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Last night The Quilt Project quilt was displayed at Abbotsford Convent. Lots of lovely folk came to have a look at our beautiful quilt. It really is something special. Our online community have worked together to make something really amazing.

I feel immensely proud of all of us. To quote the smalls...

"We did a big achievement".

On a personal note...

When the project began I felt confident that the community quilt we were creating was going to be something special and I thought it would be a bit of fun. Certainly, both those things are true but The Quilt Project has meant so much more to me than just a bit of fun.

As each block arrived I traced the designs with my fingers and imagined the maker hard at work. When each row was stitched together I stepped back and nodded and thought yes, yes that looks good. It wasn't until I sewed the last row onto the quilt, draped it over the couch and let it spill onto the floor that I was fully aware of the magic that is this project. It took my breath away. Each of these squares is a moment in time, a piece of each maker's life, a memory anchor.

I will be eternally grateful to all who participated for trusting me with these very precious squares, thank you.

The Quilt Project now has it's own space. I hope that it's a space that the contributors will be proud of and one that everyone interested in making can enjoy.

Two extra special thank you's to Bec for travelling to be there & to Nikki for being a fabulous support.

Posted by Kirsty | 9:05 AM | , , , | 84 comments »

84 comments

  1. Sallu // October 24, 2009 10:50 AM  

    BRAVO!
    Congratulations to all that participated. That is one very very special quilt.
    Kirsty, what you have started and finished here is amazing - words cannot do it justice. I admire your creativity, your organisation and your dedication. Brilliance.
    You are one very special person, through your meme and projects like this you bring so many people together - people who's paths would otherwise not have crossed. You are a rock. I don't think you can truly fathom the wonderful and positive impact you have on people's lives.

    THANK YOU.

  2. Nikki // October 24, 2009 11:15 AM  

    SO sorry I couldn't come last night to experience it in the flesh.  Good on you for bringing the community together in such a wonderful way.

  3. Guest // October 24, 2009 11:29 AM  

    Thankyou so much Kirsty for organising such a wonderful crafty project and getting so many lovely people to participate. It's amazing how craft can bring so many different people together.
    The full quilt looked absolutely amazing and I hope that many more will get to see it too.

  4. june at noon // October 24, 2009 11:35 AM  

    Wow, Kirsty. I got a little teary-eyed just looking at the whole thing put together. It is an amazing piece of art, and such an honor to be a part of such a special project. There were so many talented artists featured there, and I know this project will always be a special memory for me. Thank you for how much love and hard work you put into it!

  5. Guest // October 24, 2009 11:36 AM  

    That was such an extraordinarily special project, I wish I could have come down to see the finished quilt in all it's glory. Well done to all who contributed, you all did a magnificent job.

    Tara (Waffling Along)

  6. Amanda @geekdetails // October 24, 2009 11:48 AM  

    OMG that's lovely. Truly. Just wow!

  7. Jess // October 24, 2009 11:57 AM  

    Beyond words really Kirst and all the contributors! Sorry I couldn't make it last night, but even the photos I've seen, it is truly beautiful, magic and special beyond belief. Knew it would be, be it has risen to another level of specialness. xx

  8. Linda // October 24, 2009 12:11 PM  

    It was such a pleasure to be part of this project Kirsty and thank you SO MUCH for bringing us all together.  This post sums it up so well and is worded beautifully.  On a personal note I feel so good I finished my square and was a part of it, so many ideas of mine never come to fruition because of health issues and this is very frustrating so to have completed something this special has meant a lot to me....thank you xx

  9. Andi // October 24, 2009 12:27 PM  

    Well done. What a wonderful piece of communal art!!
    I wonder, instead of taking it to bits and returning all the squares to their makers, why not (with your participants' permission) auction it off for charity?
    Maybe for the Red Cross?
    Just a thought.
    Well done again!
    Andi :-)

  10. Kylie // October 24, 2009 12:34 PM  

    Oh, it's so beautiful! Fabulous job and congratulations to everyone... just wonderful :) I'm just popping over to have a look at the detailed pieces right now. K

  11. Megan: The Byron Life // October 24, 2009 12:38 PM  

    Well done Kirsty - what a massive project to undertake. It looks wonderful and is so full of good spirit. Beautiful. 

  12. Sarah // October 24, 2009 12:43 PM  

    The finished quilt is amazing and watching the people make their blocks has been so much fun.  I hope one day I could join in something like this ...

  13. yardage girl // October 24, 2009 1:09 PM  

    Kirsty, it was a wonderful night and a wonderful project to be involved in - thankyou so much for bringing us all together. You are a gem.

  14. midge // October 24, 2009 1:56 PM  

    thank you so much kirsty. seeing the quilt was an amazing experience as was meeting some of the other participants. i feel so grateful to you for all of the hard work that you undertook to bring this project to such a triumphant conclusion. the quilt looked amazing and seeing those squares that i had been following so closely via blogs and flickr was inspiring. you are so right in saying that it is a snapshot of peoples lives because so much of their individuality went into those beautifully worked pieces. i loved meeting you and hope to cross paths again in the future. again thank you for your generosity and amazing organisation. Well Done

  15. One Flew Over // October 24, 2009 3:21 PM  

    THANKYOU Kirst! It would not have been possible without your idea or hard work!

