A Quilt for All Seasons

7/31/2019 A Quilt for All Seasons

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a quilt forall seasons...


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From an early childhood I have always been grateful for thelittle magical highlights in our otherwise drab sensible world.

A stained glass window, a panel of decorative tiles, well

coloured paintings and most of all those embellished textiles,

knitted, embroidered or patchwork. These little islands of

delights lovingly made to lift up the soul are what get most

of us through lifes many trials.

There is a mystic that making of these life enhancing objects is

beyond the wit of most of us. What a day of celebration and revelation,

when we discover how easy and deeply satisfying these crafts are.

Through my knitting my good friend Liza Lucy pulled me into the

patchwork world. She took patterns Id done in knitting and translated

them to patchwork proving to me I was good at designing for that

craft. Her offer to sew, if I laid out the colours, was an offer I could

not refuse, resulting in many books, lectures, workshops and museum

exhibitions, but mostly hours of satisfaction. I went from doing

the quilts to launching my own fabric print collections. Everything

becomes grist to an artists mill when designing. Oriental worlds of

pattern have figured heavily but I do feel I was deeply affected by the

landscape I grew up in. The wild coast of California gave me a lusty

belief I could do anything I chose in life.

When I was invited to Northern Ireland, in June 2008 to work with

Patchworkers in Derry / Londonderry, I was struck by the intense

beauty of the countryside surrounding, the city and the history within

its battle scared walls. It was not surprising to experience the passion

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foreword...

and creativity that flowed from the students. My assistant, Brandon

Mably and I were encouraged to find a liking of our fabrics and

books but even more how the quilters took our encouragement and

ran with it. You can see from this book how engaged those hands

and minds are. We should all be profoundly grateful to have found

such an expressive craft to channel our creative energies into.

Kaffe Fassett


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Conversations with ten different people, but with onepurpose - to find out why quilting is important to them?

Ten people with varying ages, life experiences and reasons

for signing up for a course.A Quilt for All Seasons enables

them to describe their experiences of a Calico Project

quilting course run by Mission Hall Quilts.

The Calico Project was operated by Mission Hall Quilts, one of

the newest centres for quilting in Northern Ireland. Situated in the

centre of Derry / Londonderry, and run by people with a passion, it

sells a huge range of fabrics and material. Not only that. It runs awide range of courses to suit the beginner or a seasoned quilter.

Calico started providing quilting classes in August 2006. The

response was overwhelming. Every class was booked out within

days, and waiting lists soon appeared. People from across the

city and beyond came to a range of classes to learn every aspect

of the craft.

Many of those who came had never quilted before. Each week

between 40 and 50 people would attend classes at Mission Hall.

A community of people with a shared passion for quilting hasbeen established. Old friendships have been re-kindled, and

many new friendships established as the craft crosses all

sectors of society, and appeals to those from all walks of life.

Calico courses were made possible by the generous support of

the Peace II Programme1. There are two key words in this funding

introduction...

stream - pathway and transition. They express some of the hopes

of the funders. It is the desire to enable growth, development and

the learning of new skills - to build a strong sense of community.

Do the words pathway and transition describe the experiences

of those whose stories are featured here? Have new skills led to

new possibilities? Have new relationships been forged? There is a

power in each individual story told. It is not in the way each has

been written but in the fact that the experiences related are real.

Pathway and transition become appropriate words to describe

the impact on those who took part.

A Quilt for All Seasons captures the experiences of ten people who

participated in the quilting classes run by the Calico Project. Each

has a unique story. They are stories of new skills learned. Sometimes

there were challenges to be faced. In every case fresh possibilities

are discovered. The benefits have not just been experienced by

those who took part but by those around them too.

1 Measure 2.4 of the PEACE II Programme


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I dont feel Im the person standing at the back wall

any more. That is the effect of a quilting course on

Sandra Montgomery.

Sandra has always been comfortable working with her hands.

Whether it was gardening or DIY, she has always been ready to

take up the challenge. Yet there is a sense in which, for her, it felt

functional rather than particularly creative. Despite her practicalabilities she says, I would never have thought that I was

particularly artistic or creative.

Describing herself as a stay-at-home mum for twelve years,

she talks of the routine of housework, kids, exams, making

meals but I had no hobbies. She had not worked outside

the home since having her second child and felt that the

opportunities for meeting people were limited for her.

