Quilters from New Zealand and Australia gather in Whanganui

Lyn Marks, of Perth, lights up her work. Photo / Stuart Munro

Quilting, eating, drinking and a bit of sightseeing were on the agenda for 68 avid quilters who held their annual retreat in Whanganui.

The Southern Cross Quilters, known as SCQuilters, is an online group of New Zealanders and Australians who get together once a year, usually in Australia.

However, convenor Ngaire Flynn organised this year's retreat in Whanganui where she now lives.

"We have 60 Australians and eight New Zealand quilters here and they have loved it," Ms Flynn said.

"The retreat is usually held in a different place in Australia each year. The only other time it was in New Zealand was in 2004 when it was held in Auckland. Next year we are meeting in Uluru."

Canberra resident Carol Richardson was one of 60 Australians at the SCQuilters retreat. Photo / Stuart Munro

The group met from Thursday to Sunday, with guest speakers, a kapa haka group, dining out and, of course, quilting on the agenda. Ms Flynn said the event had been supported by Wanganui Home Sewing Centre, Garney Spooner Wool Shop, Philp-Wright Fabrics and other quilting businesses around New Zealand.

A Katie Brown glass vase was to be raffled with proceeds going to CanTeen which helps young people aged between 13 and 24 who are dealing with cancer.