THE KZN Quilters Guild’s weekend retreat, that takes place this month, will showcase a collection of masterpieces from quilters far and wide.

Among those quilters is Beth Barkus from Durban North, who said she will put extra love into her work for the event.

“I’m a member of the Tollgate Quilters Guild and it is affiliated to the KZN Quilters Guild. I am really looking forward to the retreat in November,” she said.

The retreat, held in Izotsha on the lower South Coast from November 12 to 14, will raise funds for the 2024 Quilting Festival that will be held in KwaZulu-Natal.

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“The exhibition is called Local is Lekker. Apart from the quilt display, there will be classes and a sewing competition for charity with great prizes on offer,” she said.

Barkus added that there’s also a drive to have 600 quilts made before the festival to give to various charities throughout KZN.
Speaking about how she became acquainted with quilting, she said a friend invited her to an exhibition and, following that, she never looked back.

“I started sewing quilts 25 years ago after attending an exhibition in Durban and was hooked on the art. I don’t commercialise my work because a value can’t be placed on the amount of time, love and care that goes into creating a quilt,” she said.

She said Eva and Amber Barkus, her granddaughters, also love sewing quilts with her and are learning the skill.

“Quilting is not only for old people, as many think. Anyone can learn how to quilt and we welcome the younger generation to join classes,” she said.

Barkus has a quilt for various holidays throughout the year and displays them according to the season.

“Halloween is coming up, so I have one made for that. The grandchildren love it,” she said.

She added that her family members each have quilts to signify milestones and major events in their lives.
“I sewed these quilts for my family during some memorable times in their lives. The amount of time and dedication that goes into making a quilt can’t be matched,” said Barkus.

The KZN Quilters Guild Local Is Lekker Fundraising Quilting Retreat comprises a sewathon that will see quilters make bags for breast cancer patients, at Greys Hospital, who have had a mastectomy.

These bags contain various items for the patient to help them through their pain. Included in the bag is a pair of Knitted Knockers.

These handmade breast prosthesis are for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. They are soft, comfortable, beautiful and, when placed in a regular bra, they take the shape and feel of a real breast.

The retreat is open to any keen quilter, and there are numerous prizes up for grabs, including a Bernina Cutie Frame valued at R17 000.
The competition entry is R100 per quilt.

Day visitors are welcome to visit the quilt display at R50 per person.