Quilters aim to break Guinness world record

Sheila Van Dyk and the women of Quiltmania in Randpark Ridge have taken on the colossal task of breaking a Guinness world record.

Van Dyk, with the help of fellow seamstresses, aim to sew more than 11 000 quilts, and they are standing 920 plus quilts strong at the moment.

“I have decided to join all these [quilts] into one long quilt,” said an excited Van Dyk. “That will make it easier to take apart [afterwards] and donate to the many charities we support.”

After receiving two huge donations of fabrics from The Original Home of Shweshwe and Home Fabrics, their “creative juices went into overdrive,” added Van Dyk.

She invites anyone who would like to take part in making a difference. “We host a monthly meeting on the third Saturday of every month from 5.30pm to 10.30pm at the Mugg and Bean at Boskruin Village,” she said. “It is a safe environment which can host a lot of women and for R30, each gets a toasted sandwich and a bottomless coffee for the evening.”

A choice of two projects per evening will be presented where all materials will be supplied. Each attendant will be required to bring their own sewing machine and sewing supplies, however. “If there are any knitters who would also like to take part, please feel welcome. Bring your wool, and come have a good time.”

Van Dyk has also appealed to the community to donate any haberdashery items like zips, webbing, buttons, any small charms, toiletry items, stationery (used or new), crayons, colouring books or any sanitary items. “It may be a nice idea to clear out cupboards or add an item to your shopping basket.”

Details: Sheila Van Dyk svandyk@live.co.za or 082 940 9961.