By Lynn Kelly of Bulli Corner Quilters
Bulli Corner Quilters are eagerly looking forward to celebrating their Emerald (or 20 year) Anniversary of Quilting at their Annual Quilt and Flower Show on October 11 and 12.
Did you know? Quilts are not only for beds… They make decorative items, e.g. over the back of a lounge, wall hangings, a small (card) table covering, knee warmers, wheelchair knee rug, picnic rugs, baby play rugs.
Twenty years ago, a group of ladies got together to, initially, teach the local parishioners how to sew and make clothes. Due to the amalgamation of local church groups, other ladies became involved and it was decided that the group should be called “Connecting Threads”. They decided to meet up on Wednesday of each week and devote their time to sewing whatever was needed.
One of the ladies in the group became ill and it was suggested that they make her a quilt. This suggestion was eagerly accepted – who would have thought that twenty years later the group would still be going. It was decided that Quilting day would be the fourth Wednesday of the month and so “Bulli Corner Quilters” came into being.
The ladies are very industrious with their quilt making. During 2023 they donated not only quilts but also tee shirts, shorts, skirts, blouses, various bags together with stuffed toys and crochet purses to Operation Christmas Child. Other recipients of quilted items include both Wollongong Hospitals – Public and Private Neo-natal Departments, as well as the Paediatric Ward of Wollongong Hospital, bed brighteners for the children at Westmead Hospital, personal items were given to the Aboriginal Liaison Officer in local high schools, Eugowra NSW flood victims, and Pyjama Angels.
The year of friendship, devotions and hard work culminates in the Quilt and Flower Show held each October. The 2023 Show was the most successful to date, with over $9000 was raised and donated to the Cancer Research Wollongong Unit, Bulli Hospital Auxiliary, Royal Doctor Flying Service, Rural Fire Service, Fred Hollows Foundation and the Heritage Church Restoration Fund at Northern Illawarra Uniting Church.
The 2024 Quilt and Flower Show will be held on Friday, 11 and Saturday, 12 October.
Whilst the ladies gratefully accept donations from deceased estate and surplus fabric from other sewers, they are required to purchase the wadding, thread and other miscellaneous items and funds raised at the Show help towards these purchases.
The Quilt & Flower Show is open from 9am to 3pm, $8 entry, with delicious refreshments and credit card facilities available. It is hoped that many readers will come along again to the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, corner of Princes Highway and Point Street, Bulli.
Further info from Lynn Kelly, 0413 963 070 or lmk1703@yahoo.com.au