London Calling
1062
On a very, very wet morning in May 2019, I visited the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale for the first time.
I was visiting with my husband from England, staying with a lifelong friend, who has lived in the Kitchener area for 50 years. She knew I enjoyed quilting, so arranged this trip for me.
I was thrilled to see the wonderful quilts on display, and very taken by the ethos and purpose behind it. I was also moved by the sense of community and cheerfulness that existed, even on such a damp day. We enjoyed the amazing breakfast, and chatted with other attendees, who made us welcome.
I decided, therefore to make a small quilt for your sale. I am a lone quilter, work entirely by hand, and am self-taught. My quilt does not bear comparison to the works of art I saw last year, but I hope you will receive it in the spirit in which it is sent.
My quilt is a celebration of our capital city, London, and includes images of many of the iconic sites: Beefeaters, taxis, St. Paul's Cathedral, British bobbies, the London Eye, and of course tea and red buses.
It is called 'London Calling': the radio call sign of the BBC World Service during the dark days of World War II; but also the song which rallied the youth of the world to London in 2012 for the Olympics.
I doubt if I shall ever have the chance to go to the Relief Sale again, but that morning, and the quilts, remain a highlight of my trip to Canada last year.
I think my husband preferred the breakfast!
Final sale price $325.