June 29, 2015 5th Birthday Meeting

Happy 5th Birthday to us!

When twenty ladies met five years ago and started Sunshine Linus, I'm sure they didn't envisage how the idea of making handcrafted items of support and comfort for people in our community would grow. The sixty people at yesterday's meeting came with loads of quilts, woollen and sewn clothing, various types of bags, sensory tools and other items. They all got to share our 5th Birthday cakes!

Orrawin started Show and Tell.  She collects (well is usually given) blocks and partially completed quilt tops and converts them into wonderful creations.  The appliqued flowers in this quilt will brighten any bed.

Here Orrawin has put lots of orphan blocks together to make the quilt top. The following photo is the back!

Do you see any blocks you have given Orrawin?

making spare fabric into the quilt back

Rosemary and Leone have been making touchy feely aprons.  These two made by Rosemary will distract dementia patients for hours.

 

Rosemary's batik quilt

We are often looking for quilts suitable for boys.  Jan B chose two popular boy's themes - dinosaurs and cowboys.

One of many lap quilts made by Jan

With winter upon us, warm clothing is needed.  Jo made lots of children's sweatshirts.

Jan's candy coloured quilt top

Maggie's heart quilt

It is hard to know how many people have contributed towards the goods that Sunshine Linus make and distribute.  People in other parts of Queensland often send quilt tops to us on the Sunshine Coast. Here is one of a large parcel of quilt tops we recently received from our friends in Emu Park. Thanks ladies for your gifts.

We are often asked to make particular items to meet the special needs of an individual. Margaret made several pinafore aprons with detachable sensory, noisy and grabbable items. They even come with a bag of extra attachments!

Claire made this single bed quilt from tactile fabrics. It has a fabric fringe so that the 19 year old boy can be comforted when going to bed. The hope is that he will be distracted by the quilt and not pull on the sheets and curtains.

The following communication wallets and communication boards will be used by people with poor communication skills. The client is given a series of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) cards which are attached to the wallet page or board using velcro. Just think of pictures to convey the message "I want" a drink, biscuit, sandwich or to ride my bike.

This cute fellow is a toy with a difference.  He is a weighted toy (1kg) that will be used to calm an autistic child.  I think the furry ears will also keep a child's hands busy.

Our next meeting is Monday 27 July.  See you then.