    Thanks again for a fantastic experience!

  16. Nikki Cardigan // October 24, 2009 4:24 PM  

    This project is something that everyone involved with will always remember. It was awesome to see the quilt all finished, with each square telling its own story and to meet so many of the people who were part of the project. Thankyou for organising for it to be displayed...

  17. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:17 PM  

    Thank you so much.  I'm at a bit of a loss to know how to respond to this comment except to say ... thank you. x

  18. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:18 PM  

    Thanks Nikki.  It was a lovely night.

  19. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:18 PM  

    Thank you Cam!  For participating, supporting & coming out to see our quilt.

  20. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:19 PM  

    Thank you so much for being a part of it & for embracing it so fully.

  21. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:19 PM  

    Thanks Tara.

  22. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:19 PM  

    Thanks Amanda.

  23. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:20 PM  

    Thanks Jess.

  24. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:20 PM  

    Thank you Linda.  I'm so thrilled that it's meant so much to you.

  25. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:21 PM  

    Thanks Andi...it's been a fabulous project.  As for what's next, I'm not sure at this stage.

  26. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:21 PM  

    Thank you Kylie so much for your keen support.

  27. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:22 PM  

    Thanks Megan.  It's been fabulous.

  28. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:22 PM  

    I really think you could Sarah.  Did you know that for a number of the contributors this was the first time that they had done any embroidery at all?

  29. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:23 PM  

    Thanks Nic!  Thanks for being part of it.

  30. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:23 PM  

    Thanks Michelle.  It was lovely to meet you & to have you involved in The Quilt Project.

  31. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:24 PM  

    I'm so glad you loved being a part of it.

  32. Kirsty // October 24, 2009 5:24 PM  

    Thank you Nikki for being part of it & for your caring & enthusiastic support.

  33. handmaderomance // October 24, 2009 5:46 PM  

    thank you kirst for bringing us all together and making each square into something so special. i love what you did with it and appreciate the hard work and oranisation you have put in to this project. it has been such a pleasure being part of it. the giant bed was just awesome! : ) x

  34. Lisa // October 24, 2009 6:04 PM  

    I know I keep saying it, but I think it's amazing what you've done and how the project has evolved and I'm truly proud to have been a part of it!, the photo's are great , and it's credit to you for organizing such a wonderful project, you're a star!

  35. Leonie // October 24, 2009 6:19 PM  

    That is such an amazing achievement!  Well done to all involved and especially to you for all of your hard work!

  36. Sarah // October 24, 2009 6:19 PM  

    Well done, it looks fantastic!

  37. Jennifer Rose // October 24, 2009 7:19 PM  

    that looks great :D well done to everyone that made up a square and it was wonderful of you Kirsty to start this

  38. Stomper Girl // October 24, 2009 8:14 PM  

    You did a great job all of you, but a special well done for the organiser!

  39. Caroline (Eanna's mum!) // October 24, 2009 8:29 PM  

    Kirsty its absolutely lovely, you should feel so proud. So glad I went along to have a look and sorry too that I didn't have the courage to join in, but would love to join in another time!
    Really liked your Grannies quilt too & as for your red shoes,too cool!

  40. Anonymous // October 24, 2009 8:47 PM  

    Holy cow! I missed it.
    The quilt looks amazing. Well done to everyone involved.

  41. BeckyEtal // October 24, 2009 8:53 PM  

    This was such an amazing project to watch from the sidelines.  From your post I love the phrase "a memory anchor", what a great way of summing up!

  42. Sel from Red Lizzi // October 24, 2009 8:58 PM  

    Congrats - what a fantastic project and amazing effort to all involved! 

  43. Karen // October 24, 2009 9:39 PM  

    It really is amazing Kirsty, you and all who were involved should feel very proud.
    Seeing the end result inpires in many ways - it inspires the likes of me to be brave enough to have a go at things in the future and realise that it takes participants to get a result - not just perfect stitchers.
    Well done to you.

  44. Melanie // October 24, 2009 9:43 PM  

    I ended up being away last night, but I've just popped over to the site for a look. It's just sensational Kirsty. Congratulations to all the talented makers.

  45. Alison // October 25, 2009 1:03 AM  

    Many congratualtions on your wonderful project - totally awesome :)!  The quiltprojectblog is fantastic and I really enjoyed viewing everyone's work - what a feat! 

  46. trashalou // October 25, 2009 7:22 AM  

    Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow! It is delicious, delightful and delovely. I am delighted to have been a part of such a special project. Thank you a bazgillion times for all your hard work in conceiving this project, getting it up and running and then all the stitching and finishing that has gone into The Quilt Project. It has been an honour serving with all y'all.

  47. gretchenmist // October 25, 2009 8:51 AM  

    incredible kirsty ~ you are such a lovely community person pulling all this together. great job :)

  48. Leah http://minimonty.typepad.com // October 25, 2009 9:40 AM  

    Thank you kirsty, it was amazing and I feel blessed to have been apart of it.
    You did such a great job!

