Once upon a time, there was a quilt. This quilt was a quilt that was made more for the experience of making it. That is to say, there was fabric, and there was a challenge of never having sewn triangles together before. All those points are a bit scary.

So, a bit of an idea formed, a bit of an outline was drawn and eventually, said item came together. But only with the assistance of a few choice words and a bit of alcoholic encouragement. But when it was finished – what to do with it? Somewhere in the dark recesses a memory lingered of something about Quilts for Care Leavers (Q4CL), but it took another online comment to trigger a conversation between Chief Witch and Chief Stitch. Turns out that both of us had heard about it, had thought about it, and were now discussing it. So, a quilt is offered, along with waving a virtual fleg for NI, the question asked “do any of your quilts end up with care leavers here in this part of the UK?”

(now, for those not in NI, that is not a spelling mistake, it is a FLEG, but it will take too long to tell the story! Or you can watch this video)

So, one lovely Sunday afternoon in January of 2021, we ended up on a 20-minute video call with the irrepressible Maggie Lloyd-Jones, founder of Q4CL, discussing the ‘situation’. The video call lasted about an hour and half when Quilts and gin were mentioned in the same sentence. Weirdly we were in three separate locations and all wearing pink! An unusual choice of attire for those of us on this side of the water, so that was a little spooky. There stirred the beginnings of a sisterhood, and ultimately, we adopted the self-styled title of Q4CL co-ordinators for Northern Ireland.

For the benefit of those not in the know, Q4CL is a relatively new organisation that sews ‘Quilty’ Hugs for those who are transitioning from the social care system to independent living, which can be a lonely journey. The recipients are usually between the ages of 16 and 25, and statistically there are more males than females. A ‘quilty’ hug is constructed between 40“ to 50“ in width, and 66“ to 72“ long. This format suits being able to grab and end in each hand and wrap yourself in it, and still be able to walk around without tripping up. If you are interested in this cause, please go look them up.

During our first couple of months, in the middle of a COVID pandemic lockdown, we have started to spread the word, recruit stitchers and raise the profile, whilst one of us has been feverishly stitching as well. Not that the other was slacking, but she did manage to bust her wing only 3 days after that video call. I think the technical term is ‘fractured her greater tuberosity’ – well, I mean, there’s not a lot one can say to that is there? And to be clear, there was no gin or wine involved at that point, as it was during a morning dog walk that she fell over her feet. Note to self – take the broomstick next time!

Seriously though, it has become apparent that DC might not get the full strength or range of movement as she once had pre fracture, although for all the physioterrorists out there, she is faithfully doing the prescribed exercises. But to aid with the recuperation, and in order that she really has to start pulling her needle-and-thread weight, a spectacularly fabulous piece of kit has been purchased. It was one of those occasions when the stars were aligned. Let’s face it when you are off sick and feeling sorry for yourself, indulging in therapy TV, and an unbelievable offer becomes available, what’s a girl to do?

Roxie the Moxie

So, between Sewing Street and Pinhole Quilting and the unabashed encouragement of your better half and your witchy friend, you purchase a Long-arm Quilting Machine. It’s a fearsome piece of kit, and a journey yet to be discovered. But that’s a story for another day.

Happy Stitching!