A GROUP of Maitland patchworkers has come together to stitch up cancer.
Armed with needles and thread, the Maitland Embroiderers Group created quilts with messages of hope and strength to inspire hope and raise funds and awareness for those touched by the disease.
“With 100-odd members, who are all women ranging from 23 to their 80s, many of us have been touched in some way by this insidious disease,” said group president Kathryn Bell.
Every year the group works on a charity project, so this year it chose to help people with cancer by donating the unique quilts to Camp Quality and Cancer Council to raffle off and raise money.
“All the ladies were given a patch to embroider with a message, and then we put it all together,” she said.
For Ruth Higginbottom, who nursed her ex-husband through leukaemia before he died last year, the project was close to home.
She stitched the words “Cancer can not corrode faith” on to a patch. Other messages read “Cancer can not erase memories”, “Cancer can not kill friendship”, and “Cancer can not steal humour”.
Next year the group turns 30 and will celebrate with a display at Maitland Art Gallery in March.
“We haven’t decided what next year’s special charity quilt project will be, but there are so many people in need,” Kathryn said.
The group is always looking for new members.
“We started with six ladies. Our membership is an ageing membership and we welcome new people of all ages.
“We would hate to see quilting and embroidery become a dying art!”
- Maitland Embroiderers Group, 0427-326-772.
