Waggas Sale

 "Don't you take my photo!" she said...That being said,  let me introduce you to Doreen, our fearless leader in the wagga brigade.  Doreen is a long standing and important member of the Hunters Hill Quilt group.   As long as I have been a member, Doreen has led the troops to the quilt show in the Wagga category.  She has sourced the wool and managed the production of hundreds of Waggas over the years.  Many have gone to the homeless men of Sydney while many others have found warmer homes.   It is her style and gently forceful manner that has made all of us Wagga enthusiasts.  Wool pants and Converse...fashion meets function!

What's a Wagga you ask?  Well the short version of the long story is that many moons ago the wool salesmen in Australia would offer up their samples when the lines were finished.  The lucky recipient would sew them together, fill them with any discarded items from socks to undies and back them with flour sacks from Wagga Wagga, hence the name.  It would then be used by the drivers as they made their way across the unforgiving land in winter or be layered on the beds for warmth during the colder months.  The Wagga is the quintessential Australian quilt and the folklore, stories and urban myths about Waggas abound.  

This year we had a contest among the  members to make Waggas for the show.  They are as varied as we are in their make up.  This one is Laurel's.  Over the next few weeks I'll get some more photos of the wonders available for sale at the show...what show you ask?  The Hunters Hill Quilt show:

                                    Friday  13 - Sunday 15 August

                                    Hunters Hill Town Hall

Mark you calendars and get in early!!!!!  There will be over 50 Waggas for sale.  They are great sofa mates for these cold nights or really really nice gifts for that special man in you life!  

In addition to the quilts made by members for sale we will also have heaps of kits for sale made up if you'd like to make one of your own.  By the way, I will get in trouble for showing this photo of the Wagga kits tied up with pink bows and  pattern included.  Special ribbon has been purchased to make them look very, very nice!   If you can't make it to the show and would like to purchase a Wagga, just email me.  I should also mention that proceeds from the show go towards Giant Steps.  Giant Steps is a school for Autistic children.  They do great work with the kids and offer a wonderful service to the families of these special children.   

I can't finish up without mentioning that Doreen now has the troops making calico bags as a gift with purchase of a Wagga...don't miss out!!!

Have a wagga weekend! k

Comments

[patchworksails]

LOL LOL LOL !!!!!! Its nice to see you all wearing wool, I wish I was cold we have 100 degrees and tommorrow 104-108 which is UNHEARD of here in New Jersey USA.

[Rachaeldaisy]

I'm so looking forward to the show!!! I think it's great that you guys are ga-ga for Waggas!

[Susan in VT, USA]

What a funny coincidence! I saw this post yesterday and had never heard of a wagga. Then while I was reading in bed this morning before work, I came on the word for the second time in <24 hours!

I'm reading "The Idea of Perfection" by Kate Grenville.

Greetings from the other side of the planet.

[kathie]

oh my gosh how I would love to make a wagga! I love that red plaid
reminds of the big coolers we used to have to use on vacation when I was a kid. scottish plaids they were metal...remember those???
so are these on the website for sale? love the pink bow adds a little MO punch
Kathie

[Try It]

I saw this post yesterday and had never heard of a wagga then while I was reading in bed this morning before work.