View works of art at international Quilt Festival

THE KZN Quilting Guild (KZNQG) will be hosting an International Quilt Festival from July 4 to 9 at Epworth School in Pietermaritzburg. The theme for this year is ‘Voices in Cloth’.

Chairperson of the South African International Quilt Festival 2024, Leanne Stewart, encourages the public to come and support them.

Speaking to Caxton Durban Local media, Stewart said that delegates from as far as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia will attend this illustrious event.

Representatives from Zimbabwe and Eswatini will also be present. There will be a number of quilt competitions taking place, which include categories like Youth Quilts and Wearable Art as well as Bed and Wall Art.

Stewart said a number of workshops will be conducted for beginners up to advanced level.
One of the highlights for this show will be the famous Red Dress which will be travelling from London with Kirstie Macleod to be on display at the festival.

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“The dress, constructed out of 87 pieces of burgundy silk dupion, has been worked on by 367 women/girls, 11 men/boys and two non-binary artists from 51 countries, including South Africa.”

Thungelimpilo (Stitch for Life), consisting of a group of more than 40 women who produce colourful embroidery work, will also be present at the festival. Members of the group will be showcasing their pictures of everyday life, Zulu culture, fauna and flora.

“A portion of the funds raised from this festival will be donated to Thungelimpilo,” she said.

Stewart who is passionate about quilting said she is excited about this festival as they have been planning it for the past three years.

“I started quilting 25 years ago, and I am an accredited quilt teacher. I am also in the South African Quilters Guild committee. I am passionate about teaching and growing this craft.”

Stewart also teaches underprivileged people the craft every Wednesday at the National Changers in the City Hill Church.

Taking us back to her childhood, Stewart said she grew up on her grandmother’s lap sewing with her.

“I have sewn almost everything, from bridal dresses to matric dance dresses. But now, I am focused on quilting – the bug bit me, and I have never looked back,” she said.

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She invited people to try this craft which is suitable for everyone. “Quilting is calming, healing and it is just a wonderful thing to do.”

For the duration of the festival, there will be food court on-site. Doors will be open from 08:00 to 17:00.

Entrance fee is R200 and includes access to all exhibits and vendor halls including the famous Red Dress.

For more information, email Leanne Stewart at chairperson@saquiltfest2024.co.za.

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