They cut up pieces of fabric, then resew it.
While that may seem odd and simple enough, the intricate work of the Stratford Village Quilters (SVQ) are sometimes traditional, works of art, and mathematical.
The quilters are celebrating 10 years of quilting with an exhibition at the Percy Thomson Gallery from September 1-16.
SVQ president Jennifer Patterson said this was the 3rd exhibition the quilters have held at the Percy Thomson Gallery, and it was the most exciting yet.
Dorothy Smith and Jill Smith, members of the talented group of women have also produced a recipe book illustrated with their well-loved quilts.
A hand embroidered Mouse in my House quilt by Sue Dodunski sits alongside Debbie Sheehy's corn chowder, and Jennifer Patterson's hand-dyed and machine-stitched Weddell Seal is an accompaniment to her Crockpot tomato chilli and lentil soup.
The recipes are as original as the quilts all the work of the 20 women who are the SVQ which was started with an idea in November 1997 and formed in the December.
"The recipe book is another way to show how diverse we are as a group," said Jennifer.
Of the foundation membership, seven were still present members, she said.
The 20 quilters in the group have met the challenge of making a quilt each for the exhibition, using a piece of the same fabric.
"The criteria set was for the size to be within one square metre, and a noticeable amount of the challenge fabric was to be used," said Jennifer.
This section will be judged by viewer's choice.
The quilters hold workshops and retreats and bring in other tutors, which is how they first met internationally renowned floral artist and quilter, Malcolm Angus from Auckland.
Malcolm will make six floral arrangements at the exhibition opening. They will complement his quilt and be auctioned.
Jennifer said the workshops extended the quilter's knowledge of quilting and experimenting.
The SVQ fundraise to bring the tutors to Stratford, which the proceeds from the demonstration and recipe book would go toward.
For more information on the Stratford Valley Quilters, call Jennifer Patterson on 7656600.
" The demonstration entry is by ticket but the exhibition opening at 7.30pm on September 3 is free. Malcolm is an honorary member of the Stratford Village Quilters and will open the exhibition. He has taught two classes in Stratford. The Irish Chain and Bargello quilts from those classes will be exhibited.
" Quilt styles are changing and the fabric and textures that can be used are very extensive. On display will be large and small traditional quilts, machine and hand quilted. Art quilts of various shapes and proportions that are embellished with beads and buttons and other fibres.
Woven by hand and mouth-watering recipes
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