Welcome to Fresh Hope Patterns

One of the fund raising events for Fresh Hope, co-ordinated by the Fresh Hope Patterns crew, is the annual Pin Cushion Challenge. Crafters are invited to design and make a pin cushion that reflects their personality and creativeness – and boy! Are there some creative people out there! With almost 100 entries in 2007, the competition was again a huge success! Entries included pretty patchwork, novelty shapes, practical but pretty cushions and quirky makings, with the winner designed and made by Judy of Toowoomba in the shape of a bumble bee. Judy must indeed have been ‘busy as a bee’ making this fantastic pin cushion, as it incorporated seed pods, gum nuts, beads and a bucket-load of personality! The children’s section was added this year, too, with some very clever and creative young designers putting their work forward. We’re looking forward to even more entries in 2008 – so get stitching!

Each year, the first prize-winning pin cushion is auctioned off with bidding flying thick and fast this year to see the buzzy bee go to his new home for $150. This made up part of the $766 raised, to date, from the challenge, with some pin cushions still to be auctioned off – so watch this space!

The Pin Cushion Challenge is run in conjunction with “Quilters World” of Toowoomba and next year’s Challenge brochures are already available. Entries will close on September 1st, 2008 with judging taking place on September 15th, 2008 and winners being announced at the 2008 Quiltfest. Judging sections are: 1. Adults and 1. Children under 14 years. Pin Cushions are judged on originality, creativeness, neatness and use of colour. Prizes are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in both judging sections in the form of items supplied by wonderful sponsors, with a total prize pool value of $400. So get designing and stitching if you’d like to be involved in the 2008 Pin Cushion Challenge. Why not get a group of friends together to work on entries together? Not only will you have a great time creating, you’ll have the chance of winning some great prizes while helping a worthy cause – what more could you ask for!!

For further information, contact: Mary Jibson on 0405 450 221.