Coming upon Mission Hall Quilts by chance, she signed up

for a course along with her daughter. I always loved workingwith my hands but never took that part of me seriously, she

says. It was the beginning of a journey - one that has reached

a place where quilting has turned into a passion. It really

grabs on to you and doesnt let go (It) has given me a

real buzz in my life.

the light bulb moment...Sandra Montgomery

One of the great attractions of quilting for Sandra is that it is like

having limitless possibilities with fabric and colours You are just

held by your imagination. In some way it has not only released

a new enjoyment in creating but it has also given her a new sense

of possibilities and imagination for the future.

Quilting has obviously made a big impact on the Montgomery

household. Sandra wants to make quilts for family membersfor special occasions. Her husband has

even made her a design wall.


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Its the big light bulb moment.Something switched on in myhead Quilting gives you thatlicence to make and create.

What did the opportunity of mixing with other quilters

do for her? It renewed my faith in human nature. The

positiveness from quilters is amazing. She particularly

valued the way in which they were willing to freely sharewhat they know and have learnt. I had not experienced

that to that extent in anything else Ive done.

As Sandra describes it, Its the big light bulb moment.

Something switched on in my head Quilting gives you

that licence to make and create. She talks of getting

to the stage of teaching and selling what she has made.

One gets the sense that, as well as new friends and a

passion for quilting, something else has happened. It

is the unlocking of ideas and possibilities in her mind.

Tutor:MaryGood


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Over the years Pearl has found many ways to work with

her hands. She has created baskets, pictures and intricate

pieces of embroidery. One of the first things you notice

about any of her handiwork is the choice of colours.

They are bright and happy.

When Pearl was ten years old she asked her mother to let her

sew. It is a skill she has used in one way or another ever since.

The shirt factory was an important part of her life. Her mother

was a quilter and her grandfather a tailor.

With such a background you might be forgiven for thinking

that Pearl had little else to learn. Yet she feels that taking part

in a quilting course has taught her a lot. When she talks about

her classes she says she is looking forward to whats next;

looking forward to seeing everyone elses (work) and seeing

all the different colours.

Pearls husband died five years ago. She talks of the sense ofloss and new routines. Sometimes it is the simple things that

are hard to bear. It is a lonely life when your husband dies.

We were always together. She spoke about the loneliness

of long evenings.

lead kindly light...Pearl Steele

looking forward to whats

next; looking forward to seeingeveryone elses (work) andseeing all the different colours.


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Involvement in a Luncheon Club has been a happy part of her

life, as has her involvement in various crafts. However, it was

her granddaughter, Emma, who suggested that she get involved

in a Mission Hall class.

When Pearl talks about quilting, she puts it very simply. It hasmade a difference in my life. Through the classes she meets

a lot of people and enjoys the company. She enjoys it because

everyone is in the same position. Everyone is quick to help

each other. In the evenings she loves to sew. When I sit

down to sew, time flies.

Quilts are often special to the maker because of who they are

made for. They also tell stories, the threads of which can go

through the generations. One of Pearls first quilts was made

for her granddaughter, Emma. On the back of it there is awoven inscription which reads, When I was a little girl you

taught me all I know. The times I loved the best, you taught

me how to sew.

She talks of finding a collection of her mothers embroidery

transfers. She found them after her death and has now made

a quilt of all these transfers. A quilt is like a family heirloom;

those who make them and those who receive them know

their true value.

The pleasure of quilting for Pearl comes in what you can

create. The classes in Mission Hall made something for her.

As she says in her own words, they made a difference in

my life. You cant ask for much better than that.Tutor:MichaelaMorrison


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You hope that your quilt is an heirloom; that it will be

handed down to your offspring.

Paulas first quilt, called Love Is, took ten months to make. It was

a big commitment but made possible by doing a little bit at a time.

She gave it as a gift to her daughter who was moved as she knew

just how much work had gone into it.

For someone who is unfamiliar with quilting it takes time to

learn the value of each individual one. Seeing the time, effort and

commitment that each one takes helps the onlooker to understand.

Quilts are often made to mark special family occasions or given

to family and friends. As Paula describes, Love Is she sheds light

on why they have such value. Love Is is about your family and

friends. Quilts are warm and homely It is lovely to pass that

on to someone you love. There is a lot of yourself in it.

sea of tranquillity...Paula Taylor

Quilts are warm and homely... It islovely to pass that on to someone youlove. There is a lot of yourself in it.


