by Anne Thevenot [Anne is a fibre artist. She joined the Collectif in February. Ed.]

This quilt is small, around 1meter square. The top is made from t-shirts and clothing once worn by the baby’s parents, embroidered pieces sent by the grandparents, drawings from two cousins, a Latvian design made by one great-grandmother and other fabrics from the collection of another great-grandmother. The back, binding and batting are scavenged materials. Pieces were machine sewn, then all layers were hand-quilted together. 

I began sewing with my mum using a treadle machine on weekends and holidays in Glen Roy. Sewing has always been a comfort to me. My mum was a person who could sew, embroider, create and transform something ordinary into something astonishing. She taught me to make do with what I have. 

That lesson served me well once I had my own children. I mended and refurbished clothes, made little bags and pillows for the kids’ friends and quilts for my family. After my return to Glengarry, mum and I continued to make wedding and baby quilts. We loved planning ahead, creating our own designs and giving a unique gift. 

I love mending challenging pieces, such as damaged quilts, or the favourite clothes of friends. My preference is to use scavenged fabrics that I find here and there. I store them on my fabric shelf (not books!) that is organized according to colour.

Share your creative activities! Send JPG image(s) to cagac.ca@gmail.com with up to 100 words per image describing some or all of what moved you to spend time thinking about and producing . . . something! Share how/if creativity affects (controls?) your life. Please include size (height by width), title & media for each image.

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Everyone, share informative, inspiring Show & Tell demonstrating the creative mind.