Dianne Bannister – Patchwork

Written in June 2023.

Nillumbik U3A membership

I live in Manningham and am only a member of Nillumbik U3A because I am a tutor. The Committee for North of the Yarra Quilters (NOTYQ) was asked if they would be interested in creating a class for the U3A members to learn about patchwork and I volunteered.

In my own words

I enjoy creating and having fun. Quilts, wall hangings, faberge style eggs and teddy bears. Fortunately I’m able to combine a lot of these things together and, although the end results are not always what I expected, the journey is always exciting and worth the effort.

I’m a bookkeeper by profession but did a stint running my own business as the Heidelberg Knitwit. I took early retirement so then my husband and I travelled for a while. I became interested in family ancestry and also had more time to return to my crafts. So, in 2012, I joined the North of the Yarra Quilters Guild (NOTYQ). Thursday is my NOTYQ day and only grandchildren are allowed to disturb it. The friendships and company are great and the ladies are a mine of information, help and inspiration.

What my students will learn

I hope to impart a basic knowledge of patchwork and to lead them through the possibilities and uses of these skills to achieve quilted objects that they are proud of.

What do you hope your students will achieve?

I would like them to enjoy the quilting process and to be happy to display their work to family and friends. I also hope they will be inspired to attempt further projects, to continue and to encourage others to join.

Why did you volunteer to run this class?

I enjoy patchworking, I also enjoy being able to help people.