Bleary Rural Community

Ballydougan Patchwork and Craft Group was formed in 2001. 

The Group meet in Bleary Farmers’ Hall, Upper Ballydougan Road at 10.00am every Wednesday morning for three sessions Autumn, Winter and Spring.

The Group started with twenty members and now has an average attendance each week of 35 ladies.

Mrs Sheila Tinsley, a very skilled needleworker with a lot experience in patchwork has been the tutor from the beginning and has taught the ladies how to make some beautiful quilts.  

Sheila has also taught candlewicking, all types of embroidery and crochet.

Two outings are arranged during the year.  One to the Knit and Stitch Exhibition in the Kings Hall, Belfast and the other combines a visit to a fabric shop with lunch at a nearby garden centre.

A Visitors Days is held in April each year when a special guest is invited to give a talk of their quilting journey and show samples of their work. 

At this event neighbouring Patchwork Groups are invited.  The members display  the work which they have done during the year.

Ballydougan Patchwork Group hosts monthly meetings of the Quilters Guild of Ireland Northern Lights Group.  They also host Craigavon Area Patchwork Group for their full day workshops, usually twice each year.

New members are always welcome.

For some useful links regarding patchworking and embroidering in Northern Ireland, visit the Useful Links section of this website.