Bazaar Stories: Handmade Quilts

Among the excellent handmade crafts to be found at the Holly Bazaar this year are a number beautiful quilts made especially for us by Diane Morgan. This year several quilts are offered including two in traditional patterns - 'disappearing nine patch' and 'mile a minute' - and a couple delightful children's quilts (see photos) featuring illustrations from well known children's books -  Eric Carle's iconic 'Brown Bear Brown Bear' and a beautiful fairy illustration from a 1930's children's book

Quilts have, of course, always been a perrennial item at church bazaars. In days gone by they were often made from scraps or cast off clothing, anticipating through necessity and thrift the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' mindset we try so hard to cultivate.

Diane's quilts are all made from new materials. She's been making about 6 quilts a year for about 14 years now. She told me she loves quilting because it "gives you a nice feeling about having this article you've produced. Its a lovely experience. I'm enjoying giving my quilts away. I only have a couple I've made that I've kept. It's very relaxing. There's a real joy in it."

Each year some of Diane's quilts are given away to shutins, homeless, or other needy people and since 2011 some have come each year to The Holly Bazaar at St. Helen's West Point Grey.