National Quilting Day 2026

This year we incorporated National Quilt day into a mini break away at A Lodge situated on the outskirts of Bloemfontein.

All were blown away by the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere a mere stones throw from home.

This year's block chosen by the South African Quilters Guild is the curved log cabin.  Dewald Compion prepared a foundation paper piecing pattern illustrating various ways the blocks can be laid out as well as a short history of the block.  The pattern is available for free on the website mentioned above.

Iessie Steenberg, one of our Guild's teachers, took the lead and prepare different items using the block which she then demonstrated on the day.

About 20 ladies attended the day which included a sumptuous lunch as well.

First General Meeting 2026 - Part 2

 Antoinette Kriel, the President of the SAQG 's message to the Oranje Quilters Guild:

Antoinette started off by greeting all present and thanking the OQG for the invitation to visit the Guild. She also expressed her appreciation to be able to meet all in person, to spend time with the members and to experience all the activities taking place within the Guild.  She then continued to thank Christa Gouws, Esta Knoetze and Iessie Steenberg for the various activities they organized for the Friday the 20th of February where they visited the National Museum, the Anglo Boer War Museum as well as various fabric stores.

Antoinette further explained what the mission of the SAQG is in three main points, namely:

• To advance South African quilting whilst maintaining and encouraging a high standard of quilting.  
• Coordinating national activities and facilitate information between members.
• To preserve our quilt heritage.

These are achieved in cooperation with regional guilds by hosting National Quilt Festivals, the Travelling Exhibition and celebrating National Quilt Day by selecting and providing a pattern for all to utilize.  The SAQG also encourage Guilds to get involved in their various communities to expand the art of quilting.

Basic rules and regulations are compiled and Guilds are encouraged to make use of these as it is not applicable to festivals and competitions only.  This encourage high standards which in turn achieve quality judging by trained accredited judges whose sole purpose is to encourage the craftsmanship of quilting.

The main purpose of the SAQG remains the share of knowledge which is done by appointing representatives in the various regions who is responsible for passing on information about the various activities in their region thereby strengthening the SAQG.  These information is published on the website of the SAQG https://www.quiltsouthafrica.co.za/

The SAQG was founded in Bloemfontein in 1989 after the need arise to coordinate the various quilting groups around the country.  The SAQG's committee, which include two ad hoc members, meets annually in person as well as quarterly online meetings.  Each representative hold a portfolio on the committee. 

The SAQG also attempt to put a record of South African quilting in place, to document our heritage quilts and to keep a catalogue of all prize winners at National Quilt Festivals.  A list of master quilters is updated after every festival to include current prize winners and the SAQG also own a wall of fame.

Antoinette reminded all that the quilting community is the SAQG and by affiliating you became part of the greater community and thereby privy to a wealth of information.  Quilters worldwide have the same passion and that is to ensure the existence of quilting.

After the meeting concluded and refreshments were served, Antoinette proceeded with a Boro class.