Bellarine’s best quilters on show

THE Bellarine Quilters are gearing up to show off years of hard work with a quilt show at the Drysdale Community Hub at the end of the month.

The group of about 45 likeminded members have made 270 quilts over the past 18-months for charity alone, and 40 will be on display at their upcoming show.

“They go to Bethany Childcare services, Kinship Carers, Encompass for families who no longer have a home to live in due to domestic violence, Southern Cross Kids camp and this year we donated to the Ukrainian Women’s Association for their fundraiser,” member Anne Millward said.

“We believe that any child who receives a hand-made quilt will hopefully feel love and support at a distressing time in their lives.” Ms Millward said quilting was a hobby for group members with some sewing “the most beautiful quilts”.

“We have lots of fun, most people love to donate their time and enthusiasm to help other people.

“For some reason we have this thing where we get all this beautiful fabric, cut it up and then join it together again.”

The group previously hosted bi-annual shows at the Mill in Portarlington, with the last show in 2018, and will now host shows at their space at the Drysdale Community Hub.

“It’s nice and light and airy, and we’ve got two rooms to set up our quilt show,” Ms Millward said.
The exhibition will showcase various techniques including applique (had stitching a pattern on fabric), and the group’s various interpretations and replications of a display pattern that many used.

In keeping with their not-for-profit fundraising ethos, the group is hosting a raffle to gather funds for new seating at the back of the Drysdale Hub and prizes include members quilts and meals at local restaurants the Zoo and Bungalow.

“We want people to have another excuse to experience the Bellarine while they’re down here, and to support the local businesses who’ve had a tough few years,” Ms Millward said.

The show is at the Drysdale Community Hub, 21-27 Eversley Street, Drysdale on Saturday 29 and Monday 30, October between 10.00am and 4.00pm