In Stitches : Celebrating The Abolition of Slavery
In 2006 I was commissioned by The African Families Foundation (TAFF), a network of community organisations in south London, to design and co-ordinate the making of a quilt to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of The Abolition of Slavery.

The finished quilt has been Christened by TAFF as 'In Stitches'.

Each quilt block represents a subject related to slavery, such as: Leading abolitionists, trade items, slave artifacts, maps, and the Act of Abolition itself. Adinkra and Agama symbols feature on the smallest blocks, which were chosen specifically by TAFF for their connection with slavery. An explanation of the meanings is included in the quilt.

Making The Quilt
The quilt was made by the 'quilt-as-you-go' method. African fabrics, including Kola nut and Indigo, were chosen for the wonderful colours and patterns. Un-bleached calico as the background reflects the link between slavery and the cotton trade.

Each maker was given a kit with a pattern, instructions and materials for their block, and with a few exceptions, were allowed to interpret their subject as they wished.

A variety of techniques were used, including: Hand and machine quilting and appliqué, embroidery, hand painting and photo transfer, with embellishments such as lace, beads, foils and calligraphy.

The finished blocks were arranged, cut to size and pieced together as a finished quilt by a group of my former City & Guilds students at Peterhouse Church Hall in Walthamstow, East London. Each block is signed on the back by it’s maker. The reverse of the TAFF logo block is signed by every participant in the project.

The finished quilt has elicited an emotional response from all who have seen it, including the members of TAFF, its makers, and from Princess Anne as she opened the Breaking The Chains exhibition at the British and Commonwealth Museum in Bristol.

In Stitches : On Tour
In Stitches was displayed at the venues listed below during 2007.

• To 28 May. British and Commonwealth Museum, Bristol.
• 1-30 Jun. Central Library, Liverpool.
• 1–30 Jul. Soho House, Birmingham.
• 16–19th Aug. Festival of Quilts, Birmingham.
• 1–15 Sep. North City Library, Rochdale Rd. Manchester.
• 16–30 Sep. East City Library, Ashton Old Rd. Manchester.
• 2–30 Oct. City Hall, London.

The quilt is now at TAFF Headquarters in London. Posters and postcards depicting images from the quilt are available. Please contact Nana Ama Amamoo for further details.

Link: www.taffuk.net

With Gratitude To
The quilt was started in January 2007. It was completed by 25 March 2007 - the 200th anniversary of the Act of Abolition, and first displayed by TAFF at City Hall, London on 5 April 2007.

In Stitches could never have been made without the efforts of:

• Members of the Quilters' Guild of the British Isles living in London, Plymouth, Bristol, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridge, Norfolk, Liverpool, Yorkshire and Teeside.
• Including members of Marsh Quilters, Ileto Caribbean Network, New Horizons Textile Group and Spectrum.
• And of course, The African Families Foundation.

Janice Gunner
May 2007