The WBFN Quilting group has worked for over a year to create Circle of Friends, an exquisite quilt and four matching pillows. As in the past, the group has decided to donate the quilt for a fundraising effort to benefit the , a shelter for victims of domestic abuse in the DC area. The group hopes to top their last fundraising, which brought in $2,205.
The CauseThis cause is close to the heart of WBFN whose members have been relentlessly advocating for prevention of domestic abuse and helping victims amongst its members throughout its history. Thanks to WBFN’s efforts, the Bank now has an established program for prevention of domestic abuse and assistance to victims.
The Quilting Group
This group started five years ago when the Bank requested help with creating a quilt for the AIDS Memorial Quilt project in memory of WBG staff who had died of this disease. WBFN responded: a group was formed, a quilt was designed, created, and included in the AIDS Memorial Quilt exhibition in the MC Atrium, along with many other quilts from around the world.
Quilt making continues to be the fil conducteur (binding thread) for the group to get together. In their words: “Hand sewing and quilting forces one to relax and let go, to do it right—a perfect way to loosen up and enjoy the moment, a form of yoga.” Some members have been in the U.S. for decades, some have just arrived; all have benefited from each others’ experiences, and it has been just as much the friendships which have arisen among the group members as the quilting itself that has kept them together and drawn them into several other projects.
The Quilt
The making of this latest quilt required a choice of 16 pieces of cotton material, in hues of blues, reds and beiges, with various patterns and shades from dark to light. Each member of the group contributed hand-stitched patchwork squares which were then sewn together and framed by a dark brown color. The result is an exquisite quilt (approximately 5’3”x 7’11”) and four unique but matching cushions, all beautifully hand sewn and ready to adorn some lucky person’s home.
The Fundraising
The quilt and cushions are currently on display at the WBFN Office through May 17 and tickets can be purchased at the Office front desk. The quilt will also be displayed at the MC Atrium during the WBFN Exhibits, April 12–14 and tickets sold there as well. [$5/ticket; $20/5 tickets]
The winner will be announced at the WBFN Annual Dinner on Tuesday, May 18 (it is not necessary to be there to win!)
Kudos to the members of the Quilting Group
Vivienne Mordasini, Patricia Garcia, Ivonne marchant, Sophie Sinmao, Jyoti Chitale, Isabelle Tausch, Sowmya Sundararaman, Stefanie Borchert, Gabriele Hofmann, Chantale Holzmann, Anja Gutschera, Harriet Kelman, Junjuan Yang, Liz Hemming, Sang Yu Sang, and Marie-Yasmine Auclert.
For more information