Mannin Quilters started in 1990 when eight members picked up their sewing needles together.
Some 26 years later, the group has grown to nearly 80 members of all ages – all women who enjoy sewing.
Mannin Quilters hold meetings twice a week,at Ballabeg Methodist Church hall on Tuesday evenings (from 7.15pm to 9pm) and then on Wednesday afternoons (from 1.30pm to 4pm) at St Columba’s Catholic Church Hall in Port Erin.
The social group is open to people of all abilities, both beginners and experienced sewers, and members can attend either or both meetings.
Mannin Quilters chairman Ruth Hall told Island Life: ‘Overall, we meet to have fun, learn from each other and enjoy company, cups of tea and great cakes!’
Mannin Quilters work on their own projects during the weekly meetings.
They also share ideas and patterns among friends and members offer demonstrations during the year that teach new techniques and projects.
Themed patterns are made available for members to then interpret in their own ways.
Every two years Mannin Quilters holds an exhibition over the May Day weekend.
And their next exhibition takes place this year from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2 at Ballabeg Methodist Church.
Refreshments, including a selection of home-made cakes, will be available to visitors throughout the weekend.
‘This is a wonderful showcase for the work of the members and well worth a visit,’ Ruth said.
The exhibition will include their ‘tombola quilts’, which members make to raise money for charity.
The group is always keen to get involved with good causes.
Since 2000, they have also been making incubator quilts for the Special Care Baby Unit at Noble’s Hospital.
In that time they have handed over hundreds of quilts.
For further information about Mannin Quilters and membership details contact Ruth Hall at ruthall55@hotmail.co.uk or visit their website manninquilters.org