Activity Day: Orphan Blocks

It was another great Activity Day at Linus with 16 ladies attending. The attendees always comment on the relaxed and more intimate nature of these gatherings with more time available to chat and catch up with one another.

The plan today was to create quilts using the many orphan blocks that are donated to Sunshine Linus. So what is an orphan block? So here's a definition for you: 'It's a quilt block that you have sewn together....it's finished. But, for some reason - it didn't fit, didn't match, wasn't what you wanted, doesn't belong, odd man out. You name any reason and there it sits. Without a home. Without a purpose. It's tucked away in a box, a drawer, a pile in the corner of the shelf, behind all the other blocks, with random bits of fabrics. Basically, it's forgotten.' What is an Orphan Quilt Block or Projects? - Patchwork Posse)

The first step was to lay out all the orphan blocks on the tables.

Kaye and Barbara then set about explaining how they assemble these blocks using either a row approach or a big block approach to the layout.

Barbara's example of a layout

Examples of some of the quilts made by Barbara, Kaye and Sharon using these techniques:

Next it was time for the ladies to select blocks they thought they might use.

Then it was time to layout the blocks in a suitable arrangement and start sewing!

Jenny begins to lay out her blocks

Carole works collaboratively with Yvonne and Glorianne.

The work begins in earnest.....

Activity Day also allows time for other Linus tasks to be undertaken so Robyn found a nice sunny place to sit and do her crocheting.

Time to stop for a cuppa and chat

While all this activity was under way, Norm from Norm's Test and Tag was on site to test and tag our sewing machines and over-lockers. Thank you to Norm and to Marion for organising this for us.

Just a reminder that the next Distribution Meeting is on Monday 25th July. Remember to check the current 'Wish Lists' and 'What's in Storage' tabs on the Linus homepage before you get knitting, crocheting or sewing!

Hope to see you soon!