Local quilters have been preparing their entries for Strictly Quilts 2025, with more than 55 quilts expected to be on display in the Uniting Church Hall.

Centre Quilters Group members Helen James and Glenys Stribley are among those who will have their beautifully designed quilts on display, showing the wide diversity of styles.

Glenys said she has always sewn and been a dressmaker, then tried hand quilting in later years, moving on to raw edge applique using a sewing machine.

One of the two quilts she will have on display in Strictly Quilts was created from a pattern provided by Centre Quilts for a "circles" challenge, and she was attracted to the interesting design.

Glenys said her preference is for using normal quilting materials like cottons and Liberty Fabrics, and both the quilts in the show were completed this year.

Despite having created quilts for family members, Glenys was initially reluctant to share her work in an exhibition but was encouraged to do so by the wider quilting fraternity.

She said following the loss of both her husband and son, it was quilting which kept her going.

"I've been a quilter for more than 20 years," she said.

"I love it, because it's something to do and a great way to unwind - it's like therapy - I can cope because I've got my sewing.

"I'm retired, but I'm not really, because I'm busy sewing and going to my quilting groups.

"It just helps you really - I recommend it to anybody."

Glenys said it's something anyone can learn if their heart is in it, by starting with something simple like putting squares together, and then picking up more skills as experience and confidence grows.

"We've got ladies who joined our group who have never sewn before, and you should see what they are making now," she said.

"I challenge myself every day really - sometimes I think it will be too hard, but if I don't do it, I'll never know."

Glenys said the members of her local quilting groups are "absolutely fantastic girls" who are always there to help, and though many are very experienced and highly proficient, their knowledge continues to grow.

"You're learning something all the time with quilting - there is no end to what you can do with sewing," she said.

Strictly Quilts will be held at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street from Friday, 31 October to Monday, 3 November, open from 10am to 4pm each day, and entry is $5.