Local instructors want you to make a square for a COVID-19 isolation quilt

In 2017, community members helped to make a quilt to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation. Now the organizers of that quilt—which had such a positive response that two quilts were actually made—want community members to create squares that capture their experiences and feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic for another community quilt.

Everyone, young and old, are welcome to make a square for the quilt, using whatever materials they have at home—scrap fabric, old clothes, sheets, pillowcases, or tea towels, for example—and whatever method they have for creating one.

“It’s day 75 of social isolation! Good job everyone,” says Mary Spring, who is coordinating the project with Terri Howell. “Our community has come through this pretty well so far! We have been thinking of putting together another community quilt, this one with a theme of Isolation During COVID-19.

“You may remember the community quilt that we made for Canada’s 150 celebration. When we designed our Canada 150 quilt, we were able to get together at the Annex and enjoy time together. This is no longer possible. We need to communicate virtually.”

Spring and Howell are asking community members to create at least one eight-by-eight-inch square for the quilt—or more if you’re feeling really creative—with the theme ‘your isolation memory’.

“Your square can depict anything you want,” adds Spring. “For example, you might depict an isolation view out your window or people you miss or a feeling, fear or emotion you have experienced over the past 75 days. You might only use colour or a traditional quilt square to tell your story… Be creative and have fun.”

Once they have received all of the squares, Spring and Howell will stitch them together and add a border to make a beautiful quilt or quilts which will then be either raffled off or sold in a silent auction to raise money for a children’s foundation or food bank in Huntsville.

“As the saying goes, the more the merrier,” says Spring. “We would also like it if you included a brief write up about your square that we could include in a little booklet to go with the raffled quilt.”

If you’d like to contribute, email Mary Spring at [email protected] or Terri Howell at [email protected]. Squares need to be completed before July 15, 2020 and they’ll send those interested in participating details on how to send the squares to them.

“Pass the word and get sewing,” says Spring. “You will be telling your story of this historic time and joining with the stories of many others.”

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