Tea, cake and quilting are a successful combination for the Isle of Man Heritage Quilters, a group of friendly quilting enthusiasts who meet at the Manx Museum each week.
The group of 12 quilters sew and socialize, hand-making stunning items for Isle of Man charities and good causes, devoting Wednesday afternoons each week to quilting.
Brenda Williams said:
“Quilting for charity is a beautiful way to give back to the community while practicing the art of patchwork. Since forming, the group has produced over 200 baby quilts for the special care baby unit and dozens of fabric hearts to help bonding between mothers and special care babies. Stunning quilts have been made and raffled for small local charities. Bright and cheerful syringe drive medication bags and drain bags have been hand sewn for Hospice and Nobles Hospital, benefitting patients undergoing treatment”.
The group often bring in their latest projects and whilst currently unable to accept new members are always happy for visitors to pop in to the Manx Museum Seminar Room on a Wednesday afternoon to see their work.
Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage said:
“The Heritage Quilt Group is a fabulous example of the Island’s national heritage sites being used as a creative space by the local community. It is extremely rewarding to see our facilities being put to such good use, whilst supporting local charities and helping keep traditional skills alive”.
Brenda continued:
“We have a wealth of talent among our group; some members are experienced quilters, whilst others are completely new to needlework and enjoying learning a new skill. We are extremely grateful to Manx National Heritage for allowing the group to use the facilities at the Manx Museum. This enables us to produce hundreds of items of patchwork and needlework, which is donated or sold to raise funds for local good causes”.
ENDS
Image captions:
- Susan Carine, Brenda Williams and Angela Gault showcase work of the Heritage Quilt Group to Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage
- A member demonstrates Manx Log Cabin Quilting