She tried macrame and weaving, then a six-week quilting class. "That was me, I've done nothing else since."
After returning to Palmerston North with quilting in her fingers, Anderson put an ad in the Guardian stating she was running quilt making classes. She taught three classes a week from her lounge, then founded the club in July 1981 and things have snowballed since.
The club started with about 12 members and now has about 160 - all women, including four of the founding members.
Anderson's love for the craft has not waned.
"I just get so excited when I'm going to start something new."
Anderson has gone on to teach all over New Zealand and has taken part in national symposiums with international tutors. She will be the Celebration of Quilts' guest exhibitor. There will also be a display of quilts from the past 40 years.
The club has donated many quilts over the years including to the neonatal unit at Palmerston North Hospital, Ozanam House, Arohanui Hospice, and Christchurch earthquake victims.
During the 2020 lockdown, the club was asked to supply quilts to people in need as the city headed into winter and it gave 105.
Kay Booth went along to one of those initial classes.
"I was a very good student, I did my homework."
She went on to be a founding member of Rose City Quilters and is currently president.
Booth says it is almost like a hidden community until people know about quilting and realise how many people love it.
"I love the feel of fabric, I love the ability to create my own quilts."
Booth says all of us have a creative side.
"[Quilting] allows that to sing away in your own head and you don't have to explain yourself to anybody else."
If people like your quilt great, but it's a form of self-expression, she says.
The Details
What: Celebration of Quilts
When: October 23-24, 10am-4pm
Where: Community Leisure Centre
Entry: $5 at door, children under 14 free if accompanied by an adult