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When she took early retirement from teaching, quilting met

a demand for her - a creative outlet. Although Paula loved the

creative side of things, she had never sewn in her life and never

used a sewing machine. With reading as her only hobby, she

looked forward to attending a class with a friend.

Paula has had rheumatoid arthritis for twenty years and

described herself as not a very physical person. With herarthritis, she thought that she would never be able to make

something like a quilt.

There are lots of things I cant do with my hands, but quilting

makes you feel normal, says Paula. My hands are more active

than theyve ever been. It keeps your hands and joints exercised.

It is exercising your fine motor skills.

Tutor:PaulineOpeener

Talking of her mother as a wonderful dressmaker someone

I looked up to, and someone with a great eye she describes the

moment when she showed her one of her quilts. Her mother was

impressed and shocked at what she had been able to create.

Coming from someone important in her life and who had great

creative skills was important for Paula That pleased me. It gave

me a great sense of achievement.

Involvement in quilting has given her something to do with old

friends. It also introduces her to new ones. Along with developing

friendships and learning new skills, something else is happening

for Paula. Quilting is my area of tranquillity and peace.


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Every day, Jacqueline ODoherty goes to a Womens Centre to

sew. As someone able to sew since she was nine, it mightnt

be a surprise that she also signed up for a quilting class. She

has now become a quilting tutor. As well as taking classes,

she has travelled to other parts of the country and

to Scotland to meet people involved in quilting.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a health condition affecting

around 2% of the population. Those affected experience widespread

muscular and skeletal pain and fatigue, often to a disabling degree.

It is a very distressing condition and one that Jacqueline has

struggled with for a number of years.

The effects of ill health for Jacqueline were profound. I was that

sick I didnt want to do anything. I was tired all the time. I had

nothing to look forward to. As the years went on, the FMS got

worse. One side effect of her condition was depression and

thinking of the things you cant do. Movement or travel was very

difficult which meant that she did not go out, and had one friend.

for the love of andrew...Jacqueline ODoherty

Im like Pandoras Box. Quiltingwas the key to unlocking that box!


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Something has had a direct and powerful effect on Jacquelines

health and sense of well-being in the last two years. Her own

words describe it most eloquently: Quilting changed my life.

I dont take painkillers. I work through my pain (by) quilting.

I dont think of FMS any more. I am thinking about all the

things I can do I used to think of what I couldnt do.

Asked if her involvement in quilting had changed anything about

her attitude to life, she had this to say: I believe, no matter how

sick you are, there is still something you can do. The less you think

about it (FMS), the more you can do. Everyone has something

theyre good at.

From a place where ill health meant that even getting up the

morning was a struggle to now considering a degree in quilting

is a considerable journey. What has aided that journey? Im likePandoras Box. Quilting was the key to unlocking that box! It is

a journey that has affected not only her but the rest of her family

for the good.

The creation of a quilt is sometimes a way of marking the

deepest of moments in the journey of a life. Jacqueline has a

brother in the USA whose son, Andrew, was diagnosed with a

serious illness. She decided to make a very special quilt to help

raise funds for his treatment.

Tragically, the young boy died recently before the quilt wascompleted. She has now given it to his father. Poignantly

and fittingly, the quilt is named Andrew. Tutor:PaulineOpeener


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You wouldnt think a wee sewing class can do so much!

The impact of a quilting class has been significant for Julie

Hamilton. Talking of her involvement in the class she says,

This year was the best year of my life.

Julie has had over twenty years of ill health. A number of very

significant illnesses have meant living with constant pain and

discomfort. She describes the year she enrolled in a quilting

course as a bad year for her health.

Deciding to come to a Mission Hall course was no easy matter.

She spent eighteen months thinking about it before summoning

up the courage to put her name down. She feared being unable

to complete the course because of illness.

Being in company and making new friends are not pleasures

Julie has been able to enjoy over the years due to her struggles

with illness. It is not surprising that there were days when she

felt a little overwhelmed meeting new people at her class. Yet, shefound the courage to persevere and the benefits are tangible for her.

The word therapeutic refers to something tending to cure

or restore to health. It is the word Julie uses to describe her

involvement in quilting.

fearfully and wonderfully made...Julie Hamilton

You wouldnt think a weesewing class can do so much!


