Monday 20th January

It was fantastic to see everyone back for Sunshine Linus’ first meeting for 2020! We were greeted at the door by Lyn and our president Susan, as they processed the member registrations.

It didn’t take long for everyone to begin sorting and labelling the many items that had been stitched, crocheted and knitted during the holiday break.

Of course many of our members were keen to show and talk about what they had made. Claire had created this amazing ‘touchy feely’ abacus quilt for the prep class at Glenview State School. She had ingeniously incorporated a whole range of beads, corks and bottle tops that her husband had very kindly drilled for her.

Chris was happy to show a colourful blockenspeil and crocheted poppy she had made.

Orrawin arrived with this intricately pieced, black and white checkerboard quilt.

Jenny showed her delightful ‘touchy feely’ wall hanging.

Show and Tell began with Liz explaining the fire drill and evacuation procedures. A big thank you to Marion and Jan for attending the training session on Fire and Safety during the break.

Lorraine has been ‘monkeying around’ with these two delightful characters made using Suffolk puffs.

She also showed a quilt she had assembled using a set of beautifully embroidered blocks made by a friend, and a geometrically themed quilt complete with a pocket at the bottom. The quilts with the pockets are particularly suited for use by patients who are undergoing renal surgery.

Cynthia showed a quirky quilt she had managed to piece using a range of ‘orphan blocks’ found on the ‘freebie table’.

Anne has been busy during the holidays quilting a number of quilt tops made by other members. The eye-catching bargello quilt came from the Bribie Island quilters.

These two gorgeous Japanese-themed quilts were given to Anne by Jeanette, a friend from line dancing.

Anne also managed to make two lovely quilts of her own.

Dorothy has been busy once again making a range of colourful children’s quilts.

Dorothy also made this pretty, fairy-themed quilt using a panel from the Cicely Mary Barker range of fabrics. She also made a set of pencil cases that will be handy to add to the activity bags Sunshine Linus donate to various police station around the coast.

Glorianne finally got her quilting frame and sewing machine working after a long recess and has helped out by quilting quilt tops made by other members of Sunshine Linus. 

These four bright scrap quilts were made by Kim and quilted by Glorianne.

Brigitte found the quilt patterns for these bold and modern designs on Pinterest.

Annie has been endeavouring to use up her scraps to make a quirky ‘Wonky Stars’ quilt and a strip quilt.

She also made this striking purple and cream quilt using fabric donated by a church member.

The ‘Baby Team’ showed a selection of gorgeous dresses and shorts made and donated by Sandra.

Lorraine and Beany had fun modelling these very pretty and frilly children’s skirts and shorts!

Linda from the ‘Sensory Team’ showed a nifty ‘touchy feely’ mat that had lots of hidden pockets to explore and a quirky cushion that had a range of sensory items attached.

The ‘Yarners Team’ showed a collection of very cute fish, knitted by Helen.

Claire has been creating a range of items during the break. She showed a mini trampoline she had re-covered for Nambour Special School and a sensory sash she had made for an aged-care client.

Peachester State School asked Claire if she could create a hand puppet to represent their school emblem: a yellow-tailed, black cockatoo. So she set about designing a prototype using the pattern from a frog puppet.

The final result was this charming fellow!

Reminders:

• Remember to park parallel to the driveway if you park on the grass.
• Don’t forget there will be a workshop following next month’s meeting called ‘Precise Piecing and Binding’.
• Remember to bring your membership form and $10 fee if you haven't yet paid for membership.

A New Year Begins......

Hi Everyone! Welcome to a new year and a new decade at Sunshine Linus! A few reminders to get you started for the year:

• Sunshine Linus first meeting for 2020 will be next Monday 20^th January.

• The 2020 calendar is now available. You will find it listed under the pages tab on the right hand side of the web page. If you click on the pop-out arrow you can print it from your computer.

• The membership fee for this year will remain at $10. The 2020 membership form can also be found under the pages tab. It can also be printed from the pop-out arrow.

• Membership can be paid on the day or online. Should you choose to use the online method to pay your membership, consult the email Marion sent out on January 5th for details.

• If you park on the grass (field), please remember to park parallel to the driveway.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday!

Monday 25th November - Christmas Break-up

Sunshine Linus’ final meeting for 2019 was a busy one with lots happening! The day began with the usual sorting and distribution activities. The formal part of the meeting included a number of guest speakers. Linda introduced Nicole from Selangor Private Hospital, Nambour. Nicole thanked the Sunshine Linus members for the donation of body quilts (complete with pocket at the bottom). They are ideal for patients waiting for dialysis in the renal unit.

Michelle from the Sunshine Coast University Hospital thanked Sunshine Linus for the many items donated during the year. Jeff from Wishlist presented Susan with gift vouchers to purchase much needed supplies.

