The new year started in a positive mood with a good crowd eager to reconnect after the Christmas break.

We were joined by Vibes and Scribes who brought along a selection of fabric from the shop and gave a very interesting talk about the origins of the shop as a small book shop in Macroom in the 90’s to now becoming a renowned, and one of the largest arts and crafts suppler in Ireland with an increasing online presents and a large premises in Cork city centre. They are delighted to supply the quilting community and would be happy to assist with any requests with any out of stock of fabric lines items available to order.

There was lots of news to catch up with from the central committee. A national anniversary exhibition will take place in Dublin with the title “Echo’s” quilts for this exhibition should be 20″x30″ and submitted by 10th March. Full details can be found it issue 173 of members magazine.

Central committee is now calling for nominations for Honorary Membership. This a prestigious award of lifetime membership is awarded to a limited number of members each year. The criteria for nominees and full details are included in the current issue of members magazine 173. Closing date for nominations is 1 March.

Raffle tickets are still on sale and will be available for the final time at next months meeting. the cost of the tickets is €2 each with all funds going towards the commissioning of a national survey of members to determine the future direction of the society. Prizes include quilts and a sewing machine. The draw will take place on 23 March.

If any members take part in any local groups they are asked to submit the details to the chair so that details can be added to the website.

There was also a reminder for those attending the national AGM (20-21 June) in Galway to book their accommodation. Again details are on the website and in the magazine.

The executive committee are in need of a member to take up the post of PRO and also the post of national archivist. If you are interesting in either post please contact Southern branch Chairperson Cath Davis.

Several members of the Southern Branch Committee are in their final year of service, therefore a new committee will be formed at the next AGM. We hope that members will step forward to take up the mantle. It’s vital for a successful branch that the committee changes to reflect the diversity of our members and keep us growing and positive. With this in mind, over the coming months members of the committee will highlight their responsibilities. They will also be available so that the handover will be smooth so there is no need to panic about doing something you’ve never done before. We would encourage anyone who has not served on the committee to stand. None of the roles are massively arduous and it is great fun to be part of.

Show and Tell never disappoints and always offers a glimpse of the talents that abound in the branch. Christine Sawyer showed her “Dunkin’ Doughnuts Quilt” and Sheila Devereux showed her hand quilting on her latest quilt. Heidi’s latest creation was made using some sashing from Eilís that she had got at the fabric swap. Ailbhe had rediscovered a mini log cabin that she had made in 1997 and a “ipod” quilt she made in 2001. It was also Poignant when, with the permission of family, Mary Palmer showed two quilts that she had quilted which were made by Barbara Willis who sadly passed away at Christmas. Our condolences go to her family.

Looking forward to coming events, next months meeting will be followed by a workshop by Lynn Naughton on a mini mosaic festival sampler and in March Tomomi McElwee will lead another workshop Tomomi’s sign up sheet will be at the February meeting.

A community united with creativity at the latest meeting last Saturday. As always, the room buzzed with the joyful hum of shared passion, the vibrant hues of countless fabrics. This month’s gathering was a testament to the enduring appeal of patchwork and the warm, welcoming spirit of our members. From seasoned quilters to enthusiastic newcomers, everyone found something to inspire them.

This month, I was privileged to be the guest speaker, I gave an informal presentation on the history of English Paper Piecing and my journey in developing this technique. Patchwork Plus provided a wonderful display of fabrics at the pop-up shop.

Of course, no meeting is complete without our beloved “Show and Tell.” This month’s display was a kaleidoscope of talent. Cathrine Ryan’s quilt was a beautiful mix of colours and incorporated embroidered names. There were more charity quilts and Joanne Harrington had completed an ice blue carpenters star. It was not only quilts on show but 2 bags and a Jacket.   I am always astounded at the array of different projects on display and the mass of talent that is shared by members. The open sharing of knowledge and the genuine appreciation for each other’s work creates such a positive and supportive environment.

Following the meeting a group of members stayed to enjoy an afternoon workshop with me and started to construct a quilted jacket of their own. Every participant used a different colour pallet and an assortment of different patchwork blocks. Over the coming month we will see a fashion parade of vibrate and gifted members on our very own IPS fashion parade.

This month’s meeting was a warm celebration of creativity and community. The Irish Patchwork Society continues to be a haven for quilters of all levels, and I’m looking forward to our next gathering on 12 April.  Until then, happy stitching!