In the Beginning...
The
Islay Quilters was formed after a very
well attended patchwork and quilting demonstration organised by Islay
Arts Association.
The two speakers were Kay Cruden and Audrey
MacDougal from Calico Threads in Dunoon. Their enthusiasm
about their subject was so great it inspired a group of ladies to get
together to form their own quilting group. The very first
meeting, organised by Sally Taylor, was held on 16 January 1992, in the
Harbour Inn, Bowmore.
Approximately 24 people came to the first
meeting. It was agreed that there were to be three main aims
of the group:
- To generate an interest in quilting and
associated needlework by pooling ideas, experience and resources.
- To make quilts as a group to raise money
for various charities, as well as making our own individual items.
- To enjoy ourselves.
Now...
Although the numbers of the group have
varied, due to members leaving the island and new members joining, the
group has now over 30 members. The aims are still met; the
third one especially!
The group makes a quilt to raffle every
year and donates the money to local charities in Islay and Jura.
We
have also been
involved in making quilts for and with local Primary schools and have
made the magnificent wall hanging that hangs in the Columba
Centre. We hope you will be able to go and see it!
We have a workshop in Islay House Square
where we also have a shop which sells haberdashery, materials, craft
equipment and, of course, quilts and hand made items made by
quilters. All this is run by volunteer members and the
profits
are channelled back into the “Islay Quilters”.
Activities now include card making,
knitting club and beginners' patchwork. Our charity quilt
keeps us busy - look out for the latest!. Among our recent
projects is a hanging for the “Finlaggan Visitor Centre” which is well
worth a visit.
"Visiting Islay? Bring your
quilting with you and come along to our workshop for a cup of tea and
a chat. We welcome the opportunity to meet fellow quilters
and exchange ideas."
The Shop
The shop is currently closed. We will open again Monday 30th March 2015.
If urgent please contact 810313 during Jan - March.
We
hope you can
find everything you need. Islay Quilters is focused on providing
high-quality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything
we can to meet your expectations.
"We welcome all commissions, large or
small. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements."
Workshops
We
organise
various workshops throughout the year, to which everyone is
welcome. Watch this space for details of forthcoming
events,and come and join us and have fun trying something new!
The Workshop will be open every Tuesday from 2 to 4.30pm throughout the winter for members, those interested and visitors. Purchases can be made from the shop
at this time.
Contact the Islay Quilters at enquiries@islayquilters.org.uk
