Thirty years ago a small group of women met to undertake lessons in patchwork and quilting under the tutelage of the very talented Shirley Hibbert.  They enjoyed the classes so much that, at Shirley’s suggestion, the Alexandra Quilters friendship group was formed.  Since then, the number of members has continued to grow so that today over 60 ladies meet twice monthly at the RSL Hall to share their love of this ancient craft, encourage each other with their projects and simply to enjoy each other’s companty.  An associated Craft and Chatter group meets on the third and fourth Fridays of every month at the local bowling club.

Throughout the years, the Quilters have given much to the local community.  Early in the group’s history, charity quilts were made to raffle for causes close to the hearts of its members or to provide comfort to those in distress.  Today a community quilt is made every year and donated to a local charity to raffle.  Those who have benefitted have ranged from Kellock Lodge and Darlingford Nursing Home to the Secondary College’s driver education programme, the SES Support Group and the Yarck and Taggerty Fire Brigades.  Proceeds from the group’s annual exhibition of work also go to the designated charity for the year.  In 2014 this will be the Alexandra Playgroup.

Last year a wall quilt was donated to the Alexandra Hospital which depicts a timeline history of the Alexandra area and of the hospital itself.  Seven large panels show the changing face of the town from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.  A number of old photographs, reproduced on fabric, show the growth of the hospital from a small bush nursing building to the magnificent structure of today.  This quilt was hung in the foyer of the hospital earlier on this year, appropriately as part of the group’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

  

Every year, in conjunction with Alexandra’s Truck, Rod and Ute Show, the Alexandra Quilters hold an exhibition of their work.  For many years this was held in the Masonic Lodge hall with a number of lodge members helping with the setting up and hanging of the quilts.  Following last year’s move to the Shire Hall, the 2014 exhibition will again be found here with additional opening hours on Saturday afternoon.

It has been recognised in quilting circles that exhibitions by the Alexandra Quilters are well worth the visit.  There is always a huge variety of quilts on display as most members have their own individual style that they love whether it is reproduction, floral applique, tiny hexagons or machine strip piecing.  Each year a member’s challenge is also part of the exhibition.  This year’s theme is “30 Years of Stitching Pearls” highlighting the group being in existence for 30 years.

New members are always welcome to join Alexandra Quilters – beginners as well as experienced patchworkers.