Textiles and Stitch contains an eclectic mix of stitchers with a wide variety of interests as has been demonstrated by three enterprising members of our group. Tricia Johanson, Fiona Harpin and Pascale Phillippe decided to have a go at the Liberty Block Quilt Challenge this year as did fifteen hundred other enthusiastic quilters. Just under a thousand of the entries were chosen to be displayed at the Liberty’s flagship store in Regent Street including all three of our members! Here is Tricia’s description of their experience.
When we first heard about the Liberty 150 year birthday installation we were determined to take part. Liberty invited people from all over to take part by making blocks that would be assembled in a ‘quilt’ to be displayed in their famous London store. They hoped to receive 1000 blocks. We couldn’t imagine how big this quilt was going to be! Any blocks that didn’t make it would be placed in albums and the quilt would be placed in the Liberty archives.
We discovered that a local store had the kits that Liberty was sending out so we arranged to pick some up. Unfortunately the store only had two kits left, but the owner very generously gave us hers. After collecting the kits we went to lunch to start our planning. We were not obliged to use the fabric we had been given, and we all have Liberty stashes so there was no shortage of ideas.
Fiona’s block travelled to France, while Pascale’s went to New Zealand and Australia, Tricia’s stayed at home. Once our blocks were finished we were excited to share them so we arranged to take them to the shop and then go and have lunch to celebrate.
Then the waiting began. Finally Fiona sent a message to say that hers had been accepted. Our biggest fear was that we might not all have our blocks accepted so we were relieved to discover that we were all in. We needed another lunch to celebrate!
On the Liberty website we could see that the ‘quilt’ was actually the frame of a house hanging from the ceiling and covered with all the blocks sewn together. A very upmarket tent! The organisation of the project was amazing. On line we were able to find our exactly where our blocks were positioned which made it easier in real life.
Photos of the installation began to appear in the press and Tricia’s sister (in Australia) was able to spot our blocks. Our excitement was mounting. We had agreed at the beginning of this adventure that if our blocks were chosen we would have a trip to Liberty to celebrate. Followed, of course, by lunch. The day finally arrived and we were mesmerised by the exhibit. It can be viewed in the round from all four floors of the building. It was hard to tear ourselves away but lunch was calling.
We have had a wonderful time participating in this event and it’s nice yo know that our work will live on in the archives. In the meantime, if you get a chance do visit – the exhibition runs until the end of July and you will not be disappointed.
And for the three of us, a new project beckons – we are currently knitting vintage bathing suits…..
Fiona, Pascale and Tricia
