From the Vice President

The season is changing inexorably towards Winter; frosts in the South, a few cold mornings in the North. I haven’t needed to change into gumboots instead of jandals yet, but I know it won’t be long. Other seasons are changing for me as well. As I write, I am in the middle of my last ever shift as a midwife. After a career of more than 20 years, I’ve decided to ‘retire’ to pursue other challenges. One of those challenges will be growing my quilting and textile art practice. The other will be managing a small campground next to the beach where I am now living.

I feel incredibly lucky to have been offered this opportunity and been in a position to take it up. Elliot Bay is the most stunning location with inspiration everywhere I turn. Should I draw the pōhutukawa trees, or photograph the waves? How can I translate the ever changing horizon into fabric? Would a quilt with dotterels (tūturiwhatu) or oyster catchers (tōrea) be more effective? How can I hold quilt retreats here so we can all be inspired and sew to the sounds of the waves?!

Yes, it has meant that I’ve moved house twice since the beginning of the year. Yes, it means that my sewing space is smaller and I no longer have a dedicated space to dye fabric. Yes, it means that I’m even further away from my favourite local quilt store. But I’ve decided to embrace the challenge and the change. I love this quote that seems to sum it up for me:

It’s a new season. A perfect opportunity to do something new, something bold, something beautiful!”

That quote also sums up the rest of our newsletter too. It’s exciting to announce our Winter Program, full of things to keep us occupied during the cold weather. We hope that in this season you will join us for something new, try something bold, and make something beautiful!

Charlotte Scott