Seniors Week

As part of Seniors Week, Illawarra Quilters held a Quilt and Craft Expo at Keiraview Uniting Church. The Expo was held on Friday, 15th and Saturday, 16th March. 

We had a great 2 days showcasing our group to the local community. There were demonstrations, mini workshops,  stalls selling a variety of craft items, a cafe and a lovely display of quilts. We also ran a raffle with all proceeds going to the Illawarra area Meals On Wheels service. In addition, we welcomed 13 new members to our group.

Calendar of IQ Regular Activities for 2024

New Members

Exhibition of Quilts at Craft Alive, October 2023

Community Donations

Illawarra Quilters not only donate quilts to charities in our community. Many of our members knit beanies, scarves and teddies to be donated where needed.  In addition we supply Beads of Courage Bags to Sydney Children's Hospital and Blankets of Love to Illawarra Public and Private Hospitals which are given to families whose babies are stillborn or pass away just after birth.

Following our September meeting, our members voted to make cash donations to two local support groups - Community Cancer Link who provide care packages for families as they tend to their loved ones at the end stage of life and Women Illawarra who support women and children fleeing domestic violence. Both these organisations were very grateful for these donations which will be used to benefit those in our local area experiencing hardship.

So far in 2023 we have donated 386 Trauma Teddies, 305 beanies, 20 scarves and over 400 bead bags. The teddies have been given to local medical practices as well as Wollongong Public and Private Hospitals, Ambulance services, fire brigades, aged care, disability services and Women's Escape Rescue bags. Beanies and scarves have been distributed to Vinnies Food Van, Eugowra Primary School, City Cottage Kindy and Cudal Primary School. Knitted jumpers, cardigans, socks and dresses as well as blankets have been given to SASHI and the Women's Refuge. We have also donated knitted premi beanies to Wollongong Public and Private hospitals.

Blankets of Love Project: 

We are not just quilters. Some of our members have just completed some very special blankets and bonnets which have been made with love as part of our Blankets of Love Project and these are donated to families who have experienced the loss of a baby at birth.  Illawarra Quilters provides Blankets of Love to the Birthing Units at Wollongong Private Hospital and  Wollongong Public Hospital.