Southport Quilters was founded in 1990 by the late Mrs Pat Birch and others, many still members. Many good and permanent friendships have been made over the years, both within the group and beyond, with many of our speakers and traders firm friends of the group. Plans are underway for our 20th Anniversary celebration, in April 2010, as well as our Quilts in Spring 2010 . We are an active and progressive group and aim to promote interest in the art of both patchwork and quilting by helping members of all abilities and levels to improve techniques, knowledge and understanding of the art.
Southport Quilters meet on the first Thursday afternoon every month, 1pm (for a prompt 1.30pm start) – 3.30pm. Most meetings have a Guest speaker, covering a wide range of topics and the chance to see some of their work over the years.
There is also a ‘Show and Tell’ opportunity at each meeting for members to see new works and gain tips and techniques.
Many of these works are started in our workshops, which run from 10pm – 4pm on the second and fourth Thursday of most months. These workshops offer a chance to learn a new technique or carry on with their own projects, with plenty of help and advice on hand.
Some additional extra workshops are held on a Friday, following a visit by an outside Speaker. These are, of course, very popular and much is learned in these fun days.
- The opportunity to visit Quilt Shows, both local and National, and for some, shows and quilting holidays in America. We have visited shows at the NEC, Malvern, Harrogate, and Trentham Gardens and others. Also, we have much loved trips to fabric shops, or invite a supplier to a monthly meeting.
- Practical help and sharing experiences, tips and techniques with regular monthly whole day workshops and Show and Tell at our monthly meetings
- Demonstrations and workshops by acknowledged leaders and experts in the many varied fields of interest and the chance to see samples of their works over the years.
- Workshops for members to follow their own particular interests.
- An extensive library of reference material, added to regularly and available for members to use.
- Many members have completed City & Guilds Courses in Patchwork and Quilting and also attend many classes and workshops in and around this area. Additionally, many of our members are also members of The Quilters Guild and attend the regions monthly meetings. Some of our members have also exhibited and some have had success in National Shows. Also some of our members are qualified to teach Patchwork and Quilting.
- Our first Show was in 2000, when we were invited to exhibit at a Craft Exhibition held at Holy Trinity Church, Southport. Since 2002 we have held our biannual Quilts in Spring Show, a two day event in May. This is an opportunity to showcase our work to both our local community and fellow Quilters in the regions, as well as raise substantial amounts of money for many charities.
Southport Quilters meet on the first Thursday each month, 1pm- 3.30pm. Our year runs from January – December. Workshops take place on the second and fourth Thursdays in most months and our occasional outings usually on the third Thursday, sometimes a Sunday, depending on the venue. Meetings and workshops are held in the
Birkdale Methodist Church Hall
Liverpool Road
Birkdale PR8 4PD
There is plenty of free car parking and near local bus routes.
As our membership has reached over the 100 mark a waiting list for membership is now in operation, in order to protect the informal, friendly atmosphere within the group. Any wishing to be added to the waiting list should contact us from this website. For those unable to attend a group meeting during the daytime we may be able to advise you of other classes or courses outside of our group.
