Monday 25th July

It's hard to believe we are now well and truly into the second half of 2022 and racing towards the end of the year! There's not a day to be wasted for the members of Sunshine Linus who continue to create an abundance of amazing items to be gifted to the community. Monday's meeting was just as busy as ever with members arriving with their bags of donations.

94 year old Phyllis from Nambour knitted these gorgeous children's jumpers which are perfect for the winter months.

Narelle came with a collection of very cute kitties.

Thelma brought along a beautifully crocheted lap rug.

The 'baby team' had assembled piles of baby packs which will be distributed to Caboolture Hospital and the Remote Nurses.

These pretty dresses were made by the craft ladies from St Peter's and St Paul's Anglican Church, Palm Beach. The fabric was donated by All Saints Anglican School. A few of the dresses were made by students as well. The dresses were originally made for 'Dress a Girl around the World' organization but they don't have an Australian representative anymore so decided to bless those closer to home!

Claire arrived with her collection of weighted toys including a new pattern for a crab which she was eager to try out. They will be donated to Ward 4FW at Nambour Hospital.

Claire's latest book quilt has already been donated to Currimundi Special School. The story is 'Washing Line'.  The elephant finds an interesting collection of clothes on the washing line. He asks who owns each item. The books at the bottom of the quilt reveal the animal and when each page is turned there is the animal wearing the item from the washing line. Like all good children’s book there is a punchline - the elephant sprays water over all the animals so they have to dry their clothes again!

The sales table did a booming business this month with a range of lovely items available for purchase.

Irene and Pam made these lovely wall hangings

These mug and carry bags made by Jenny didn't hang around long!

Some of our members made time to attach labels to items while enjoying a 'cuppa' and chat.

At the beginning of the formal proceedings Kaye thanked those members who brought goodies for morning tea and Bonnie our 'Kitchen Coordinator' for her efforts organizing and serving in the kitchen.

After a few more announcements the members were asked to meet together in their 'teams' to discuss  their latest developments.

Some of the members of the 'Baby' team

Some of the 'Knitters and Yarners'

The 'Sensory' team show some of their items.

Some of the 'Quilters' gather for a photo

The 'Sewing' team were in deep conversation with our visitors Clair and Dot from Maryborough about bag sizes. Dot just happened to meet one of our members Gail at a garage sale and that's how she found out about Sunshine Linus! Claire is a 'sewist' and patch-worker. Dot is still learning patchwork but is a lovely machine embroiderer. They donated a lovely collection of items.

Claire's yellow and black strip quilt

Dot's machine embroidery

Bookmarks stitched by Dot

Another of our visitors was Thelma from Burpengary. She sews for the Australian Defense Force and belongs to a group called 'Aussie Hero Quilts and Laundry Bags'. Thelma also donated a number of lovely quilts including this delightful 'Green Frog' quilt.

After the members had returned to their seats it was time for 'Show and Tell'. Kaye was excited by the number of 'orphan block' quilts that arrived finished after our recent Activity Day.

Barbara (who was the instructor on the day) showed a colorful, geometric themed quilt that had been assembled using both the row and block approach. 

Anne showed this gorgeous quilt she had assembled using a lovely applique block as the main feature.

Glorianne showed a pretty row quilt whose design was a collaboration with Carole and Yvonne. It included blocks made by at least ten different people.

Sharon made a quirky, 'square in a square' renal quilt using her 'orphan' blocks'. 

Jenny and Kay worked together to piece all of these different blocks together to make a pretty quilt with a fantastic border.

Pam and Bridget showed their collaborative efforts with this lovely 'orphan block' quilt.

Quite a number of strip quilts (from the previous Activity Day) also arrived completed and ready for donation.

Bridget also had one more quilt to show, a clever 'disappearing nine patch' quilt.

 

You will be pleased to know that some of the raffle quilts are being donated to local organizations and charities. Beanie informed us that the Pomona and District Community House recently raised $372 from a raffle quilt donated by Sunshine Linus.

During these colder months knitted and crocheted rugs are in high demand. Daphne informed us that last month Sunshine Linus donated a box of knee rugs to the Nambour Uniting Church (where we meet) so their congregation can have something warm to cover their legs while they are sitting in church.

Pam explained that the longer rectangular rugs are in higher demand at this time.

This bright lap rug was made by a 97 year old lady! So there is hope for the rest of us yet ladies!

Denise showed one of the toweling topped pillow cases that are in high demand. They can be made with a partial toweling top as in the photo or the whole top can be toweling.

The 'sewing' team have also been busy making breast pillows for mastectomy patients and overnight bags that are donated to 'The Shack' for homeless people.

Linda and Rosemary showed a beautiful bed rug that had been sewn together using knitted rectangles.

Linda and Rosemary showed their latest 'sensory mat' filled with lots of interesting 'doodads'. These mats are of great benefit to dementia patients both in hospitals and retirement villages.

The raffle prizes this month includes two cozy knee rugs and a lovely handmade bracelet. Remember to purchase your tickets!

And after all that it was 'distribution time'!

Reminders:

Our next gathering will be on Monday August 15th for Activity Day. We will be making Christmas bags, so bring your sewing machines and supplies. These bags will eventually be filled with items to be distributed to families in the outback. Just a reminder that only machines that have been 'tested and tagged' are permitted to be used in the hall.

See you soon!