One local woman has been mastering the art of patchwork for 21 years, although she says she’s still learning.
Pat Newport, of the South Otago Patchwork Group, said she loves using patchwork to create beautiful things.
Mrs Newport joined the group about four years ago, and was looking forward to celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, she said.
‘‘I quite enjoy the social side. Everyone comes in and we make ourselves a coffee and have a chat about the grandchildren, politics, the weather and anything else,’’ Mrs Newport said.
‘‘I find it lovely to have company while we’re doing our own thing, because it can be boring sitting in your own home doing it by yourself sometimes.’’
The group of 30 members have classes every Wednesday to meet up and sew together with personal machines, and some by hand.
Mrs Newport said she loved creating quilts, and particularly enjoyed the applique technique — taking a patch, pattern ordesign piece and sewing it on a part of the quilt. She used a special magnified attachment on her glasses to help her when stitching.
‘‘We’re always happy to train and introduce new people into patchwork,’’ she said.
She joked that not all were as appreciative of the workmanship that went into crafting a quilt.
‘‘Well, my husband always describes patchwork as cutting up a perfectly good piece of material and putting it on to another piece.’’
The celebration, from 10.30am on Saturday, August 27, at the South Otago Creative Arts Centre in Balclutha, would include a luncheon, social time, birthday cake and presentation of patchwork art by members; and all past, present and potential future members were welcome.
Mrs Newport encouraged people to get in contact with her at [email protected], or on 027 316 1897, for queries or registrations.
