I often feel a bit overwhelmed by all the negativity in the world. I do what I can to help- taking food to the food bank, defacing racist graffiti, recycling everything, and donations to charity- that sort of thing. But I've been thinking to try and put my QuiltyKilty skills to use.
My husband's workpal bakes, and raises money for different charities each month- "baking for a better world" he calls it. I've also been priveleged to meet Linda Macdonald, who started Malawi Underpriveleged Mothers after asking herself "but what can I do?" and collating a charity recipe book that went on to sell tens of thousands of copies.
These ideas are great- do what you love doing and spread the good will ("spread" get it? like bedspread.. haha..oh ok, I'll get my coat). I've made quilts for charities before - like the quilt for Malawi Underpriveleged Mothers, and a split 9-patch for Alzheimers Scotland, so maybe I can "sew for a better world".
My lovely pal Emily from Brighten Up heard about my idea, and has been sending me scraps from her business to make quilts with. (If you need a lamp/ceiling shade, I would highly recommed Brighten Up, my flat is full of Emily's funky shades and they always get loads of compliments.)
So I made a scrappy rainbow quilt. Here 'tis:
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| I used loads of different techniques for the 9 inch blocks |
I was struggling to think how I was going to sell or raffle it off and which cause it should go to. That same week there was the masacre at Pulse Nighclub, in Orlando, USA. I have LGBTI+ friends, and this act of hatred made me feel sick to the core.
It wasn't hard for me to make the choice to donate the quilt to #QuiltsforPulse, when my local fabric store Fabric Focus put a post on their Facebook group calling for rainbow heart quilts for the survivors, friends and family of the tragedy.
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| Kevin from Fabric Focus holding up my donated quilt |
To keep with the 'rainbow hearts' theme I appliqued two patchwork rainbow hearts onto the quilt. And I've added a wee label on the back.
I hope it brings someone involved with the tragedy a little comfort to know that people on the other side of the world are thinking of them, and are rallying behind them- doing whatever they can do, even if that's just sewing.
