This year, one of our Involve social groups for older adults is creating something special – a storytelling quilt made up of memories, moments and meaning.
We’re calling it Moments in Time because each quilt square holds a memory or moment – or even a series of moments – that the maker feels deeply connected to and wants to share. Together, these pieces will be stitched into a large quilt that reflects the lives and voices of our Involve community.
The project invites participants in our Involve program and employees of CRCS to design a fabric square that tells a story. No sewing experience is needed – all materials are provided and support is on hand every step of the way.
Leading the project is Therese Beckmann, who brings over 30 years of experience in sewing, dressmaking and teaching. For Therese, sewing has always been more than just thread and fabric – it’s about connection, creativity and care.
“I knew from the moment I started that I wanted to create a quilt with meaning,” she says. Since joining CRCS as an Involve facilitator, Therese has become a familiar and much-loved face, running art classes, drumming sessions and even driving the van for group daytrips. Her warm and supportive style helps bring out the best in people – just ask Patsy, one of the quilt’s early contributors, who told Therese, “You’ve brought me out of who I was.”
Each square can include words, images or symbols – and it doesn’t have to tell a whole life story. “Just a moment that makes you happy,” says Therese.
We plan to display the finished quilt at Belconnen Community Centre later this year, celebrating the creativity and lived experiences of the people who made it.
Interested in taking part? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at involve@crcs.com.au or call us on 02 6264 0200.
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