Quilted comfort

By Nicole Williams
After the Japan tsunami in February, the Dandenong resident put up a worn-out hand to make 100 quilts to offer comfort for people affected.
“I made the decision off the top of my hat and picked a number,” she said.
“I’d say by Christmas I’ll send around 50 and also send one batch after.”
Ms Spencer has joined forces with a Rotary group who will ship the quilts to Japan and distribute them to the needy.
“They will give them to who they feel are worthy of them but I know they’re going to people that need them.”
Ms Spencer, 65, also distributes her original quilts to hospitals for stillborn and cot-death babies, international orphanages and any other charity that may be in need.
“There is always some sort of charity that wants them,” she said.
“I can do it and everyone needs something to do.”
After the tsunami, she will start making lightweight quilts for an orphanage in Sri Lanka and has a friend in Bali on the lookout for those in need.
Each year Ms Spencer is also actively involved in the craft pavilion of the Dandenong Show as a steward, demonstrator and competition entrant.
“As a steward, looking after knitting and crocheting section, I’m always there (come show time),” she said.
“We also usually do some sort of demonstration.”
Last year she won an award for her quilt at the Dandenong Show which then saw the same quilt win at the Port Phillip Group final before showing it at the Melbourne Show.
In between her charitable sewing, Ms Spencer will be preparing her weary hands for the Dandenong Show in November.