Autumn is nearly upon us and preparations are in full swing for the first meeting back after the summer break. We have an exciting programme planned for the coming months all the way to our Christmas extravaganza.

Our September meeting will take place on Saturday 14 September at Sacred Heart Church, Western Road, Cork from 10:00 to 12:30. Eircode T12 CA34.  At this meeting yearly membership can be purchased at a cost of €50 either by cash on the day or by visiting the IPS national website at https://irishpatchworksociety.wildapricot.org/membership Members can enjoy a range of benefits including discounts and access to member only content online as well as receiving the IPS magazine.

Fees for each meeting remain at €4 of members and €8 for non-members.

At September’s meeting we will be joined by Geraldine from Giddy Goat Patchwork who will bring her fabulous pop-up shop and give members a talk.

12^th October is the following meeting when the annual sewing machine service day will take place. If you would like to have your machine services during the day, please complete the sign up form that will be available at the September meeting.  Patchwork Plus will be the shop.

9^th November will be an open meeting where members will be demonstrating various techniques. Following the success of last year’s fabric swap and sale this will again happen in November.  

7^th December is a date to keep in your diary when a very special seasonal meeting will take place with lots of fun with Lismore Quilts being on site with a selection of Christmas fabric. Following the meeting there will be a festive themed workshop.

Sew a busy time ahead and don’t forget, if you can come to a meeting then bring along any projects that you have been working on for the Show and Tell.

Happy Stitching.

A warm day with warm friends was had on Saturday when we meet for our monthly meeting.

Lismore quilts brought a wonderful selection of fabric for the pop-up shop. There was a new range of very pretty fat quarters and lots of jellyrolls and layer cakes. There was also some discount fabrics amongst the bolts so something for everyone.

Our own Tracy Wardle of Trace Designs gave a fascinating talk on the origins and history of pockets. How they developed as a separate part of woman’s apparel which were a treasured way of self-expression, not just a utilitarian item. Through to the pocket being incorporated into garments. We also learnt about the different methods of construction and embellishment, The different fabrics used and the variety of shapes and sizes. It made us consider the importance of an often-overlooked part of clothing.

There were also a vivid array of members works displayed during show and tell showing a glimpse of the talent of our members.

Our last meeting before the summer will be on Saturday 8^th June where we will be joined by Nikki Foley from The Sewing Shed. The following week (14-16 June),  will see Cork hosting the National AGM at Cork International Airport.

4 May 2024 – Southern Branch Meeting. Sacred Heart Church Hall, Western Road, Cork. Guest Speaker: Tracy Wardle. Shop: Lismore Quilts

8 June 2024 – Southern Branch Meeting. Sacred Heart Church Hall, Western Road, Cork. Guest Speaker: Nikki Foley. Shop: The Sewing Shed

14-16 June 2024 National AGM hosted by Southern Branch. Cork International Hotel, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork Airport.

There was a real buzz at this month’s meeting as a good crowd gathered to look back at some of the highlights of the past year and begin to plan for the year ahead.

Patchwork Plus were the pop-up shop and were, as always on hand with a great range of fabric and notions.

There was an animated slideshow of a selection of quilts that members have displayed over the last 12 months, both in Show and Tell and at our exhibition. There was no guest speaker this month as time was taken for the AGM.

The Show and Tell this month included not just quilts but wall hangings, cushions, fabric baskets, an Ipad pouch, and an ingenious fabric card stand. A great reminder that it’s not all about bedcovers!

It’s full steam ahead now for a sewing summer including the southern branch welcoming members from across the country as Cork hosts the National AGM in June.  

NOTE: Next months meeting on the earlier date of Saturday 4 May.

Another busy month for the Southern IPS quilters with the monthly meeting taking place on 9th March.

The guest speaker this month was Christine from The Irish Quilter. She showed some of her collection of work and gave a workshop on quilting with freezer paper following the meeting. The Irish Quilter was also the guest shop with a lovely array of fabric and notions.

As always a fantastic display was given by members for the show and tell.

Our next meeting will take place on Saturday 13 April 2024. This meeting will be followed by the AGM.

Another wonderful meeting took place on 10th February, with an enthusiastic crowd in attendance. Patchwork Plus provided the pop-up shop, which is always well stocked with irresistible sewing treats. The talk was provided by one of the Southern Branches members, Cathy Davis. Cathy shared a taste of her talent and showed us the variety of her skill with a selection of wonderful quilts. Show and Tell is always a treat with an array of work on display.

Our next meeting will take place on 9^th March 2024.