The Tale of the Pello Head Project

The tale begins at the Quilter’s Gathering on the Volunteer’s weekend in 2024, when Jan-Maree trustingly handed her phone to Pello. I mean if she can’t trust a Board Member who can she trust? Our ever comical Master of Ceremonies for the night, Tracey Pelling swooped upon the opportunity to leave her a selfie which has led to a string of “consequences” from Jan-Maree, the best of which has now come to fruition.

“The Pello Head Project” was started.

The SelfieThat fabulous Pello Selfie was printed many times over and the sewing volunteers were given “The Project” to use the said “Pello Head” in some way, shape or form and turn it into a comical “Pello Block”.

All volunteers accepting this challenge were given some sneaky background information about Pello to use (there may have been some FaceBook stalking involved) – we all know that AHQ sewing people can be imaginative, creative and silly. So, using our skills of cutting, slicing, appliquéing, painting, fusing and sewing, the Pello Head was incorporated and the blocks were born!

I had the task of collecting the blocks and producing a quilt top out of them all. I really was somewhat hesitant as what was arriving in my mail box can only be described as a random assortment! Was this really going to look any good in the end??? My work began with trimming to size and bordering each block with the chosen navy print and voila, I could now see this was going to turn out good…..very good, in fact. Oh, and I embroidered the name of the block’s maker on each so Pello could see who made each block.

With blocks scattered on my family room floor and convincing our beagle, Bentley, they should not be sat /laid upon, stolen or eaten (as Beagles tend to do!) a pretty balanced layout was achieved. The navy borders and corner stones brought the blocks together as one….zoom, zoom, zoom on my trusty Janome (You all remember Pello’s sewing machine jokes don’t you???- if not ask her!).

Over to Philomena next – quilter extraordinaire. Binding done and “The Pello Project” was completed! One thing left for me to do – I suggested an accompanying piece of prose so Pello could have a record of our “Pello Project”.

So now we are up to Friday 24th October, 2025 at the Quilter’s Gathering.

The room is abuzz with the volunteer’s catching up with friends of previous years. Personally I think this night is one of the highlights – the atmosphere is casual, it’s lots fun (Pello ensures that!!!), the guest speakers are always inspiring (and sometimes very emotional) and the “goodie bags” and “lucky Prizes” just seem to get better! A big THANK YOU to all those involved in the mammoth task of gathering “Stuff” for us!

Soon it was my turn to steal the mic from Pello and JM and usher Pello back to the stage. (She thought she was on a break – hahahaha).

Congratulations everyone for keeping a secret – the Pello Head Project! Thank you to all contributors …We all did so good as Pello was actually speechless for several minutes and a bit overwhelmed when the quilt was unveiled.

Surprised Pello When she composed her thoughts again, I can tell those who couldn’t attend the evening, Pello was very grateful for all the work everyone did on their blocks and the many memories that they bring back. In fact, she told me the next morning, she slept under it on Friday night (after a few wines!).

The Quilt was displayed on Saturday night along with the accompanying prose for all to see or check out again and a group photo taken. (Insert Photos 3, Saturday night Display, Photo 4. A Very Grateful Pello, Photo 5 Pello, Quilt & AHQ Ladies)

Saturday night Display

A Very Grateful Pello

Pello, Quilt & AHQ LadiesAnd to finish off, the Pello Head Project Poem that was read out during the presentation.

The Pello Head Project

We know our MC Tracey Pelling is always up for a bit of fun

But tonight is ours for the telling, Don’t let her go ’til it’s done.

Our tale begins in this place, a year ago, JM – handing over your phone, a definite NO!

You were the next recipient of a Pello prank, a doozy of a selfie was left to thank.

JM rallied the volunteers for payback, and this is what came back…..

Pello heads by the score and more as sewing these blocks was not a chore.

Back to the lectern for another go, JM gave the task to the Original Gangster that is Pello.

Deni G knew how she would begin,”Hello, I’m Pello”, but JM’s timeline would soon make her head spin.

Thinking back to that night and the G-String Bag, We all waited patiently for our name as a tag.

Now Marianne has made a G-String Bag for Pello, in Lions colours of Maroon, blue and yellow.

So Rachel’s bikini and Cathy H’s sexy underwear can now be safely stored,

Or should Pello get bored,

A show for the audience, just make sure of your tolerance ….

Past life as a “RAAFie”, a “sumpie” no less, fixing “stuff” to operate at their best,

Aircraft, trucks and now the Diva’s Digger, give her a call if you need a hole bigger.

From RAAFie to Police Officer, a welcome change,

Anna C brings to the fore, one thing that is for sure,

Many horses say “Thank you, Sarge” as the fraudsters are brought to charge.

Incidentally Melissa L couldn’t decide, if Pello was in the front or back of her police car

But the horse beside her giving happy looks, as there are now a few less crooks.

Migrating south for someone who is a tropical flower

Does not make sense with the cold and constant showers

But the Victorian rural life with her loved one and many animals was a-calling.

Rescued doggo’s, sheep, horses and chickens, “Knackers”,”Greg”, “Dotti”, “Fantapants” to name a few,

Su J, Melissa L, Kirsten, and Anne H, they all thought their recognition was due,

An integral part of the quilt they became.

Meanwhile, you were riding a pink pony, at the club by Cathie J, Okay?

You will always hear the moans and grumble, the weather forecast under her breath she will mumble.

Colleen made Pello a snowflake, Susan B gave her a VB hoodie

Sue-Ellen, froze Pello to a snowman

Meanwhile winter is regularly told where to go, thought Ellen.

Pello’s passion is any kind of sport, touch footy, cricket, biking, NRL and AFL,

Anne H, Ann S, Lois, Swanky and Sue, all remembered – Maroon, yellow and blue

Another thing for all to note, have a fire blanket at ready, in case of hunger pains and the needy

Never, I mean never, get Pello to cook up a storm, Bel P has warned of charcoal the norm.

Who would consider moving house, Brissy to Mack-town? Simple, cut it in half and load on to semis,

Bev C, Jacqui D, Heather and Joy all agree “Trust those tie downs are tight and secure”,

A 1000 kms of Bruce Highway that house had to endure.

Made it she did and established at Finch Hatton. Go horse riding or cycling, Ride, Rest and Repeat.

Ann S – “Restore your mind, a Veteran’s retreat”, get the picture of a countryside you cannot beat.

Philomena had Diva’s Digger ready to work, according to Heather, she’ll be down getting dirty,

When day is done, Bring on the beers or three, ’cause Pello will be thirsty.

I am sure Sue-Ellen, Susan B, Anne H and Swanky and anyone else are welcome to join the party.

So this is Pello’s Quilt – “amazing” says Joan B, she’s one of a kind and true blue

A veteran on the board of AHQ!

It was over to Philomena who works the magic of the quilting machine

Then the binding in time for Pello to receive,

Maybe she’ll be short of a word or two??

-oo0oo-