A special “Quilt For a Queen” created by Bernina, the manufacturer of high-end sewing machines, using sewn and embroidered blocks contributed by sewing enthusiasts around the UK and as far afield as Canada and Australia, has been unveiled for the first time.
The Quilt, which measures two metres square, was created to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday as well as raising funds for Friends of the Elderly, a national charity of which the Queen is patron. All of the blocks contributed, including those not selected for the physical quilt, have been included in a unique virtual quilt, which can be viewed at www.quiltforaqueen.com.
The 60 blocks that make up the physical quilt were selected by an invited panel of judges including world-renowned quilter Philippa Naylor, and pieced together by leading British Quilter Janice Gunner, around a central embroidered image.
Friends of the Elderly is one of the UK’s oldest charities supporting older people. The charity runs care homes and offers grants, befriending and volunteering services that benefit thousands of older people across the country by providing financial support for those struggling to live on a low income, or a friendly call or visit to those without any friends or family around.
The finished quilt was unveiled at Festival of Quilts and will be shown on other Bernina exhibition stands during 2016 before being presented to Buckingham Palace as a gift.
“Her Majesty’s 90th birthday was a very special occasion and as Royal Warrant Holders, we wanted to offer sewing enthusiasts the chance to mark it in a special way with us,” explains Stephen Bogod from Bernina UK distributor, Bogod & Company Ltd.
“To have your name, your artwork and your birthday greeting included on the virtual and the physical quilt is something to remember and we have been excited by the response it has received.”