Four decades of creativity, craftsmanship and community spirit will be celebrated this weekend as the Vision Patchworkers of Ipswich mark their 40th anniversary with a special public exhibition showcasing the group’s rich history and remarkable talent.
Speaking on Get Your Arts Into Gear on West Bremer Radio, founding member Joy reflected on how the group began around a kitchen table in 1985.
“It began around our kitchen table,” she said.
The group was originally established through their church as a way of connecting with the wider community.
“We didn’t want to be isolated from the community, so we found there was a need. People were interested in patchwork.”
Joy recalled learning the craft under the guidance of renowned quilter Hetty van Boven, whose student, Shirley Sleebs, travelled from Esk each month to teach the fledgling group.
Members spent a year completing sampler quilts while learning the fundamentals of drafting, sewing and traditional patchwork techniques.
Joy’s own first quilt, created from discarded silk offcuts swept from the floor of a former tie factory in North Ipswich, will be among the historic pieces on display.
“I had to sort all the different colours and work out what went together,” she said.
More Than Quilting
Current President Priscilla said while membership numbers have naturally changed over the years, the group’s commitment to community remains as strong as ever.
“We’re not as big as we were 20 years ago because our ladies are ageing, but we’re still connecting with the community,” she said.
Beyond quilting, members regularly produce handmade items for a range of charitable organisations, including quilts, bags and clothing for foster children, people experiencing homelessness and the Operation Christmas Child program.
“It’s not all just about us,” Priscilla said.
The fortnightly gatherings also provide an important social connection for members.
“These days when we meet, there’s often more talking than sewing.”
Anniversary Exhibition
To celebrate its milestone anniversary, Vision Patchworkers will host a 40th Anniversary Exhibition on Saturday, 1 August, from 10am to 3pm at the Vision Christian Family Church, 58 Gledson Street, North Booval.
Visitors will be able to view quilts created over the past four decades, watch live demonstrations and browse the group’s special 40th Anniversary Challenge, where members have each created a 40-centimetre by 40-centimetre quilt reflecting the theme “What Vision Means to Me.”
The winning entries will be announced prior to the exhibition opening.
The event will also feature a sausage sizzle, homemade pumpkin soup, sandwiches, coffee van and cold drinks, with a gold coin donation providing entry.
Priscilla said the exhibition is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in quilting or textile arts to discover more about the craft.
“It’s not just quilts,” she said.
“We’ve got knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, painters and art quilters. If people are interested in taking up quilting, they can put their name down for classes.”
The exhibition promises to celebrate not only the artistry of quilting but also the friendships and community connections that have kept Vision Patchworkers stitching together for the past 40 years.
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