The retired Brauer College arts teacher owns 10 of them, four of which were prizes in quilting competitions.

Her latest winning entry entitled The Offerings won first prize in an international quilt challenge in February, earning the mother-of-three a trip to America and $6000 of sewing products.

The competition’s theme was ‘my secret dream’ and Mrs Withers entered a 80cm x 120cm quilt depicting a tree of knowledge surrounded by girls with books.

“If all the girls in the world were educated – what a better place it would be,” Mrs Withers said.”It’s the continued education of girls that brings great benefits to their families and communities.”

Mrs Withers’ winning quilt is now being showcased at exhibitions around the world.

The collection of sewing machines is a project Mrs Withers hinted is something she hopes will benefit many girls in need.