When a very, very, very young Deborah Baillie decided to start a quilting guild, little did she realise how big it would grow. Nor could she have realised how popular it would be, becoming Northern Ireland’s largest patchwork Guild. That was 40 years ago and on Saturday September 1st 2018, Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild begin their 40th year.

The NIPG are indebited to Deborah and thank her,  not least for all her hard work,  but also the dedication and passion she has brought to patchwork in Northern Ireland.

In honour of this auspicious anniversary, the committee led by our Chair, Paula Ellis, has been planning some exciting events for the forthcoming year.

A few words from our Chair, Paula Ellis 

Here’s what’s happening on Saturday 1st September:

•  Judith Hollies will have her  pop-up shop Just Jude Designs 

  

   & will be giving a talk to the Guild on scrap-busting.
  

Judith is a regular contributor to several UK quilting magazines (Love Patchwork & Quilting, Quilt Now, Sewing World, Popular Patchwork, British Patchwork & Quilting & Pretty Patches).

A designer who writes and sells her own patterns. Judith’s philosophy is  to inspire & nurture creativity in others,  for which in turn she feels blessed and inspired.  She believes that within our increasingly stressful and busy culture, unleashing your creativity is mindfulness.

Though Judith is no stranger to the NIPG, you will have a chance once again to see her on Saturday and perhaps purchase one of her excellent patterns. It is also possible to purchase them online at her shop, or through Etsy and Craftsy.

• Members will be able to renew their membership. £ 30.00.  New members welcome too. 

Not everyone has online access, but if you do and if you have print facilities, it would be much appreciated, if you could print the form and bring it with you. Form available here. 

• Members will be able to book workshops.

Please note: A £ 10.00 deposit is required for workshops.  Payment in full at the next meeting (non-refundable, except in exceptional micircumstances).

See also: Workshop Requirements.

• Tickets will be on sale for the Kaffe Fassett Lecture and Workshop

This is an extra special event organised to celebrate our 40th Anniversary.

Kaffe Fassett needs no introduction to quilters (or indeed to knitters). 

Typical Kaffe Fassett Quilt

• Tickets for the lecture and/or workshop will be offered initially to Members Only. 

• Lecture in the Ulster Museum costs £ 15.00 for Members & £20 for non-Members, non-refundable.

• Collection of quilts for our first exhibition of the year

Those who have completed their quilts for our first exhibition of the year, will be able bring them along to the September Meeting.  The exhibition is entitled: “Wonderful World of Colour” and is to be exhibited in November at the Curve Gallery, Bangor library

Quilt size – no more than 36″ square. Not forgetting the usual things – hanging sleeve, pole and labelled bag.  Here’s link to the entry form which should be printed and completed to accompany each entry: Entry Form for the Curve Exhibition

Delighted to have any finished quilts at the September meeting, otherwise bring them in October. Quilts do need to be collected as early as possible to facilitate cataloguing. 

Visitors Welcome

The first Saturday is always busy. It’s great to catch up with everyone after the long summer, and as individuals, we will do our best to look out for new people, and give them the welcome we would expect to receive ourselves.

It is daunting coming to a place for the first time, but you may not be the only new person.  So, don’t be shy.  Be brave, go up and talk to people. Tell them who you are, where you’re from and why you’re there.

In particular our first day, on September 1st will be exceptionally busy day and  it really won’t be possible for a  committee member to take you under their wing,  but please know that you are welcome and that we do look forward to getting to know you.