Kia ora from Athenree in the Western Bay of Plenty, a small hamlet on the inner harbour of Waihi Beach.

I retired here in 2020 after spending most of my life in Hamilton and have met many lovely quilters through my involvement with the local group, Beach Quilters, as well as Aotearoa Quilters through both the committee and the Waikato/Western Bay of Plenty Regional Group.

I am currently finishing a piece to enter in Symposium and beginning to think ahead to The Great New Zealand Quilt Show 2027 in Hamilton.

I love attending quilt shows, but they rely on people entering their work. Entering a juried show can feel daunting, but it is incredibly satisfying to see your quilt hanging as part of an exhibition. You don’t need to be competitive to participate — sharing your work is part of what makes a quilt show special.

In 2027, we are introducing a new category at the Great New Zealand Quilt Show — First-Time Entrant — to celebrate those entering for the very first time.

Do you have a project already underway, or perhaps an idea waiting to be started?

Sheryl Madigan