Alzheimer Hapden Quilt Project 2013

Alzheimer Hampden Quilt Project 2013

The ‘Yes we can – together’ project started way back in 2009 when I was asked if I would work with those living with Alzheimers, to involve them in quilting and design and to put their memories onto quilts.   These quilts will act as their memory triggers.   In the first part of the project 65 quilts were made by me and have been hanging at an extended exhibition at Hampden Park Football Stadium for the past year.   They are being taken down as I write this update.

When I first started the project my views on Alzheimers were very negative.   Firstly because I knew nothing about it and secondly I assumed, like many others, that people living with Alzheimers were beyond help.   How wrong I was !   

I have loved this experience of happy people, with amazing stories to tell and an incredible sense of humour.   Yes, there are those who are more challenging and it is a very emotional journey but the rewards are way beyond any effort I have put into this project.  I am simply grateful for the opportunity I have been given and the many friends I have made along the way.

The second part of this project also involves Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow.   Quilters around the world are making enough quilts to cover the 5,000 square metres in the spring of 2013.   We aim to raise awareness of those living with dementia and also raise much needed funds for Alzheimer Scotland by selling the quilts after the project is completed.    If we get £10 for each quilt we will raise a massive £50,000.  However, we all know quilts are worth much more so here’s hoping for much more.....

How can you help ?

·         Make a quilt any size from 1 metre square to king size bed, any design, any colour.  

·         Have a look in your cupboards and pull out all the older quilts you no longer have a use for.   We will gladly accept them.

·         If you simply want to take part then send us your quilt with a note saying you want to take part but would like to buy your quilt back (for as little as £20 + p&p).

Photo’s of the quilts already donated: - You can see the quilts handed in so far on the website under ‘Hampden Park Quilt Gallery’.  

Quilt Patterns:-  There are a few simple quilt patterns which are free and downloadable on the website if you are in need of simple inspiration.  

Talks:   I am doing a lot of talks all over the place but mostly in Dumfriesshire.   However, I am talking to quilters in Annapolis, USA when I am over visiting my daughter who lives in the States.   ‘Have family, will travel.....’

Australian Quilt:  Around Christmas I got a parcel from the Gold Coast in Australia and the writer said ‘My wife says I have to use some of my stash’.    Thanks to Graham Purcell for being our first male quilter.   Are there any more men out there who are quilters?

I will try my best to keep the page updated on a monthly basis.   All the work I do on this project is done on a voluntary basis and I couldn’t do this without the help of my friends and family – so thank you !  And thanks to all of you who have contributed already.   Even if it is one quilt it helps reach the target of 5,000.   To the lady who is now on number 28 - thank you so much but where do you find the energy !