Club of the Week: Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Group keep each other in stitches

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters Group committee member Helen Purllant (left) and president Jocelyn Mankelow (right) gearing up for the club's annual open weekend exhibition. Photo/File

It's amazing what you can do with a piece of fabric, some colourful threads and a little bit of imagination.

And when it comes to their creative exploits, members of the Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Group have it in spades.

Club president Jocelyn Mankelow said members, who ranged in age from their 30s to their 90s, didn't just make quilts.

Mankelow, who has been a member of the club for 10 years, and president for two, said her interest was first sparked while visiting Kulim Park while working at a rest home.

"During a trip to the park with some of the rest home's residents, I saw a group of people stitching pieces of fabric underneath the trees.

"I have always been interested in fabrics so I wanted to know more, and ended up joining the group, with little experience, and absolutely loved it, "she said.

Mankelow said the craft was "highly addictive" and it was a chance to go to your "happy place".

Originally formed in 1989 by a group of women who took a night class at a local college, the group has grown to at least 90 members.

"We have members who work in orchards, some who have worked in fabric shops, and people from lots of other different professions as well.

"In fact, we welcome anyone to join our group. You don't have any experience, just possess a little bit of creativity and be willing to learn," she said.

Along with weekend classes and other special events during the year, once a year the group holds an annual retreat. Members also enjoyed entering national competitions.

Mankelow said the group also held a bi-annual exhibition which attracted 1500 exhibitions from all around the country, and the next would be held next year.

The group also undertook community projects such as making quilts for Tauranga Women's Refuge, the Homes of Hope and this year's the Shakti Community Council.

"We also create pieces for worthy individuals," she said.

Mankelow said the group was a fun, friendly social bunch of people.

"Sometimes at our meetings, we don't do much stitching at all, and spend a lot of the time talking and laughing together," she said.

Visit the Tauranga Patchwork and Quilters Group's Facebook page or phone 07 578 5061.