A GROUP of friends who have been quilting together for 30 years are celebrating with an exhibition of work at North Curry Parish Church, near Taunton, this weekend (September 21 and 22).

More than 30 patchwork quilts will be on display and light refreshments will be served: all proceeds in aid of the church.

The 12 friends meet fortnightly and work collectively on patchwork quilts to celebrate and mark momentous occasions for each other and to raise money for charity.

One of the first quilts was stitched in 1989 for the group’s founder, Charlie Knight, who said: “I wanted to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear – thus this quilt is made of jumble fabric and less worn bits of our children’s clothes.

"The padding is a blanket; the backing is sheeting. My daughter has slept under this for years and the wear can be seen.”

She added: “More recently the construction has gone up market and we buy new, specialist quilting cottons which are longer lasting.”

There will be a great variety of patterns and fabrics on show – some are made up of traditional American square blocks and others are complete, all-over designs.

The exhibition takes place from 12 noon to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22 during the church’s harvest thanksgiving weekend. Entry is free but donations will be accepted for the church.