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Thinking of her ongoing battle with chronic pain she says of

quilting, Ive kept my chin up because of the classes. It gives

you something to occupy your mind, away from the pain

Because of Mission Hall, I didnt get depressed.

Quilting has opened up an artistic side to Julies personality

that she didnt realise she had. In fact, she says it has openedup a whole new way of life for her. Her own words describe

the effect of using her creative abilities. It gave me such

joy to see something Id made.

The curative effects of quilting, making new friends and the

discovery of creative talents are not all that have helped to enhance

Julies quality of life. Creating a quilt is a very personal expression.

For Julie it is one of her ways of leaving something behind. It is

very important to me my mark that Ive made in the world.

She continued, I havent had a job or met a lot of people in my

life (Quilting) is a mark that I was here.

There is a new sense of the future in Julie Hamiltons life. She

talks warmly of the place of family in her life. Being part of a

quilting class showed her something else. I always thought I

could get on just on my own and with my family - I think you do

need friends. Friendship is a lot more important than I thought.

Tutor:RenaMcLean

I think you do needfriends. Friendship is a lotmore important than I thought.


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If I didnt have this, I wouldnt be moving forwards.

Quite a statement about the impact of quilting; it is

one that Frances Doherty does not make lightly.

Frances describes how she was aimlessly walking up Carlisle

Road one day when the window display in Mission Hall Quilts

caught her eye. Attracted by the shop and the enthusiasm of

Michaela, the shop manager, she signed up for a course.

Despite some initial nervousness, the attraction of the course

for Frances was simple. It was welcoming, creative and I didnt

have to compete or prove myself. It had a profound effect on

her. Quilting opened up a whole new way of looking at and doing

things. She feels that it has unlocked a creative ability which was

always there but that had been suppressed.

When people have misfortunes or ill health, Frances believes

that there is great benefit in looking to something that is

simple and artistic. She knows the truth of this from her ownexperience. She has Bipolar Disorder, a depressive illness. She

describes her involvement in quilting as bringing many benefits.

surprised by joy...Frances Doherty

If I didnt have this,I wouldnt be moving forwards.


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Describing the making of her first quilt, Frances talks of the skills

that come to the fore - choosing colours, working to patterns and

putting it all together in a combination that is unique to each quilt-

maker. She describes how it is a process of starting with small and

realistic goals.

For her the quilting course provided an atmosphere of

encouragement where there was no competitiveness. Reflecting on

the negative effects of competitiveness in any aspect of life, she says,

Competitiveness leads to pressure - and that takes the joy out.

Creating a quilt is a very personal expression. It showed Frances that

she had the ability to create something. Creating something unique

that is appreciated and recognised by fellow quilters, friends and

family is empowering. It was my own handiwork. It was accepted

one of those things I did myself. The quilting course has

unlocked skills and a confidence to create.

For Frances the effects of quilting have real benefit for her health

and well-being. The therapy is always the simple thing. For her

the processes of quilting somehow bring you back to your centre.

She talks of the therapy of bringing joy as she reflects on the

benefits that have come to her. It is something she wants to share.

Perhaps Frances captures the hope of any human being when she

talks of how she wanted the passion and creativity all to come out.

The creative art of quilt-making has helped her do just that. Her hopeis that it is only the beginning of manifesting what is inside. The

benefits speak for themselves! Tutor:MaeveGallagher


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As an art student Donnie Browne knew he had creative

gifts. Yet, through a combination of circumstances,

these had been unused for some time. As he describes

it, I hadnt done much art for seven years. I hadnt

an interest in it for a long time.

A previous interest in fabrics meant that the shop front of

Mission Hall Quilts caught his eye. A visit to the shop and

an enquiry found him signing up for a Pot Luck course -

one where the participant learns a wide range of new skills.

Even though Donnie had a sewing machine sitting in the

house for five years, it had rarely been used. He describes

how being part of a quilting course brought back not only

an interest in art but also in life.

Reflecting on his creative skills that had lain dormant, he

talks of how the course showed me new ways of expressing.

It showed me new ways to put things together. It showed mehow to think bigger.

art unplugged...Donnie Browne

...showed me new ways of

expressing. It showed me newways to put things together.It showed me how to think bigger.


