Welcome to the May 2026 Newsletter

While renewing memberships, I have been thinking about why people join Aotearoa Quilters and which activities they particularly enjoy.

Some members enjoy traditional piecing and quilting, others experiment with unusual materials, challenging techniques, or novel designs to translate their inspiration into a stitched work of art.

Some make primarily for themselves or friends or family, while others like the challenge of working to specifications and having their work judged and exhibited.

Aotearoa Quilters provides opportunities to suit all preferences.
These include:

• challenges (our current challenge is Colours of Summer)
• gentle encouragement to maintain a stitch practice (Winter Jumpstart in August)
• exhibitions (the Great New Zealand Quilt Show)
• local meet-ups with others (regional groups)
• education (the judging workshop at last year’s GNZQS).

My own work is sometimes traditional and sometimes art, sometimes made for others and sometimes made to show.

I have recently submitted work for an exhibition at Alexandra Palace in London in October. The pieces are inspired by New Zealand’s beautiful coast. All are made with soya milk mixed with pigment painted on linen and finished with hand stitch.

My next project is to repair a traditional quilt given as a wedding present by American “family” to a friend who recently died. The quilt remains important to her husband.

After that I’ll be making two cot quilts for my nephew’s twins, due in September.
Then I’ll be completing work for an exhibition with a friend, after which I’ll be playing with my Guatemalan fabrics to make something for the Great New Zealand Quilt Show.

Whatever your reasons for making, whatever your inspiration, and whatever materials and techniques you use, we are pleased to have you as a member. We hope you will continue to participate in the activities we provide in ways that work for you.

Jill Bowman
Membership Secretary

Photos supplied by Jill of Alfie helping her sort fabric.