Introducing Mary T

This is a new venture for me as secretary of NANZQ.
The new committee who met in Wellington recently are a talented and motivated group of quilters with a good representation from across the country. We can look forward to some new and innovative ideas, as well as continuing many of the programs already in place.
Of the programs which NANZQ runs, especially important to me, are NANZQ Quilts Aotearoa, and the Masterclass.
I had a wonderful time at Vaughan Park doing the Masterclass with Ruth McDowell, and I would recommend it to anyone – what better way to spend five days that to sew, talk, eat and relax.
Quilts Aotearoa is the showcase for our members, and I would like to encourage everyone to enter, as I feel that entering competitions helps to raise the standard of our work. Remember, this year there is a first time entrant award so have a go, if you have never entered before....
I have been involved in Workshops by Mail, which has now finished. The shop directory is a great resource, and I am proud of the NANZQ sponsorship and support of Symposium prizes and forums.
Personally, I am committed to the idea of a National Association and I would like to see NANZQ grow and become the body which every New Zealand Quilter looks to for guidance, help and inspiration.

Introducing Margaret

This is my first term on the NANZQ committee too. I put up my hand because I think everyone who possibly can should have a term or two on committees or else the clubs will fall over. I've taken over the task of organising the 2010 Masterclass, what a learning curve!! I'm on the tutor sub-committee for Wellington symposium so that experience is helping a bit. I do all sorts of quilting, so long as its by machine. I usually alternate between bed quilts because I like playing with the fabrics and colours, and art quilts because the design part is a challenge.

Introducing Janice

I'm another newbie to the committee and I volunteered to take on the position of newsletter editor as that is the area where I have skills. If you have anything you want to see in or to contribute to the newsletter or this blog please let me know. My contact details are in the newsletter. I started quilting about 8 years ago so I'm just out of my apprenticeship really. I'm enjoying exploring the more contemporary forms of quilting. I really enjoyed the Ruth McDowell Masterclass and I'm looking forward to the next one in 2010 - details of the chosen tutor, venues and costs will be published in the August newsletter.

Introducing Mary N

Hi yes there are two Mary's on the committee, just to create confusion. This is year three of my second time on the committee. I am looking after membership which means I clear the PO Box every day, do the banking and keep the database up to date. I would also like to encourage each and every member of NANZQ to introduce a new member to the organisation. You can access our membership form on our website. I have been quilting for 30+ years and now days it competes for my spare time with my large garden. I enjoy being involved with the committee and hope that the membership will keep us informed of what they expect from your organisation.

Introducing Nancy

This is my fifth year on the National Committee and after 4 years as Newsletter Editor I am still working out just what I should be doing as your President! I enjoy the interaction with quilters around the country that being involved with the Association provides and have made new friends as well as renewed old friendships during this time.
Our recent meeting in Wellington was a busy one and it was good to begin to get to know the new members on the committee and discover some of their hidden talents.
My quilting activities vary from traditional to contemporary and while I am probably a traditionalist at heart I love new ideas, products & especially new fabric :)

Introducing Anne

I am new on the NANZQ committee and I am responsible for the Shop Directory. This year there are 50 advertisers in the directory which will be available in August and sent to all NANZQ members with the newsletter. Look for quilt shops near you, there may be some new ones, and refer to the directory when travelling within New Zealand. I have been quilting for more than 20 years and enjoy meeting new patchworkers and old friends up and down the country.

Committee 08-09

From left back: Janice Dowdeswell  - Newsletter Editor, Mary Napper - Membership Secretary, Margaret Rogerson - Masterclass, Nancy Neilson - President

From left front: Ann Cleary - Treasurer, Anne Groufsky - Shp directory, Mary Transom - Secretary