RAV - Regional Arts Victoria - The peak body for regional arts activity in Victoria

Another Stitch in Time

21st August 2009

In January 2009 the Delburn complex of fires near the small town of Boolarra in Gippsland blazed out of control. Thirty homes were destroyed and three people seriously injured. The community pulled together to support each other at a time when resources were overstretched and everyone was staggering from the shock of Black Saturday. Companionship and community support - these were the vital elements.

In July, artist Meg Viney started A Stitch in Time, to unite and heal women who were impacted by the fires. Once a week Meg now meets with a group of fourteen women in Boolarra. The tradition of quilt making has long been associated with women working beside one another, sharing stories and problems, and together finding strength, trust and enduring friendship. Our first blog shows our journey in the early weeks of the project. …. now we continue ………

August 5, 2009

As we gathered I discussed the blog and the Courthouse Gallery in Yarram who want to feature the quilt for their ‘Renewal’ exhibition of artworks about the fires, one year on. Also, staff from Traralgon Neighbourhood House will come to demonstrate how to use the gifted sewing machines.

Yet another new member today - Jan burst into tears as she spoke about her beloved piece of forest, her refuge and walking track. Given a Visual Diary she swiftly did an intuitive drawing of her so-familiar landscape and chose her fabrics. She was ready!

We were keen to see one another’s progress, and squares were presented to exclamations of delight. They are stunning! As I went around I learned that they had taken to working together in small groups during the week, loving the quiet creativity and chat.

Gifts are being exchanged as we learn about one another - special plants, books, fabrics, recipes – handed around with pleasure from giver and recipient alike.

A few of the squares are finished now, ready for borders, and Yvonne demonstrated how to measure and stitch the border fabric.

The day flew by, a lot of work was done, the group even more cohesive as the weeks go by, and everyone absolutely loving the experience.

It gets more amazing every week.

August 12, 2009

During the week Catherine McAloon from ABC Gippsland rang to ask if she could come to visit the group and to do some interviews. Well, of course!

Once again I was surprised and delighted to see the progress made by the women during the week. The noise level rose as they brought out their work. Amazing.

Catherine arrived at about noon and went around admiring the work. She commented upon how different the pieces are. I believe it shows that their enjoyment of the Project has given rise to inspiration and confidence in creative expression.

We have taken to enthusiastically discovering pieces of fabric to go with one another’s work. If someone needs a border fabric, several people leap to assist, and a group discussion ensues before a decision is made. Fun.

Catherine stayed for another excellent lunch, having done several interviews to edit for her radio program. She also took a number of photos, and these she will put up on the ABC website as a slide show, with the interviews as background sound. Exciting.

Another lovely day came to a close, and off we went, laden with herbs and indigenous plants that we have been giving one another, an expression of the giving nature of the group.

August 19, 2009.

Blossoms everywhere: it must be catching – squares have blossomed too – some of the women have done four!

We placed them on the calico backing, to start designing the layout for the best aesthetic. They are quite amazing. Pam’s grandmother’s garden is particularly so, as Pam had not sewn before, but she is inspired. Her work shows it.

Lori has had to drop out because the fires have sent her cataracts galloping and she can’t see to stitch – we miss her.

And they are asking if I am content with the Project! At which point I tell them that when I get home I shed a tear of humility that these women are able to produce this. They are looking at completing more work to raffle/auction so they can pay for the rental of the Boolarra Multi-Purpose Centre to keep going. They are wonderful people.

Meg Viney, Artist in Residence

Updates and comments

We will be updating this blog regularly so stay tuned for more images and updates on progress

Have a look at the finished quilt!

We would also love to hear what you think about this project. If you would like to comment or send a message, click on 'make a comment' below.

A stitch in time is made possible through the Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund, an initiative of the Victorian State Government through Arts Victoria and administered on its behalf by Regional Arts Victoria.