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For Donnie, one of the greatest benefits came in learning new

skills. Cutting, sewing and learning how to piece fabric took

place in an atmosphere that was not competitive. Everyone

was supporting everyone elses progress. His first quilt

captures a theme familiar to the North West - fish. It was

inspired by a visit to Greencastle.

Doing something that he enjoyed was an important part of

quilting for Donnie. Since Art College I didnt do much (art)

that I enjoyed. It was something that was always there but

hadnt surfaced for a long time.

Kind of therapeutic - relaxing is one way in which he talks

of the effects of quilting. He also talks of how it calms. In

whatever way it has worked, he says that it has brought back

art (and) interest in life for him.

Since taking part in a quilting course, Donnie has had an

exhibition of some of his work in Greencastle. He is still keento learn and develop his skills. Having his creative talents

reawakened has given him new thoughts of the future.

Quilting is making me think of a career in art. I always

wanted that but didnt have the motivation. Tutor:JacquelineODoherty

... brought back artand interest in life.


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The enjoyment of making a quilt is not the only reason

people sign up for a course. Not everyone would come to

sew Its like a wee community, says Patricia McDonagh.

Patricia worked in some of the local shirt factories in times past.

She remembers the sense of community that existed amongst

workers and feels that she experiences some of that in her visits

to the Mission Hall shop and her involvement in courses. In the

shop, its still there that kind of closeness and spirit.

Sewing has been part of her life for many years, both in employment

as well as being a pastime. She still gets a sense of achievement

from finishing a quilt even finishing one block. Quilting brings

back many of the skills she learned, and fond memories too.

One of the pleasures for Patricia has been theShow and Tell

events at Mission Hall. These are opportunities for quilters

to set out their own work and see other peoples work. It

is a chance to exchange tips and ideas.

Everyone has a unique ability to create something. This is part

of what makes quilting so enjoyable for Patricia. It is also the

opportunity to meet friends and enjoy the comradeship that it

brings. Thinking of how Mission Hall recaptures something of the

for the joy of it...Patricia McDonagh

Not everyone wouldcome to sew... Its likea wee community.


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past for her, she says, I worked in the shirt factories with all sides

of the community. All sides of the community come into the shop.

It has been some time since Patricia worked. She describes her

routine as having been quiet. I was in the house. I am divorced

and have no children. Mission Hall was somewhere to come to.

Coming to classes, mixing with new people and sharing ideas has

had a great effect on her. Describing how it got her out of the house,

she says, It gave me more confidence in myself. I would never have

come into a room and talked to other people. It brought me out of

my shell. It is a new confidence that, she says, has followed me

through into everyday life.

Patricias skill is matched by her enthusiasm. I have a whole pile

of fabric in the house. There are loads I want to make. Im hopingthis (Mission Hall) will be here for a long time.

Asked why she liked to make quilts, she says, I make them (to tell)

stories, for special occasions and sometimes I make them just for

the sake of making them. She still creates simply for the joy of it.

Tutor:Mary

Good

It gave me more confidence in myself.I would never have come into a roomand talked to other people. It broughtme out of my shell.


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I loved it because they are capturing something about

bringing community back. This is what attracts Nanda

to the quilting courses in Mission Hall. It isnt just the

enjoyment in creating something. It also meets a human

need for relationships, friendships and people who

will listen.

Originally from The Netherlands, Nanda and her husband live in

Derry / Londonderry because of a strong sense of commitment to

the city and its people. An expression of her Christian faith is a

commitment to unity and reconciliation in the community.

As someone who has moved into the city from outside, it can

sometimes feel difficult to break into the strong bonds of community

that already exist in the city. As an outsider its very hard. The

small human touches that come from going in and out of Mission

Hall or to courses have been important. For Nanda it has been the

simple things. Last year my father had a major heart operation.

It was nice to be asked how he was.

She talks of the sense of loss she felt when a close-knit church

community she had been part of closed down a number of years ago.

This experience, as well as that of being an outsider in a new city,

simply reminded her that you are not made to be on your own. Her

enjoyment of Mission Hall came with being with other women and

the winter has passed...Nanda Uitterdijk

I loved it because they arecapturing something aboutbringing community back.


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having the opportunity to talk to them, listen, (and)

work with them on things together.

With an artistic background, she loves to create. She took

part in aShirt Off My Back course, which, as the name suggests,

means using second-hand fabrics. Using material from old

shirts, pyjamas and skirts gave her a sense of tapping intothe history in Derry - all the shirt factories.

