Nature, Community, and Compassion.
A vibrant celebration of Australian wildlife and flora has bloomed in Mapleton, thanks to the dedicated hands of the Mapleton Craft Group. Their stunning creation, an “Australian Flora and Fauna” quilt, is not just a masterpiece of textile art; it is a testament to community spirit and a heartfelt contribution to the Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
The inspiration for this beautiful quilt stemmed from the group’s desire for a collaborative project, one that would showcase the beauty of Australia. With approximately 15 members contributing, the quilt features a series of 15cm x 15cm square panels, each a miniature artwork depicting the diverse wildlife and flora of Australia. From the vibrant plumage of rosellas and parrots to the unique forms of platypuses, echidnas and seahorses, and the delicate beauty of golden wattles and Desert peas, each square tells a story.
Under the guiding hand of Liz Miller, whose expertise and vision brought the disparate pieces together, the quilt is a cohesive whole. Drawing on her lifelong passion for crafting, which began at age 12, Liz expertly united the diverse squares into a breathtaking quilt. Each contributor selected a piece of Australiana that resonated with them. Each square holds a special meaning. Jenny, originally from Zimbabwe, chose a kookaburra, a bird whose morning calls have become a familiar sound in her new home. Ursula crafted a delicate seahorse whilst Cal contributed a bilby square, to highlight an endangered species and Cath, recalling her travels in central Australia, created a Desert pea square.
The quilt itself is a large single bed size, stitched from a variety of materials including Aida cloth, heavy linen, embroidery threads, appliqué fabric, and linen and cotton sashing and binding. The techniques employed are as diverse as the subjects, encompassing cross-stitch, embroidery, and intricate appliqué work, including raw-edge and stained-glass styles. The panels, set against a clean white background, are framed by a teal sashing and a wide border of the same calming hue, creating a harmonious and visually appealing piece.
The quilt’s creation was a year-long labour of love, and every member of the group was motivated to produce their best work. The result is a high standard of craftsmanship and a diverse range of artistic styles. This project has not only been a creative outlet but a therapeutic experience for Liz and the other contributors.
Craft Group President pro-tem Kathy Patterson explained that the quilt serves not only as a beautiful object, but also as a significant fundraising initiative for the Cancer Council. The Mapleton Craft Group, a stalwart supporter of the Cancer Council’s ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’, will raffle the quilt at their annual event on May 14th. This is a chance to own a piece of local artistry while contributing to a vital cause. (You can join the Craft Group for their Biggest Morning Tea, where $5 at the door grants you entry to a morning of fun with bingo, a lucky draw, and the chance to contribute to a great cause through generous donations).
The Mapleton Craft Group has been a pillar of the community since 1990, fostering creativity and camaraderie. The group meet every Wednesday morning at the Mapleton Bowls Club, welcoming new members of all skill levels. They contribute to the local community by stitching bears, post-mastectomy comfort pillows, and other items for outreach.
To experience the beauty of the “Australian Flora and Fauna” quilt firsthand and to purchase raffle tickets, visit the Mapleton Library, where the quilt will be on display from April 5th to May 14th. The group will also be selling tickets outside the Mapleton IGA on Saturday mornings and at the April Mapleton Country Market. Alternatively, visit the Mapleton Bowls Club on Wednesday mornings or speak with any group member.
The Mapleton Craft Group encourages everyone to “have a go” and find a fun group to share their passion. They believe in the importance of passing on traditional skills and fostering a sense of community through creativity. This quilt is a shining example of their dedication and a testament to the power of community collaboration.
The Mapleton Craft Group meets every Wednesday, 9am to 12.00pm at the Mapleton Bowls Club, Post Office Road, Mapleton 4560.