Stitching memories together

In October 2008, The Miscarriage Association launched a year-long project to create a large patchwork wall-hanging in memory of babies lost in pregnancy.  Some of our members gathered to pin together the first pieces for the patchwork and we have added more pieces that arrived by post.  These will become the centre of the finished piece.

You are very welcome to contribute a square or squares to our patchwork. Your patchwork square can be as simple or as complex as you like, and on any kind of sew-able material (see examples below).  We would like them all to be the same size to make it easier to put the patchwork together:  10cm x 10 cm for the design area and with a margin of 2.5 cm all the way round (i.e. 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm) – as in the example below.

The finished patchwork will represent a compilation of memories of babies loved and lost. It will be kept on display in The M.A. offices and exhibited at future Members’ Days and events.  We are hoping it might also be a basis for magazine, press and television features as a way of raising awareness surrounding pregnancy loss.

Introducing the project, Beverly commented:

“The dictionary definition of “stitch” is to fasten, bond or join together, to mend or repair; or a link, loop or knot.  Fitting words for this project and what it represents - a permanent link to our lost babies, a join or bond that cannot be broken.  And let’s hope that by commemorating our lost ones in this way, we go some way to mending and repairing our hearts.”

She told us too something about her own square: 

“Our idea was different colour stars for each miscarriage, although we kept the twin pregnancy the same colour as we like to think of them together.  As you can see, they are all linked to the heart which represents the love from us, their family.  I am not much good at sewing, so I used fabric paint. “

Mana explained her patchwork piece:

“The pattern is similar to a window. The four window panes in flowery material are surrounded by autumn shades of plain material. The blankness or emptiness in the frame reflects the barren feeling of not carrying a baby to full-term. By accentuating the autumn colours from the flowery pieces this reflects a time of remembering - a time to clear away the debris in your life but not feel despair.

“The window can show a way forward into a new beginning. Things will never be quite the same but loss does not mean having to face a wall. You can be at a new window in your life. You can remember the joy you felt and as you gather for your emotional “harvest”, you can be strengthened by the sure knowledge that your pain will pass.

“This patchwork piece is a symbol of mellow fruitfulness. You can look beyond this time fondly, knowing it’s made you a richer and more loving person. A mummy forever.

"The four flower patterned panes are lovingly sewn in memory of our four babies lost to us in 1987. 1988, 1989 and 1990. James Shannon, Catherine Anne, Jennifer Grace and Eric Gilmore. Lost but not forgotten."

Claire & Kevin brought four squares, sewn together to make a larger square.  They wrote about what their patch represents: 

“Yellow because it’s a nice sunny colour and children bring sunshine into our lives.
Four squares to represent each of the four lost.
Beads which sparkle like jewels, precious as our children are.
Hearts, because for however long or short a time we have them, our children are forever on our hearts.”