There’s a saying on the mainland that good things take time, and the members of the Alexandra Patchwork Group would be the first to agree.

At a recent three-day retreat at Alexandra Community House, the members were taking the opportunity to catch up on projects as well as with each other, with some quilts having been works in progress for many years. 

Pat Shanks was working on a heritage quilt.

“I started it 10 years ago and found it difficult so put it away,” she said. “Three days working here is a good chance to get into it.”

Pat Shanks sews an intricate section for a heritage quilt she started a decade ago

The group also meets at Community House on alternate Wednesdays from 10am-2pm but members don’t usually take their sewing machines for such a short meet-up. The three-day events give them the chance to leave their machines set up, and talk in depth about their craft.

“What we’ve been talking about this time is quilting tools that make things easier,” Linda McLeay said.

Treasurer Steph Carline said the three-day event used to be held elsewhere but, as might be expected from quiltmakers, comfort won out.

“In years gone by, we would go somewhere and stay for the night, but now we hold it here so we can go home to our own beds at night.”

Although it was obvious the crafters were helping each other with difficult patches, the companionship was key, Steph said.

“It’s for the companionship as much as the sewing.”

Suzette Pont displays the intricate patchwork in her quilt

The group is also preparing for its turn hosting Country Day in early November, an invitation-only day that brings together patchwork groups from across Central Otago - from Queenstown, Wānaka, Arrowtown, Cromwell, Maniototo, Takatimu, Kurow, and Alexandra.

“It’s the highlight of the year,” Steph said. “We work all year towards it.”

This year’s theme would be Circles and Square and the group has been busy making visitor labels and gifts, all in the finest of patchwork.