Completed Squares

Don't you love the powerful symbolism of this lovely square, sent in by Wendy of Heidelberg Heights, VIC? The flames, a handclasp of friendship and solidarity - and a profusion of green. Wonderful.

This is one of three pretty squares sent in by Mrs. McKenzie of Coonamble, NSW:

Maree from Young, NSW, used a batik pattern, then embroidered grass, flowers and butterflies to show the emergence of new life from the parched earth. Maree wrote, "I wish you every success with putting together the quilt. It is a wonderful gesture to the brave community of Marysville." Colleen from Moe, VIC, sent in 10 friendship-themed squares like this one below. Colleen writes, "Every blessing as they 'pick up the pieces' in the quest to rebuild their lives."

Sandy of Tanunda, SA, described her challenge to adequately convey her empathy as she worked on her square: "What a task to try to put what one feels when you look at the devastation of Marysville on one block of material." Sandy has simply and beautifully expressed what so many people feel.


This symbol of hope was made by Liz from Roseville, NSW:


The evocative piece below was crafted by Kerry from Dugendore in NSW. Kerry writes,
"I took my inspiration from a photo I recently saw of a forest of burnt out blackened trees that shrouded in thick fog, and amid the darkness was the emerging green fronds of a tree fern."

Trudi-Ann from Strathalbyn in South Australia created this square, and writes, "I hope the local community is growing in strength daily as they are in our thoughts and prayers."

Lorraine of Eltham North in Victoria stitched these flowering gums representing new growth:
Christine from Curtin, ACT, constructed this colourful block with machine and hand stitching. It represents nature before, during and after bushfire:

Annette of Lilydale, Victoria, stitched this cheery message:

Margaret from Blackburn, VIC, created these two lovely squares:

This starry square has travelled further than any other. It came all the way from Learnington, England, from Lauren who explained that it symbolises luck and new beginnings:

Gwen from Bull Creek, WA, created this design using a machine - along with 11 others. Gwen is 80 years old and I have a feeling she probably does not have the internet! And I have an incomplete postal address for her. So, if you know Gwen, please convey our thanks to her and ask her to send her complete postal address so that we can post her an invitation once we organize a presentation date for the quilt.

Liz of Narara, NSW, is the artist behind the square below. Liz wrote:

"I have enjoyed being able to create a small part of a bigger project that I hope will bring hope and courage to those who are rebuilding their lives after such a devastating event."

Anita of Lesmurdie, WA, wrote:

"Never has six inches of "white space" been so daunting a prospect! Thank you for giving people the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile and heartfelt project. Anything that can bring a sense of community and love into our world is so very precious. Especially to those who have suffered such devastation and loss."

Anita has aptly conveyed how many people no doubt felt when first regarding their blank white square! And she has explained so well how we all feel about wanting to reach out to people in our community after such a disaster.

Thank you for your beautiful words and heartfelt meaning which comes through so beautifully in your art work.


Chandra of Dianella, WA, created this lovely square, which depicts a koala, blue wren, kookaburra, kangaroo and wild flowers springing to life among the blackened trees:


This lovely square was done by Di of Seville, VIC. Di and her family also went to Marysville to help with the bulb planting. Di wrote:

"I have enjoyed the process of making the block immensly. It has taken me a while to complete, as at times I felt depressed at the lack of colour or even frustrated with my sewing, and thus compelled to put it down. Once sewing the "regrowth" side of my patch, as corny as it sounds, I felt renewed and took more enjoyment from the process of sewing, which is quite relaxing when you get into it. Now, I am proud to send you my patch."

With Di's permission, I wanted to share these words of Di's, and I am sure Di is not the only one who found that through the process of creating the quilt block came an empathy with bush fire towns as they go through the long and often frustrating process of moving from devastation to renewal.


Linda from Belmont, VIC, is the artist behind these bottle brush blossoms:

Erna of Boronia, VIC, created this beautiful pattern:

Paula of Wallan, VIC, stitched this gorgeous kookaburra and possum:

This larrikin kookaburra was lovingly crafted by Jackie in Holder, ACT

This little wren was sent in by Julie of Burwood, VIC:

This lovely block was crafted by Glynis of Elwood, Victoria. The pebbles and water represent the Steavenson River; the flowers the flora and the snail the fauna; and the little ladybird represents rebirth. Glynis used felt for the snail, ladybird and pebbles, carefully blanket-stitched into placed. The river is made from white and blue ribbons - it looks just like water! The flowers are also made from ribbons. The beautiful fern is embroidered.


Glynis designed this image on the computer, then made her block based on this pattern:

You can see more of Glynis's work here

The square below was sent in by Pam of Wesburn, Victoria. Thank you Pam!

Thank to all our talented and creative artists for creating beautiful pieces which will convey a lasting message of hope and solidarity to the people of Marysville.