  49. Allison // October 25, 2009 10:28 AM  

    Wow, well done everyone who participated, it's beautiful! x

  50. millymollymandy loves to quilt // October 25, 2009 12:28 PM  

    Stunning ! Thankyou so much for all the hard work involved in creating this and bringing us all together to be a part of it !
    This was my first attempt at embroidery / stitchery and I am humbled to have my square sitting amongst all those redwork masterpieces !
    Wish I could have been there in the flesh to see it !
    Seems sad to deconstruct it though...I liked the previously mentioned idea of donating to a charity/ auctioning it off . Does anyone else have feedback on this ?
    Thanks again Kirsty...you are an inspiration.
    X Peta-Jane X

  51. jessi // October 25, 2009 8:14 PM  

    so is it on display at the convent??? would love to go and have a look at the final piece! such an amazing idea and it appears it all came together more beautifully than you could have ever hoped for!!!

    clever peoples indeedy! xx

  52. Christie // October 25, 2009 8:17 PM  

    Not much I can say that hasn't already been said kirst, but THANK YOU for all your hard work, you did good. x

  53. Karin // October 25, 2009 11:12 PM  

    Oh Kirsty, what a wonderful job you did. All of you, ofcourse, but you made it happen in the first place. It's beautiful. The quilt just radiates the energy and love that was put into it by all who made it. I hope that when there ever is going to be a next time for something like this, I'll be there in time to be a part of it. Truly wonderful!

  54. pippy lincolne // October 26, 2009 8:29 AM  

    Awesome job, Kirst, as usual! x

  55. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:19 AM  

    Thanks Evie, I was so thrilled you were part of it.

  56. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:20 AM  

    Thank you lovely Lisa for being part of the project.

  57. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:20 AM  

    Awww thanks Leonie.

  58. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:20 AM  

    Thanks Sarah.

  59. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:21 AM  

    Thanks so much.

  60. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:21 AM  

    Thanks Stomper for your thumbs up.

  61. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:22 AM  

    Thanks Caroline it was so lovely to have you there. xx

  62. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:22 AM  

    Thanks...yes it was a lovely night.

  63. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:23 AM  

    Thanks so much.  I'm amazed at how affected I've been by the quilt actually.

  64. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:23 AM  

    Thanks so much.

  65. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:25 AM  

    Absolutely Karen!  It's all about the taking part.  Be brave...it's such a lot of fun.

    We try with our kids you know "it's not about winning or losing it's about how you play the game".  I remind myself of that often.

  66. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:26 AM  

    Thanks Mel.  I wish you could have seen it in the flesh but really appreciate your support of the project.

  67. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:26 AM  

    Thanks Alison.

  68. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:27 AM  

    It was so lovely to have you along Trash.  Thanks for the thanks. x

  69. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:27 AM  

    Thanks so very much.

  70. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:28 AM  

    I'm so glad you were Leah & that you came along on Friday to see it live.

  71. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:28 AM  

    Thanks Allison. x

  72. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 9:29 AM  

    Thanks Peta-Jane.  I'm actually amazed at how many people had a crack at embroidery for the first time.  Bloody good on you I say.  Your square is lovely.

  73. debra // October 26, 2009 10:20 AM  

    speechless...wish i lived a little closer

  74. debra // October 26, 2009 10:22 AM  

    speechless....want to reach out and touch

  75. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 10:33 AM  

    Sorry Jessi - it was only displayed for one night.

    Thanks so much for the thumbs up.

  76. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 10:33 AM  

    Thank YOU Christie. xxx

  77. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 10:33 AM  

    Thanks Karin.

  78. Kirsty // October 26, 2009 10:34 AM  

    Thanks Pippy Lincolne...you're tops. x

  79. Tania // October 26, 2009 2:08 PM  

    AH, I still reckon you outdid yourself this time Mrs. Someone needed to be the 'inspire' and bring it all together and we're all heartily appreciative that you did!

  80. Michelle Menser // October 26, 2009 4:40 PM  

    It is stunning Kirsty and what a story you weaved in telling how it was made and what it meant to you the weaver of the finished project.  Congrats to all involved.
    Regards
    Michelle
    http://thegypsycart.blogspot.com

  81. Fiona // October 26, 2009 8:57 PM  

    I wish I could have seen this beauty in person. Congratulations on all your hard work, Kirsty! 

  82. Sarah // October 29, 2009 10:51 PM  

    The quilt is indeed spectacular, really beautiful, you and all those who took part should feel a real sense of achievement. 
    I have only just discovered your blog (which I like very much!) which is a pity as I would have loved to have taken part or at least followed this creative journey from start to finish. 

  83. Cath // October 29, 2009 11:05 PM  

    It's utterly divine Kirsty.  I got lost in reading all the stories - i will have to go back and finish them.  So Special.

  84. tiziana // November 13, 2009 11:13 PM  

    semplicemente .....wonderful!
    my name is tiziana ,italiana girl ,I like quilt,patchwork and create with fabrics
    sorry for my english,
    thank you  so much for your tutorial

    www.semplicementequilt.blogspot.com

    :-)