Kildare quilt project evoked memories, reflections and emotions

WHEN people get together for a craft project, inevitably more comes out of the process than the physical artistic products. It’s in the nature of a group activity that connections are made, stories told and skills are shared.

Which was the case during a series of workshops in Kilcullen over recent months. The results were featured during the last two weeks at the town’s Heritage Centre, where a tapestry of quilt squares was showcased as part of the ‘First Fortnight’ programme.

Under the banner of ‘Threads of Connection’, the tapestry represents the thoughts and talents of a wide range of people. Organised by Dúlra Cill Dara, the production evoked favourite memories, seasonal inspiration, childhood and nature, among many others.

There are 48 squares in the piece, each unique and the result of a variety of craft skills and experimentation by children, students from Cross and Passion College, adults of many ages and family groups. In addition to its visual impact, the project is available online, featuring commentary from the squares’ creators on what their pieces mean to them and how their elements evoke memories and emotions.

The commentaries are in both written and audio formats and can be accessed via the QR code below.

For example, Lynn’s square reminded her of forest camping with kids and no-one else around, “birdsong, a river passing, rustling leaves, crunchy underfoot, a smoking campfire, and boiling coffee”. Julie’s thoughts when making hers were of trees, the Liffey, birds, wildness and freedom, youth and beauty, lazy days, sunshine, fields and hedges, ditches, water, ponds and specific local spaces of her youth: Dan Brennan’s wood, the big tree and Ray Nolan’s orchard.

For Mairéad and her children, Ava and Shaylin, their work was about remembering the power of nature, “to ground us, to inspire us, to sustain us, to offer protection, beauty, comfort, entertainment, power and security”.

There are many other contributions similarly illustrated in the tapestry: Runé’s favourite memory of drinking coffee with her mum and dad next to a river, Janette’s recollection of picking chestnuts with her children, Roisín using acorns to locate herself in Kildare, and Mary observing a harvest moon so large it seemed to have come closer to the Earth.

Overall, 48 varied and deeply personal reflections and memories were recovered through hands-on work in a social setting.

Kate Maher of Dúlra, who organised and facilitated the project, says it was about people coming together through making, using textiles and natural materials, and through shared conversation to explore connection, place and personal stories.

“Techniques explored included natural dyeing, block printing, botanical impressions, hand stitching, appliqué and fabric collage. Some participants arrived with years of experience; others picked up a needle for the first time. The emphasis throughout was on process rather than perfection – taking time, experimenting and learning together.” 

 She acknowledges the support of Kilcullen Library and Kilcullen Heritage Centre, both of which provided welcoming, accessible spaces for people to gather, make and connect.

“Their support was central to the project’s success,” she says. “Also, having school students, older adults, parents and very young children all contributing to the same shared piece made the quilt a genuine reflection of community life in Kilcullen.” 

‘Threads of Connection’ was supported by Kildare County Council’s Arts Service through the First Fortnight award. The physical exhibition may be over, but thanks to digital connection it’s worth spending time with it virtually via the QR code.