PATCHWORK QUILTING is one of several crafts which are currently enjoying a resurgence of interest. And while having a hobby is generally considered good for your health, a University of Glasgow study has found that quilting requires a mix of skills that could be uniquely beneficial.
PATCHWORK QUILTING is one of several crafts which are currently enjoying a resurgence of interest. And while having a hobby is generally considered good for your health, a University of Glasgow study has found that quilting requires a mix of skills that could be uniquely beneficial.
Researchers interviewed 29 members of a quilting group and analysed their comments for a study published in the Journal of Public Health. They found that quilting helped cognitive, creative and emotional wellbeing, particularly among older people. The use of bright colours was found to be uplifting and distracted people from the stress of work. Quilting groups also provided a valuable social network.
“The thing about quilters is that we all think alike and no matter where we come from, we have something in common,” says Miriam Gogarty, who gives quilting classes and travels to meet other quilters throughout the world.
“There is great group support in the classes. We have about 200 members in the eastern branch of the Irish Patchwork Society and about 100 might come to a meeting,” explains fellow quilter, Mary Hunter. Members range in age from their mid-30s to those in their 80s – mostly women but there are a few men too. Some schools also ask the Irish Patchwork Society to give classes to students.
Put simply, patchwork is the act of stitching together single pieces of fabric of various shapes and sizes. Quilting involves putting together this layer of patchwork with a layer of padding and a backing fabric. The traditional approach involves creating decorative patterns in symmetrical repeated blocks of hexagonal, diamond or square designs using templates. Nowadays, quilts can also have more loosely designed patterns or pictures with pieces of cloth sewn on (appliqué). Various other embellishments such as crystals, beading, sequins and decorative stitching can also be added to contemporary quilts.
“Subconsciously, we use colour as therapy. When you are making a quilt, you lose yourself in time. It’s pure escapism,” says Mary Hunter.
Brenda Corcoran first took up quilting when her son James Mohan (now 10) was having heart surgery as a baby. “It was a very good escapism for me. It kept me busy so I didn’t worry so much about him,” she explains.
At that time, Corcoran also got involved with a new project in which handmade quilts are donated to sick children at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. This voluntary work, which is called the Henry Bear project, was set up in 2002 and quilters continue to donate quilts to children in hospital. “Getting a quilt has a huge impact on the whole family. The quilts can become a lifeline for the children and they bring them with them to college,” says Corcoran. “I know James used to use his as a shield when the doctors and nurses came in to see him and it’s still on his bed at night,” she says.
“Sometimes, when children die, the quilt is draped on their coffin or they are wrapped in them on their deathbed,” explains Corcoran. For the quilters themselves, it is a practical way of reaching out and helping someone who needs comfort. “The quilts are full of love and there is such kind-heartedness put into making them,” says Corcoran.
Miriam Gogarty found herself getting up in the night to cut fabric when her daughter Emma was very ill this time six years ago. She made her a beautiful patchwork Christmas tree and called it Emma’s Tree. “Emma died of breast cancer at the age of 29, leaving behind her two young children and making her a patchwork Christmas tree was part of my way of dealing with grief,” explains Gogarty.
About a year after Emma died, Gogarty began giving the patterns for Emma's Tree to members of the patchwork group and later shared it with an internet patchwork group. "Now, Emma's Tree is made all over the world. We sold some at the recent Knitting and Stitching Showat the RDS for the Marie Keating Foundation," she explains.
“It has gathered momentum over the years. I get letters and photographs from people who make Emma’s Tree. And, something always happens at this time of the year which gives me a little buzz,” explains Gogarty who has turned a spare bedroom into a quilting room. “I never need something to fill my time when I have the pleasure of sewing,” she says.
The Irish Patchwork Society (irishpatch work.ie) has about 500 members in eight branches which meet monthly around the country. The eastern branch meets in St Anthony’s Hall, Clontarf, Dublin, on the fourth Saturday of each month.
