What began as a small group of women eager to learn patchwork for one term grew to 30 people and more than a decade worth of classes. Caitlyn Morgan got to know the women behind University of the Third Age Sunraysia’s Patchwork classes. Pictures: Louise Barker

MORE than a decade ago a small group of women were passionate about extending their creative skills.

The University of the Third Age members invited Jill Sparks, an “extremely talented and experienced” quilter to teach a patchwork class for a term.

“Initially we had just wanted to learn for the one term but after teaching us, we didn’t want her to leave,” Thursday Patchwork in Company co-ordinator Jean Lofberg says.

“I had been told before that it was addictive but didn’t actually realise how addictive it was until we started to do it.”

The group grew to 15 members fairly quickly and before they knew it, there was a need for a second class, which now runs on Friday.

“It’s so rewarding and something that keeps us all out of trouble,” Jean says.

“We enjoy all aspects of it, particularly the social side of it. We really enjoy each others company.”

After building up their skills, Jill Sparks left the group and it has since evolved to be a non-structured quilting group with participants working on their own projects and the group operates as a self-help group.

While they do spend majority of the time working on individual projects, once a year they work together to create numerous quilts for a charity group.

“Over the years we have given them to various nursing homes, to children in child protection and to SMECC,” Jean says.

“We love them to go to residents in nursing homes that don’t have any family nearby as the quilt gives them something special that is all theirs.”
Jean says the group brings together women from all over Sunraysia, some who have never quilted before and others who have a lot of experience.

Valda Malloch

WHEN Valda Malloch joined Thursday Patchwork in Company nine years ago, she had planned to only try out quilting for a term.

However the 91-year-old admits she was “hooked” as soon as she attended the first class.

“I really did get addicted,” she says.

“I love everything about it. The friendships I have made, the work, just everything.”

Valda says U3A has provided her an opportunity to try a wide range of things she has never done before, including quilting.

“I am here three or four times a week most of the time,” she says. “There are just so many classes, you often find yourself joining a lot more than what you first came here for.”

Evelyn Windahl

FOR Evelyn Windahl joining U3A provided her a way to improve her skills.
“I already knew how to sew but didn’t know how to patchwork and this was a way to learn that new skill,” she says.

“U3A is a great way to learn new skills.”

One of Evelyn’s favourite things about being part of the patchwork group is creating the quilts for charity.

“I enjoy the chance to give to those less fortunate,” she says.

Rada Peric

WHEN the Thursday Patchwork in Company began to get overcrowded, it was Rada Peric who put her hand up to run a second class.

The experienced quilter loves quilting so much she often attends both the Thursday and Friday classes.

“There was a few of my friends who were interested in joining so it was great for management to allow us to run a second class,” she says.

“I don’t miss the classes for anything, only if I am on holidays.”

On Thursday Rada will generally work on her own projects before spending Friday helping those in need.

“I love it because it keeps me busy and my mind occupied,” she says.

“I love seeing the finished product. I also love to the give them away to charity.”

Jan Haw

THERE is rarely a day that goes by that Jan Haw isn’t spending at least half an hour working on her quilts.

The talented grandmother began quilting more than a decade ago before joining the U3A group five years ago.

“I will often go to either the Thursday or Friday class or sometimes even both,” she says.

“I just love it. It’s just a pleasure to make a quilt for someone. Often I will give them to friends or family for special occasions.”

While most quilters will make their creations using sewing machines, Jan has recently turned to creating her quilt by hand.

“It’s a labour of love,” she says.

“While it takes even longer, it’s great to still be able to do it while travelling. Even while travelling, I rarely go a day without doing some of it.”

The U3A Patchwork members are currently working on various individual projects. The majority are quilts, while some are working on table runners and wall hangings.