Really Back to School

Trouble & Strife: 1989

Aside from my mammoth TAFE (and other) undertakings, I still wanted to do something for the children’s school - a fun project that their class could participate in and either keep or raffle.  As a result, I came up with the idea of a series of self-portraits (art/quilting/sewing) combined with a collection of their special things. I was kindly allowed to run this workshop with them. 

So, this project was undertaken with the Year 2 (J’s class) at St Mary’s Primary School, Tamworth.  Class requirements were for each child to bring in some of their favourite fabrics (a ragbag remnant from old shorts or dress etc) and some buttons or badges to decorate the quilt. 

In class, each child drew a self-portrait on pre-cut blocks (12 ½“) using fabric (heat set) crayons, then signed it.  I noted where they wanted their decorations added so that I could sew them on later at home.  Despite drawing in seam allowances on each block, most children made full use of the block – a bit tricky when it came to sewing it all together!

The faces (blocks) were arranged in the same order they sat in class.  I added lattice strips made from the fabrics the children had supplied, taking care to ensure I didn’t mix them up.  School colours were then used to frame the blocks.  The quilt was machine pieced and tied with all the buttons, ribbons and badges that the children & school provided.  The whole project took about 30 hours of my time (over September October in 1989).   The children were very pleased with their work. 

Sadly my photos are shockers but I guess I am fortunate to have them.  Never mind - always wise in hindsight!