For Nanda quilts have the power to tell stories. One of her

quilts is entitled The Winter Has Passed. Nanda reflects on

what her quilt expresses: For Derry, there is another season

coming. (The city) is entering new things. She sees hope

coming where there has often seemed to have been so much

hopelessness. I like to see new pictures coming - pictures of

hope and not just all the hurt and loss.

One of her ambitions is to make a quilt with other women for

this city - a message of hope, colourful; a new story. She sees

a process taking place in the city, the telling of a new story.

In the telling of that story Mission Hall is a small part of it.Tutor:GayeGrant

For Derry, there is anotherseason coming. The cityis entering new things.


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There was a time when Mary Kennedy felt she had no

time for a pastime like quilting. It wasnt a lack of aptitude.

She has sewn since she was four years old, worked as a

seamstress producing speciality items, and has a family

background in quilting.

The problem for Mary was one of time - there wasnt enough

ofit. Juggling a busy career schedule, raising four children and

finishing a university course took just about every spare ounceof energy she had.

A new phase in her life has just begun - she has more time. Her

family has grown up, study is completed and she no longer works

in the same job. But there is an even greater reason why Marys

life is in a moment of change. A United States citizen and native

of Oklahoma, she has only recently moved with her husband to

live in this country.

Leaving family and friends is a difficult part of moving to a new

country. Making new friends and adapting to different surroundings

is also part of the challenge. Reflecting on her enrolment on a

quilting course, she says, It helped me to adjust to a new country,

away from family and friends. I didnt know many people here -

this was a good way to meet and socialise.

green pastures...Mary Kennedy

It helped me to adjustto a new country, awayfrom family and friends.


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A move to Ireland and having more time also helped Mary to reflect

on the demanding lifestyle she had left behind in the US. As well

as the ordinary demands of family life and study, she also ran an

extremely busy counselling practice. All of this left little time or

energy for herself.

Quilting has had an important effect on Mary at a time of great

change in her life. Quilting was doing something for myself. I

had forgotten my creative part, and how important it was to me- I (now) had time to look at things differently.

Marys words speak powerfully as she reflects on her quilting. It

has been life-changing. My confidence was rebuilt. I was blocked

in my heart. I went through a lot of adjustment moving over here

and leaving family behind.

There is a sense of energy about the future. Quilting has rekindled

not only an interest in a former career as a graphic artist but

designing in general (from graphic designs to quilts, other softfurnishings and accessories. It has made me feel competent and

capable again. Creative ideas are flowing. Im getting things done.

Quilting has not just opened the door It just opened up the

creativity floodgates!

Tutor:AnneCaithness

It has been life-changing.My confidence was rebuilt.


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reflection...There is something that quickly becomes apparent. It

does not need to be exaggerated because the reality speaks

powerfully for itself. Quilting has been an overwhelmingly

positive experience for all those who have been involved in

it, and for those who have taken part in one of the courses

at Mission Hall.

For many it has been the opportunity to meet people and make

new friends. For others it has been about discovering new skills,

or reawakening old ones. Some have used words such as relaxing,

calming or therapeutic to describe what quilting does for them.

Positive effects on health and well-being have been experienced.

The pleasure or benefit that comes to each individual may be

different. Yet it still leaves a question: What is it about quilting that

can have such an effect for the good? Why has a quilting course got

the power to be recreation in every sense of that word?

Mary Kennedy remarks on how, as human beings, we are social

creatures. We want to belong. We like encouragement. We like to

find commonalities. When people come in and find an air of

acceptance people respond to that.

All those interviewed talked of an atmosphere of acceptance and

friendliness when they came along to a class. It was a place to learn

new things from others as well as to share their own ideas and skills.

It has been a place for all sorts of people to meet, chat and to

feel that others are interested in them. In a small way, it has

been living out the qualities of community - that is something

life-giving.

The very nature of a quilt itself gives a clue as to why the

act of making it can bring such pleasure. Think of how we

use them. A quilt is something we associate with warmth,

comfort and protection. It is a thing of beauty as well as being

something merely functional. We place them on our beds and

sofas. They are used to decorate and protect.


