Waverley Patchworkers has over 250 members and is based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria. We focus on all things quilting and patchwork and meet regularly to practice our skills, share knowledge and support the community.
Our logo is based on the traditional Hands All Around block signifying the friendship and support that is an important part of our group, and the value we place on creating with our hands.
Waverley Patchworkers Inc. was established in 1981, through the work of a founding member, Dawn Burrows. This was initiated by the Waverley Arts Council. It is a community based, vibrant organisation.
The group dedicates itself to:
We were priviledged to have Morna Sturrock as our Patron from the foundation of Waverley Patchworkers. Morna was an active supporter of Waverley Patchworkers and she always spoke of the work done by the group with great admiration.
Morna co-founded the Embroiderers Guild Victoria in 1960. The importance she places on textile work in women’s lives is illustrated by her comment to an interviewer in 2005.
In this age of galloping technology, when women press buttons to wash, iron and cook, they are increasingly using fabric, thread and beads as a means to create artistic – and decorative- works of art. Textiles have always been underrated, but their great attraction is that they’re hands-on and women love to use their hands, make, possess and admire what can be achieved.
Morna moved from country NSW to study at Melbourne University then worked as a foreign correspondent in the UK in the 1950’s. While there she studied at the Royal School of Needlework and developed her particular interest in ecclesiastical and ceremonial embroidery. Her passion for study and embroidery continued throughout her long life.
Read a little more about Morna when we paid a birthday visit in 2016.
The Waverley Patchworkers Quilt Show is held every second year. This is an exhibition of members’ work and promotes quilting to the general community. In addition to the quilts on show, a variety of patchwork and quilting techniques are demonstrated and a ‘Shoppers Mall’ is provided by local quilt shops.
The monthly meetings occur on the fourth Monday of the month (February to November) at Mount Waverley Community Centre, Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley (opposite the Mount Waverley station), Melway 61 E12. These feature guest speakers, ‘Show and Tell’ of members’ work, a trading table and the opportunity to borrow from the comprehensive library.
Doors open at 7.00 pm for Sit and Sew with other members. Formal meeting starts at 8.00pm. Visitors are welcome to attend and after a few visits you will be encouraged to join.
There is a small entry fee. You will need to bring your own mug; tea and coffee supplied.
Instruction in a variety of patchwork and quilting techniques is offered throughout the year, as one or two day workshops at a local venue. Local, interstate and international tutors are engaged to share their knowledge and expertise.
Every year, Waverley Patchworkers sponsors two days of workshops with a local, interstate or international tutor of note. Admission to these classes is at a reduced cost to members. These workshops are held on alternative years, one year honouring June Lyons and the following year, Jo Botherway.
A number of other meetings are held where members can sit and stitch, catch up with friends, meet and work on various projects including individual work or a community project. Come for all or part of the meetings. A small fee is charged.
