2007 was a special year for me. I am privileged to be the designer of a quilt that has received lots of publicity over the last six months, and am delighted that the December 2007 edition of British Patchwork & Quilting carries my article about the Abolition of Slavery Quilt.
Working to my design, Freedom Quilters, of which I am founder and until recently was chairman made the quilt to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the 1807Abolition of the Slave Trade Act .
The Act has special significance for Wisbech, which was the home of Thomas Clarkson, who nudged and worked alongside William Wilberforce to get the trade in slavery abolished. The memorial on the right of the quilt is that of Thomas Clarkson, visitors to the town will no doubt recognise it.
After we decided to make a quilt to commemorate this special anniversary, I spent several days at the computer researching resources, and seeking inspiration for the design. There were plenty of ideas, but I also sought help from a couple of folk in my church, and our treasurer got her art teacher to draw us a slave ship.
The final block designs were chosen from many possible images. Among these were a Bible and a line drawing of Jesus releasing a slave. They were important because Thomas Clarkson was a devout Christian, and his determination to end the slave trade in his day was inspired by his love for God.
Choosing fabric was fun! Three of us got our heads together, although in the early stages we had no ideas about sashing and binding materials - I usually make those choices when the blocks are complete anyway!
I led all of the early workshops, which involved teaching the other ladies the skills required to complete the design - a steep learning curve for most as the techniques were new to them. However, I was happy to hand over the sashing and border workshops to another member. Fortunately, I had most of the materials needed for the sashing and on a trip to Timeless Treasures found the most wonderful watery fabric for the border - what could have been more appropriate?
I am thrilled that the making of the quilt was a team effort, and am thankful to everyone who contributed to it in any way. But that doesn't stop me being proud of my own part in the process, and particularly of the fact that it was I who designed it. Certainly it will always have a special place in my heart.
The quilt is usually on display at Wisbech Baptist Church, but you'll need to make an appointment to see it, as the church isn't always open. It will occasionally be on show elsewhere, so again, contact me regarding its whereabouts. It is likely to be on show at the National Trust's Wisbech property, Peckover House, some time next year - it was shown there in 2007 and they have asked to have it back for a return visit.