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Making a quilt is a creative act. It is also very personal. Quilts are

made for special occasions and for special people. They take an

immense amount of time and effort to make. It is these things that

give them such value and worth, not only for those who make them

but for those who receive them as well. They are given to remind

others of the love and affections of those who made them. They areheirlooms - the creative mark of the maker for others to remember

them by.

The word therapeutic was often used by those interviewed.

Sometimes a circumstance, anxiety or pain level is so challenging

that it becomes difficult to focus on anything else. It can become

overwhelming.

Quilting is an activity that is ordered and creative. It holds out the

goal of making something beautiful. It is something done in small

achievable steps. Causing the individual to focus on doing what

needs to be done in achieving each small achievable goal is to

enable them to think in new ways - to see the possible. By its

creative nature it also gives the mind a rest from the anxieties

and challenges that may beset it.

A common experience for many of our quilters was that of

experiencing something being unlocked. For some it was creative

abilities - either old or new. For others it was about being able todream a new dream for the future.

The manifestation is different for each person, but for each it

has been the unlocking of the imagination to think of new

possibilities for their future.


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At Mission Hall Quilts Michaela, Anne, Janine and Jill looked after

everyone coming in to class. They are all enthusiastic quilters, with

a love and a passion for the craft. The interviews highlighted how

welcome people felt when they came to class, and how much they

loved coming into the shop. The wonderful displays of quilts,fabrics, buttons and threads are like an Aladdins Cave, and

its all the work of the team at Mission Hall.

Dr. Helena Schlindwein was the external evaluator for The Calico

Project, and it was Helena who captured the first indicators that

something special was happening within this project. In discussions

26

acknowledgements...

with participants, tutors, facilitators, designers and administrators it

was evident to Helena that this project was meeting its objectives, and

more. It was Helena who said this would make a wonderful book.

The idea of capturing a small sample of the impact of the Calico

Project through this publication was then driven forward by Dr.

Annette Begley, Research & Policy officer at Cresco. Annette devised

the work plan and interview questions to provide an insight, and

then in her own special style kept the rest of us on schedule

to ensure we met the deadlines and put the plan into action.

A Project like this publication would

not have happened without the

input from a number of people

from within the Cresco family.

From within the Cresco office team at

Pump Street a very big vote of thanks

to Annette, Gillian, Helen, Cormac,

Emma, Jaqi, Lindsay, Carol, Paul and

Lesley. Although some may say they

had little input, that is not true,

because the idea of a book to celebratethe Calico Project was discussed and

debated at many team meetings

before it became a plan of action.


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Gillian Doherty kept us all on budget, which is not an easy job,

and more importantly on time, to ensure we stayed not only within

budget, but got the work completed within the period allowed.

This project would not have been possible without the financial

assistance provided by The Community Foundation for Northern

Ireland under the Peace 2 measure 2.4 initiative.

We are very pleased to be able to acknowledge CFNI for supporting

our Calico Project, we appreciate the risk they took with us, almost

into the unknown. When planning the project we were unable to

find another example of where a business and teaching model using

the heritage craft of quilting and patchwork had been used to build

peace. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the

importance of their decision to fund us as the evaluation of the

project has highlighted repeatedly the importance of the project

as a peace building mechanism.

Earl Storey conducted the interviews and wrote the text for this

book. It is Earls wonderful way with words that has created this

publication. It was Earl who found the photographer Martina

Gardiner and knew that Martina would be able to capture visually

the magical colours and textures of the quilts featured. It was also

Earl who worked with the graphic designer Chris Conville to bring

the text and photographs together. Without Earl this book would

still be an idea being discussed at team meetings within Cresco.

Without hesitation Kaffe Fassett said he would write the forward

for us, a huge endorsement. Kaffe is a quilter with an international

reputation, who held a master class for us during the Calico Project.

He was inspiring, entertaining and encouraging in his enthusiasm

for the Calico Project.

If the book is to be dedicated to anyone, it would be to the ten

participants, and their tutors, whose stories are featured. The stories

are representative of the phenomena that is Mission Hall Quilts, and

a big thank you goes to everyone featured. It would also be dedicated

to all those who continue to come through the doors at Fountain

Street, to share their passion for quilting, and for being a part ofthis serendipitous journey.

Margaret Lee

CEO Cresco

August 2008


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The Calico Project is financed by the European Union, measure 2.4 through

the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation managed for the Special

EU Programmes Body by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Documents

A Quilt for All Seasons