Glamorgan Quilters in Action

Glamorgan Quilters was a hive of activity yesterday with plans for the Christmas tree in the Holy Cross Church, collecting money for the Christmas lunch alongside what looked like a very interesting and productive workshop!

This year the Glamorgan Quilters Christmas tree, which will be on display with many others, will be adorned with little fabric trees made from Suffolk Puffs.

A small group were busy cutting out the fabrics needed which were then distributed to members for completion. If anyone would like to make a tree they are most welcome. If you need instructions about how to make them please email Lynne Wheeler at Catsfouryou@yahoo.co.uk

In another room Deborah O’Hare was instructing members on how to make landscapes from scraps of fabric.

Liz and Enid looked very happy with her work as did Jackie.

And, whilst Gayney was busy concentrating we were busy admiring her necklace made from buttons.

A short wander round those who weren’t involved in the workshop revealed some stunning pieces of work, including hand finished applique

embroidery

hand quilting

a quilt for Project Linus

And, of course there is always time for a hard earned cuppa and a chat!

Next month (2 November) Janice Gunner will be entertaining members (non members also welcome) with a talk entitled Pastime to Profession. Plus, on the Sunday (3 November) she will be running a workshop in Ystradowen Village hall. The workshop ‘Triange Trickery & Secret Squares’ will show how to make little triangles and square patches which will add an extra dimension to your work. There are a couple of places available so if you would like to attend email montanajeannie@hotmail.com to book a place.

Chicago – Not Just A Quilt Shop Hunt!

I think that many of you know I have been to visit my middle daughter who is working in
Chicago. As soon as we heard she was going I, of course, asked her when could I visit? Well
I knew that I would have to put my name down (so to speak) as there was her boyfriend and
numerous friends who would also be wanting a place too. I was not going to let the six
months go by and then the time run out now was I?

My turn came round so I booked the flights and made sure that ‘he who must not be obeyed’
could take me to Heathrow. The flights were good. However I’m not going to mention the
vegetarian option meal. Suffice it to say it was just as bad on the way back so no surprises
there then! The journey over there was uneventful although I’m afraid I did have what could
be described as ‘a little run in’ with an American customs officer. I was called over to the
booth and stood with my documents in my hand waiting for instructions. He said in a most
sarcastic way that he couldn’t process me if I stood there all day and he needed to see my
passport etc. Well, certainly not the way that I was expecting to be treated on my arrival in
America. I drew myself up to my almost 5′ 1” (and that’s boasting) looked him in the eye
and told him in a most pronounced ‘BBC type’ accent that this was my first visit to America
and as I was unsure of procedures I was waiting on him to give me instructions. All I can
say is that I wasn’t carted off to be grilled under a high voltage lamp and he did soften as the
procedure was completed. Whew!!

Chicago surpassed my expectations. Well almost. As my daughter had already
explained to me that she was over there to work I was expecting to spend the days
organising myself and the evenings and perhaps some of the time during the days with her if
she could manage her work to enable that.

The weather was hot and sunny for the majority of the time so some of my mornings were spent down at the pool which belonged to the apartments. I had it to myself mostly so it felt very luxurious. I enjoyed the museums and lunching in pavement cafe’s or roof top restaurants. Lincoln Park the roof top bar in the Hyatt Building and shopping at Macey’s and Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue were
memories which are tucked away to be enjoyed time and time again.

Oh, and the restaurants and champagne we enjoyed in the evenings were beyond my wildest dreams. One of the restaurants had a ‘chandelier’ made out of upside down wine bottles (with lights interspersed in them). It covered practically the whole ceiling. I did wonder how they kept it clean?

Where was the flaw? Where was the ‘Well almost’ part in my expectations? Sadly I could
only find ONE quilting shop in the whole of Chicago and they were scheduled to
close!!!!!!!!!!!!! This obviously meant some bargains? It was a good job that my outgoing
suitcase weight was well under so I could accommodate just a few fat quarters.

My darling daughter asked me what on earth I was going to do with all that material when I had loads at
home in my sewing room? I smiled and sighed with contentment as my eyes glazed over when I stroked my beautiful material.

Lynne Wheeler

Patchwork House

Susan Bowers is moving from her studio in the Model House to a shop at 56 High Street, Old Llantrisant, CF72 8BR.

The shop, called the Patchwork House will be opening on Tuesday 15 October

Sue will be stocking patchwork fabric and a whole range of patchwork and quilting supplies. She will also be running beginners classes and workshops.

The shop will be open Tuesdays – Saturdays 9.30am – 5.00pm.

The telephone number for the shop will be 01443 229015. Sue has started a Facebook page – The Patchwork House, so people can follow her on there as well.