By Lynn Kelly of Bulli Corner Quilters
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 Wednesdays 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 20 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 the quilt making. During 2023 they donated not only quilts but also t-shirts, shorts, skirts, blouses, various bags, stuffed toys andd crochet purses to Operation Christmas Child. The group has also donated quilted items to 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 officers in local high schools, Eugowra NSW flood victims and the Pyjama Foundation, as part of its Pyjama Angels mentoring program.
Each year of friendship, devotions and hard work culminates in the Quilt and Flower Show held in October. The 2023 Show was the most successful to date and more than $9000 was raised and immediately donated to 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 11 and 12 October.
While the ladies gratefully accept donations from deceased estates and surplus fabric from other sewers, they do need to buy the wadding, thread and other miscellaneous items. To this end, a Mammoth Quilt Sale will be held on Saturday, April 27.
As Mother’s Day is only a short time after this date, it is an ideal time to purchase Mum a beautiful quilt or an item from the craft stall. Quilts are not necessarily only for beds… They are decorative items and can be used over the back of a lounge, as a small table covering or as picnic rugs.
The Mammoth Quilt Sale is open from 9am to 3pm, with gold coin entry and delicious refreshments also available. Credit card facilities will cater for those who prefer not to carry cash.
It is hoped that many readers will come along to the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church, which is at the corner of Princes Highway and Point Street, Bulli.
For more information, contact Lynn Kelly on 0413 963 070 or lmk1703@yahoo.com.au
