A fuel protest and a return to wintery weather were no obstacles to our determined members at a good crowd turned out for our AGM and monthly meeting. Our outgoing chairperson Cath welcomed everyone to a jam packed meeting. Notices included reminders about our summer exhibition which will take place in Skibbereen 8-15 August. Along with quilts for entry a request for a selection of favourite, unfinished blocks was made. These blocks will be displayed to show the variety of styles and show the steps to completing a quilt. Blocks should be no bigger than 10″ and clearly labelled.

The closing date for completion of the national survey is 17 April. Any member who has not yet submitted a survey should do so this week.

A reminder that the National AGM in Galway’s challenge is entitled “Gatherings” and members are encouraged to enter a piece of work.

The AGM followed and a new committee was elected to commence service in September. All the current members were sincerely thanked for their commitment and hard work over their term of office. It was noted that the branch is going from strength to strength with membership now reaching over 90 and with a average attendance at meetings of 48. Cath delivered her speech highlighting the variety of activities, speakers and shops that we have seen over the last 12 months. Along with the other business of the AGM it was agreed that a challenge programme would be organised for members to complete over the coming year. Watch out for more details. There will also be a “Sit and Sew Day” organised over the coming months at a local venue. Any members who were unable to attend the meeting and would like more details of minutes of AGM can contact Cath Davis.

We were delighted to be joined by Nikki Foley of The Sewing Shed, who brought her shop along. She also announced a new venture under the banner of Quilt Ireland. This will be an annual event which will bring together the best of Ireland with exhibitions, Irish quilt businesses and talks and workshops and sew days. The first event will take place 22-23-24 October at the Heights Hotel, Killarney. More information can be found at quiltlreland.ie and on social media.

Our speaker this month was our own Pat Hurley who bought with her a plethora of work from her 40 years of crafting and teaching. She spoke with passion about all her work and explain details of the different styles and some of the history and development of the skills. The Highlight was a stunning lace wedding vail made for her daughter’s wedding, which Pat designed and took two years to complete. The range of was was truly incredible. it was all beautifully worked with exquisite detail. Some of the different work included was several methods for lace making, Macrame, Blackwork, ribbon embroidery, crewel work, cross stitch, bead work, gold work, Italian and English hand quilting, crochet, stuffed animals, knitting, Shadow quilting, Stump work, Penny felts and Dorset buttons to name just a few!

The show and tell was, as always, a delight with members bringing along a great selection of work. Frances had made great progress with the quilt which she was working on last month and Trish’s memory quilt fantastic.