Quilts that stitch a community together
The Brixton community recently gave a community-made quilt to one deserving family. A concept that has been part of the community for years.
Handmade quilts done by the community were a sight to marvel over in Brixton recently at a community event.
Community member Anne Simmons explained that on this particular day they decided to display these thoughtfully made quilts that had been donated through the years. The concept behind the item, Simmons explained, was to give back to those who give to their community.
About eight years ago the Brixton community had organised something special for her after her son was born. “So afterwards I thought is there a way we could give back to the adults who either work in the community forum, or in the community park committee or [who are]just involved in the community.”
A special element to this day was that another family, the Van Heerdens, were given a specially made quilt by which they were extremely touched and appreciative of the kind gesture.
Though for many years these blankets were specifically for parents who work on or help with community-based projects they are now considering changing that to include those who either do not have children or are retired.
For Simmons, being part of a team of people who make these quilts has been a lovely experience for her, “I recently received one for my son, even though he is eight years old, the community thought to do so because he was born before the initiative started. On his birthday, the community gathered outside my house, sang happy birthday to him and I was touched and was in tears.”
The first quilt was given to the then Brixton Community Forum chairperson who had just had his son. “The idea behind the quilt is that the community gets together. Individual people will stitch the squares and then we put them together. Sometimes we might gather over tea to stitch as this is a nice way for us get together and chat as a community and it also encourages us to stitch otherwise some might forget to.”
Each quilt, though with its own theme, will all generally have an element that ties each back to Brixton. One quilt might have a stitched tower, another a map of the community, or even their family home and more.
Simmons said they will keep doing these quilts as it brings them great joy.
ALSO READ: Savvy paper sewing crafts kids will love
