasons for picking needlework as a hobby. Christine, for example, moved to Coffs Harbour and joined the quilters’ group as a way to find companions in a new town. Twelve years later she has made friends for life and is still infatuated with needlecraft.

“these classes are keeping the art and beauty of needlework alive”

Helen began for an entirely different reason – to prove to her doctors she was not permanently disabled in her wrists. A past president of the group and a teacher, Helen was diagnosed with Repetitive Strain Injury many years ago and was told by her doctors that she could no longer work. Thus she took up patchwork to show she was still very capable and just considers her difficulties an extra challenge. She particularly enjoys teaching helpful hints and tips to other ladies with similar problems, such as arthritis, to prove that nothing is impossible.

It was obvious to see throughout our discussion, the enthusiasm of the whole group to learn new skills in all the areas of needlework. There seems to be a technique to suit every personality! Most of the ladies originally began with patchwork and quilting but are continually discovering new techniques. Brazilian embroidery with its bright colours and multi dimensional designs is Norma’s current passion, whilst Jenny loves dyeing fabrics, lace and threads.

- A day stitching at Country Bumpkin...		- Helen's amazing patchwork quilt

One of the main reasons for their visit was the opportunity to enable them to partake in Jenny McWhinney’s ‘Warm Embrace’ thread painting classes at Country Bumpkin, click here to view this kit. As Suzie eloquently put it “these classes are keeping the art and beauty of needlework alive”.