PROJECT HISTORY
In 2015, Bib & Tucker Sew-Op partnered with UAB’s Department of Art & Art History and the Birmingham Museum of Art to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches through open sewing sessions that yielded 461 quilt blocks. Sew-Op members stitched the blocks together and made three quilts which hung at the Selma Public Library and the Alabama Department of Archives in Montgomery during the anniversary. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, collaborators agreed that it should become an annual project. Each year, Bib & Tucker members choose a civil or human rights theme and facilitate open sewing sessions and discussion. During these sessions, community members create quilt blocks that express personal feelings about the theme. Bib & Tucker members then stitch the blocks into quilts that are exhibited in tandem with a relevant anniversary or day of recognition. For more information or to see photos from years past, like and follow The March Quilts on Facebook.
In 2015, Bib & Tucker Sew-Op partnered with UAB’s Department of Art & Art History and the Birmingham Museum of Art to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches through open sewing sessions that yielded 461 quilt blocks. Sew-Op members stitched the blocks together and made three quilts which hung at the Selma Public Library and the Alabama Department of Archives in Montgomery during the anniversary. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, collaborators agreed that it should become an annual project. Each year, Bib & Tucker members choose a civil or human rights theme and facilitate open sewing sessions and discussion. During these sessions, community members create quilt blocks that express personal feelings about the theme. Bib & Tucker members then stitch the blocks into quilts that are exhibited in tandem with a relevant anniversary or day of recognition. For more information or to see photos from years past, like and follow The March Quilts on Facebook.
YEAR 4: Environmental Justice and Awareness (Think, NATURE, in all her glory)
This year, we decided to expand the focus. We believe that everyone should have access to our natural spaces and we are excited by the projects happening in our city and around the country and world that expand this access. From urban greenways to gardens that cultivate native species; from recycling centers and sustainable energy, we encourage participants to address topics that fall under the umbrella of Environmental Justice for Mother Earth. We're calling all native species enthusiasts - recycling wonks - National Park advocates and Urban greenway trailblazers to join us in making this year of The March Quilts the best year ever.
This year, we decided to expand the focus. We believe that everyone should have access to our natural spaces and we are excited by the projects happening in our city and around the country and world that expand this access. From urban greenways to gardens that cultivate native species; from recycling centers and sustainable energy, we encourage participants to address topics that fall under the umbrella of Environmental Justice for Mother Earth. We're calling all native species enthusiasts - recycling wonks - National Park advocates and Urban greenway trailblazers to join us in making this year of The March Quilts the best year ever.
HOW TO MAKE A QUILT BLOCK
Making a quilt block is a fun, simple process and no sewing experience is necessary. Your block may embody any representation of NATURE through images, symbols or words. If you need guidance or inspiration, peruse THE MARCH QUILTS image bank (coming soon). Once you decide on an idea, select a 7” square of fabric and compose your block, making sure to leave a quarter inch border as seam allowance. As in the past, background colors are part of the final design so please use material provided at our sewing sessions or contact us if you're making a block on your own. You may appliqué, embroider, or draw your design. Facilitators are available to help guide you through the process at all open sewing sessions. Individuals outside of Birmingham are encouraged to make blocks using these guidelines and can mail their contributions to the address below.
Making a quilt block is a fun, simple process and no sewing experience is necessary. Your block may embody any representation of NATURE through images, symbols or words. If you need guidance or inspiration, peruse THE MARCH QUILTS image bank (coming soon). Once you decide on an idea, select a 7” square of fabric and compose your block, making sure to leave a quarter inch border as seam allowance. As in the past, background colors are part of the final design so please use material provided at our sewing sessions or contact us if you're making a block on your own. You may appliqué, embroider, or draw your design. Facilitators are available to help guide you through the process at all open sewing sessions. Individuals outside of Birmingham are encouraged to make blocks using these guidelines and can mail their contributions to the address below.
4915B 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 | Located at the convergence of Avondale, Crestwood and Woodlawn | bibandtuckersewop@gmail.com