During ‘Show and Tell’ Susan showed a very colorful piece of knitting that morphed its way through several incarnations before it finally settled on becoming a child’s vest!

Sharon showed one of the neo-natal quilts made by the Coolum Quilters. They measure 24" x 28" if anyone is interested in making more of these very cute, mini quilts.

Lyn showed a delightful caravan quilt made from donated blocks.

Kaye showed a number of quilts and rugs donated by the Warwick Quilters and Knitters.

Kaye also showed this very modern, pieced quilt and plans to demonstrate curved piecing next year during one of the scheduled workshops.

Anne showed four beautiful quilts and explained that ‘this is what you do when you go away in your caravan!’

Glorianne showed this quirky cactus quilt that was made using the quilt-as-you-go technique.

Glorianne also showed a delightful cot quilt called ‘Sheep Shape’ that incorporated a number of 3 dimensional bits and pieces and lots of quilting!

Beanie showed an original ‘touchy feely’ rug made from left over knitted and crocheted squares and 'doodads'.

Chris has been keeping herself occupied crocheting these gorgeous butterflies and flowers to add to the ‘touchy feely’ items. She has also managed to make a couple of blockenspeils!

Loretta and Tina showed their creative talents with these four exquisite dolls with beautiful embroidered faces!

Jenny showed her inventiveness by making these ‘light’ covers for the Glass House Aged Care Facility. The idea is that they cover the metal light bollards and protect the residents from burning themselves if they touch the lights.

Loraine models the light covers.

Claire has been busy making her ‘weighted’ soft toys again. She showed these two handsome fellows, both destined for NDIS patients.

Claire also showed a very clever picture-window quilt and a fishing themed quilt both made for Regis Kuluin Aged Care….

…and a charming interactive quilt based on the story, ‘What the Ladybird Heard’.  It will be enjoyed by the students at Nambour Special School.

We were treated to two very special poetry readings at today’s meeting. The first poem was written and read by Linda and titled ‘The Touchy Feely Tragic Poem’.

One day I went to a large girls’ meeting

No….that’s not to do with their seating.

No, there were so many there,

Showing off their work so fair.

There was crochet and some knitting,

I thought mine could be quite fitting.

Perhaps I could learn to crochet too,

Time to start on something new.

Went to classes all agog,

Soon had teacher in a fog.

She tried to show me chains and doubles,

Then to add to all her troubles,

I slipped me drop stitch and so’

She told me, “Best you go!”

Aw… back to Linus just to see,

If there was something there for me.

What about patchwork, they do it with such ease?

And I thought, “This’ll be a breeze!”

They told me, “Here’s a job for you”.

“Cut these six square in two.”

“Have you got a ¼ foot?” asked Kaye.

“No I take a size 9 to my dismay”.

I measured once and cut it twice,

And though they did it oh so nice,

They said I really wasn’t able,

And showed me the Touchy/Feely table.

I can tell you I’ve found my heaven,

You can cut 9 on this side and on the other 7.

No-one worries if seams about face,

Just cover it with a bit of lace.

Add a zipper, some Velcro magic,

That’s how I became a Touchy/Feely tragic!

Show and Tell concluded with Lyn reading the Banjo Patterson poem: ‘Dowager’.

After ‘Show and Tell’ there was a pack-up and tidy-up session followed by everyone helping to set up for the Christmas lunch.

Carole had made a number of these cute little lolly baskets ready to be placed on the tables.

Of course the tables looked stunning and the food delicious.

Kaye kept the gathering entertained with the ‘Lucky Door’ raffle, the prizes seemed endless! 

Jan made everyone put on their thinking caps with her ‘Name the Flower’ quiz. Carole and Glorianne had everyone shrieking with laughter during the ‘Paper Plate Game’. Thanks to everyone for your efforts organizing the Christmas party, it was a great way to end the year!

If you haven't worked it out, this is a gift-boxed sewing machine sitting under the Christmas tree!

A few reminders….

• The 2020 calendar is now available on the blog.
• The membership fee for next year will remain at $10.
• Membership can be paid online (if you so desire), but you will still need to complete a membership form and bring this to the meeting.
• Sunshine Linus first meeting for 2020 will be on Monday 20^th January.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas season! See you next year!

Christmas Break-up Reminder

A reminder to Sunshine Linus members and friends that we will be celebrating our final meeting for 2019 with a Christmas Party on Monday 25th November. 

This meeting will begin at 9:30am and will include a regular meeting with show and tell and distribution. This will be followed by a ‘tidy up’ and emptying of cupboards (new carpet is to be laid in the hall during the holiday period). We will then set up for the Christmas party. The Christmas party will include lots of good food, activities/games and lucky door prizes, so please come and join us!

A reminder that each team has been asked to decorate their table and provide nibbles and an activity/game for all to participate.

See you there!