#SewingForSydney: What Happened Next

I know, it’s been a while, a long while. Many of you have asked, “Whatever happened to all those hashtag quilts?” Due to the sensitivity of the events that have unfolded in the Australian media over the past two years, I have been forced to keep a somewhat hushed tone about their destination. Originally, these fourteen quilts were destined for the family members of the victims of the Sydney Siege. However, despite the best intentions, sometimes things don’t work out the way you plan. Throughout this time there have been some communication challenges, which has meant these finished quilts have sat untouched in my closet for over a year. This has hurt my heart every time I see them, and think of the frenzied hours of labour that all of you poured into them. So finally, I decided to pull the proverbial pin, and get them out of my closet into the hands of people who really need them now. 

To do so, I have partnered with KeepSafe Quilts founder Jackie Gillies (@jackiegillies) and the new local Sydney chapter organiser, Susan Adams. You can read more about the history of KeepSafe Quilts here, but in a nutshell the organisation is designed to create quilts “to comfort and heal those women and children who have escaped violent intimate partners.” The fourteen quilts created for #SewingForSydney will be gifted to those affected by this horrendous situation and local shelters in the Sydney area. While this is a departure from the original, intended recipients, I feel confident that the sentiment is maintained. I hope all of you that donated time, fabric, notions, quilting, stitches, postage, money, chocolate, energy and love, will feel satisfied that the quilts you created are going to help those in need.

Quick Stats:

I’ll be attending a quilt making day this Saturday, 22 April at the Church In the Marketplace at Bondi Junction to deliver these precious goods. As the labels say, “A quilt is a hug that lasts forever,” I am positive that these will be received with open arms. Just so you know as well, all of the money contributed was donated to the Katrina Dawson Foundation and Beyond Blue, the designated charities of the families of the victims. All fourteen quilts are pictured below.. do you see your hashtag(s)? Please help spread the word about these quilts, as I want to ensure that all those that participated in any way know about their final destination. I’ll also be sharing each of them on my Instagram: @molli_sparkles. Once again, an enormous thank you to everyone for your support along the way!

This particular quilt was donated by the Aussie Cherish Circle of do. Good Stitches group, and is included as an honorary member of the #SewingForSydney group! Thank you to all members of that group for their contribution!

You can find the tutorial for the Hashtag Blocks here.

[bloglovin_button]