Late in 2019, an invitation was sent to active, and some not so recently
active, AHQ sewing friends, to join together at Gallipoli Barracks for an AHQ
sewing day.
9am on 05 Feb saw our group of quilters watching the induction video to be
allowed escorted access to the base. A brief stop to unload cars, and then we set
ourselves up in the conference room at the All Saint’s Chapel. The meeting of
new friends, and the steady whir of sewing machines began.
Previously created project kits were started for a number of laundry bags
L to R Marilyn O being helped by Thelma T, Gayle W & Val M
Val M completed a quilt top in record time
Leanne
Mac appliqued her stunning “Toyota Drifting” quilt and also finished the
associated Laundry Bag.
L to R Alex T (thinking where she was up to) Leanne Mac (busy appliqueing), Thelma at the ironing board and Marilyn (conscientiously sewing)
Other quilt tops were commenced or continued,
and many laughs were had.
CHAPLAIN Pete arranged for a number of the Gallipoli Barracks Chaplains
to provide a BBQ lunch for the group and also a few recipients to come and say
hello to the group and also share our meal. These recipients regaled us
with stories of deployments to far away countries, and the warmth and love our
quilts and laundry bags provide in a distant and isolating place. A lovely
lunch hour and a few happy snaps followed. One of our Quilters was fortunate
enough to actually meet one of her recipients!
Our happy group of Stitchers, Chaplains and Recipients
Before sewing recommenced CHAP Pete was presented
with his laundry bag in preparation for his upcoming deployment. His face said
it all - it was a pleasant surprise for him even if there was dispute over
which AFL Team to support!
CHAP Pete proudly shows the Laundry Bag - Made and presented to
him by Roz G
With an increased fever pitch of sewing, quilts were planned, bags were
appliquéd and many, many more laughs were had as we share the mutual goal of
making and creating Laundry Bags and Quilts
Marilyn’s completed Laundry Bag will soon be on its way to a recipient!
Gathering in a group such as this allowed everyone to bring their
knowledge and handy tips to the table. Even the most novice of sewers were made
to feel welcome (I am mostly speaking about myself here). We shared all sorts
of knowledge about how to best assemble the laundry bags, use a jelly roll to
create an easy quick quilt top, and some handy online tutorials to
access.
We shared images of quilts made and sent in the past, and even managed a bit of
show and tell with some of the work we had produced.
A few jokes were made about seam allowances and using the correct foot
to assist with making these 1/4” seams, and the name 1/4 SEAMRS (1/4” SEQLD,
Embroidery And Military Regional Stitchers) was born.
Our Unit Mascot – the ¼” foot
Future gatherings will be on the first Wednesday of each month, at the All
Saints Chapel. 9am-3pm. All friends of AHQ are welcome, but RSVP’s are
required. Our room currently is not huge, so when our numbers start to outgrow
our space, we will find another room on base to meet.
Meeting adjourned until 04 Mar 2020, 0900h.
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