Greetings to all members of EQI! …
by EQI President: Kerry R.
Recover, Recharge, Regroup and Rebuild
November is here, and hopefully, some warmer weather is on the horizon! I don’t know about you, but I have definitely made use of my quilts at home during these colder months.
I have been the very lucky recipient of not one, but two birthday Friendship Quilts given to me to mark my 50th and my 60th birthdays. These are very special pieces of Friendship and part of my quilting history.
Essendon Quilters Inc. has a great history and I have been reading the bound editions of our Newsletters, especially the first volume 1989-1999.
Lots of activities and constant changes, including three different homes until EQI found the Freemason’s Hall in Mt Alexander Rd., our current address. In 2023, next year we will celebrate 25 years at the Freemason’s Hall with a celebration that is still in the planning stages. Milestones are important to celebrate! Some members will also be celebrating special ones at the end of the year.
As we strive to “Recover, Recharge, Regroup and Rebuild”, as well as our usual monthly Wednesday Gatherings, we will be booking as many 4th Saturdays in 2023 as possible, for “Sit and Sews” with “added benefits”. More to come on those activities…watch this space!
During 2023, there will be a revival of the monthly ‘Chance” block, with a difference. Each month, 2-3 printed blocks, from our archives, will be available at the monthly gatherings and Saturdays for members to purchase, at a small cost, take home, and choose your own fabrics and makeup to your own liking. Then, at our end-of-year celebration, in December, to be brought back for “Show and Tell” as a finished quilt top.
The expectation is that these members’ “Chance” quilts will be shown at our next Quilt Show, scheduled for 2024. As an added “bonus”, instructions will be included for a “Mystery Quilt”, (in four or five parts) taken from our archived Newsletters from 1989-1999 for members to make up and enjoy. I love a good mystery!
As the committee continues to plan for 2023 we would love input from members, especially regarding possible Guest Speakers, activities you might like to try and additions to our great Library. Please use the suggestion box at the Front Desk.
Speaking of activities, the 2022 EQI Retreat was a small, (wet), but active and successful adventure this year (a report is in the making, including photos!). We have re-booked for 2023 at The Castle Motel, 1 Duke St. Castlemaine for the dates of October 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd. Please join in as it’s great to get away for 2, 3, or 4 nights to sew, chat, shop and repeat! We have use of the large function room with adequate power for sewing machines as well as extra lighting for handwork, or as the “modernists” say: “slow sewing”. Remember, you need to book your rooms directly with the motel and tell them that you are with EQI.
I know the motel is filling up with bookings for 2023, so, please book sooner rather than later.
Well, that’s enough from me for now. Enjoy November!
Kerry Roe
President
Essendon Quilters Inc.
