This group started as a sewing group by a local church in Mossel Bay, but since they were donated lots of small fabric pieces, it was decided to teach the ladies to quilt, under the auspices of Colleen Denyer, member of the Outeniqua Quilters Guild.
As part of a community project outreach by Eskom, they were donated 6 sewing machines, an over locker, embroidery machine, an iron as well as a kit for each member with all the necessary sewing items. Colleen and her team taught them the basic patchwork techniques and appliqué for quilts from which they made quilts, to sell as well as from themselves. As many of these groups like to earn money from their acquired skills, smaller items are more popular to make and quick to sell. At present they make four- and five-pocket bags, as well as squares with appliquéd animals with African fabric sashing, adding embellishment with embroidery, braid and beads. These are sold as they are or made into wall hangings, cushion covers or used on pockets for bags. Most of the sales are out of hand, although the group also takes advantage of the Outeniqua Quilters’ Guild “bring-and-buy” days. Sales of these items support any purchases outside donations, and with 25% put back into the club they can buy batting, embellishments and thread. They have also made a raffle quilt, and recently learnt how to make reversible quilts using the quilt-as-you-go method. Today Colleen runs the group with the help of a non-quilting friend, who wants to learn about quilting. Whilst motivation and stimulation are challenges to cope with, the group of 14 ladies meets every Tuesday morning in D’Almeida, Mossel Bay and going strong.
