Hello everyone,

I do hope that while you are reading this month’s Newsletter you are cozy, warm and dry.

My name is Jo I have been on the committee for a few years.  I have looked after membership for a couple of years now, and this is in the process of getting handed over to another committee member.

I first learnt to “sew” from my mother and sisters.  I was allowed to help with the unpicking.  I must have been quite young as my sisters are 12 years plus older than me. I was allowed to use tiny scissors and snip the thread as they pulled the garment pieces apart.  I do remember the excitement they had getting a seam ripper (a quick unpick).  My snipping days were over.

When I was 10 years old, I began to sew, as I felt I needed to keep up with them.  At 14 I was making a shirt for myself with patched pockets and flaps and topstitching.  I continued to sew when my children came along.  Often sewing after they were put in bed at night.  Three of my children fitted commercial patterns well, but one was long and skinny.  I soon learnt to alter patterns to fit him.

About this time, I started to play around with patchwork, once I got my hands on my new rotary cutter, board and ruler, I was hooked.  By then my children were at the age of wanting labelled clothing.  So, I concentrated all my efforts on patchwork and quilting.

After a while I branched out and started teaching my friends how to sew quilts.  At this time, I had been experimenting with different paints on fabric, constantly looking for the perfect medium.  I was introduced to Inktense pencils 2007 as they were new on the market, well, I was hooked again.  After lots of practice, and trial and error, I arrived where I am today drawing and painting on fabric, then quilting it.

As I write this, I am preparing to head to Greymouth to teach the lovely students there my process of Inktense on fabric.

Once this month is over, my Husband and I, and Holly the dog, are packing up and moving to back to the Waikato.

Jo Hollings

Students hard at work in the workshop in Greymouth