This is how long Braidwood quilter Christine Dimmer said it took to make 30 quilts.

On Tuesday morning quilters from the region, including a representative from Bendigo Bank and Braidwood Life Centre came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the many women and men who helped this project come together.

The quilts ranged in different shapes and sizes and basked in different colours and designs. They will be donated to the victims of the Carwoola bushfire and the Queanbeyan Women’s Refuge. 

Between 20 to 30 people came together for this project. Some of the fabrics were donated, but many others were collated from personal materials the quilters had at home.

“Some of them were purpose made for this project other ones were different, we raided our collective stash and gathered bits and pieces from all over the place,” Ms Dimmer said.

“These quilts are formed from new fabrics but also old fabrics where we’ve made quilts for friends and family.

“We’re related to the people who might need the services of the refuge and the people of Carwoola bushfire, so it’s nice to have a quilt that represents that relationship.” 

She, and many of the quilters gathered, hoped that the people who received the donation would not only see a simple quilt, but a gesture of community strongly sewn into every piece of material.

Nick Fry of Bendigo Bank, who was also present, said he was proud to be a part such a worthwhile cause. As the women folded the quilts to be sent away, stories of multiple cups of coffees and long conversations surfaced.

“When are we making more?” one quilter asked, as everyone nodded in jovial unison.