Tuesday 30 May 2023

Quay Quilters

 New member Roz brought a quilt to show us. It's her version of the Rajah quilt which is lodged in the Australian National Museum in Canberra where it is rarely on display though it was sent here for the V&A exhibition some years ago. Quaker Elizabeth Fry worked with women prisoners and along with her ladies gathered materials and fabric along with a young instructor  for those being deported to Australia on the ship "Rajah" to learn the rudiments of sewing and patchwork. The Rajah quilt was the result.

Roz's impressive and meaningful version uses aboriginal designed fabric and includes quotes about aboriginal rights front and back.

Roz's quilt

Melinda at left retrieved this wedding quilt from her son. It was made some years ago and was soiled with use. Melinda has washed it and the quilt, all expertly hand pieced and quilted, has stood up well with a beautifully soft handle. I think it will be in our July Show.

Melinda's quilt

1 comment:

Chookyblue...... said...

The quilt Ros made was the Roebuck quilt....... Not the Rajah quilt .... She's made a beautiful version.....
https://aumuseums.com/quilt/79ar
The lady that owned the family quilt had recently passed away.....I was friends with her.....I must find out what's happened to the family heirlooms...... There are two......