This morning we met online for our monthly branch meeting. Thank you to those who managed to join us, it was so lovely to see you all!

After a general catch up, Nicky Foley of the Sewing Shed took her phone camera around her shop. From fabrics to threads, and from notions of all kinds to patterns. As well as that the Sewing Shed has a dedicated workshop for up to 5 people, all separated by screens into individual work stations to comply with regulations.

Nicky told us she will be moving premises at the end of the month. She will be closer to the village, be on the ground floor, and have her own parking. Improvements to the website are also planned. Find the Sewing Shed’s website at: https://www.thesewingshed.ie/

From that we got to talking about the mystery quilt-along Nicky ran over the summer, the “Sewcial distancing project”. Frances showed us her version, made in scraps. The mystery instructions are still (freely) available with videos, find details here: https://www.thesewingshed.ie/blogs/news/stayathome-our-sewcialdistancing-project-part-1

This was followed by Mary Palmer showing us some of her work. In a very varied talk she showed us recent and older work, modern and more traditionally inspired work, and collaborative work. There were photos from her travels to Uzbekistan, prize-winning quilts, quilting she has done for others, and seasonally inspired work based on the drunkard’s path block and much more. If you are not very familiar with her work, some images can be found on her website gallery: http://www.marimudesigns.com/?page_id=73

Someone asked about where to obtain linen fabrics after seeing one of Mary’s quilts including linen fabrics. After the meeting Bernie sent us details of a shop she has visited that sells linen fabrics:

As a sign of the times, we briefly spoke of masks, and Mary showed us an image of a fascinating beaked mask in the style plague doctors reputedly wore. I found it online, if you are interested there are even instructions (HERE), though whether it makes a practical mask I leave you to decide…

Not quite a mask, but Frances shared this image with us:

Finally, I am ending this post with some photos of your makes that I got sent via our email:

Bernadette Keniry made this quilt. She says: this lap quilt was an UFO and travelled to three homes before being grounded.

Also by Bernadette this crochet cape. It was made from an Interweave pattern, lots of patience was required:

• 

• 

Noreen Brazier

Hilary O’Kelly recently made this quilt for her grandson Tiernan. He chose the fabrics himself, many came from his aunt Kate, which gives the quilt extra special meaning.

Tracy Wardle sends us these pictures. She says: I haven’t finished any quilts this month but I have WIP’s. I’ve been working on another UFO this month and the photo is of the backing,  which I’m piecing at the moment. The other thing I’m working on is an Advent calendar for my son and his wife. I can’t wait to show you the finished article but for now here’s a pic of my current favourite pocket.

Moya Geraghty has also send us some pictures. She is doing a block of the month called Superbloom by Laundry Basket Quilts. Picture of the quilt and the first block. Anybody interested in taking part contact her at patchworkplus[at]gmail.com.

Below a picture of a messenger bag made at one of her workshops.

• 

• 

Eilís Watson is making a kaleidoscope quilt (not together yet) using the striped fabric below:

Well, that is all for today. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, and if you do any sewing in the coming weeks share your photo with us next month. We hope to host another online meeting then, too.