STITCHING STORIES
Piecing Together Friendships Quilt Block Workshop w/ NTQG

Chicago, IL - As the first workshop in our Stitching Stories series, the Heritage Museum of Asian Art hosted the "Piecing Together Friendships" Quilt Block Workshop with the Needles and Threads Quilters Guild on April 27th! Participants were able to let their creativity flow with their own designs on quilt blocks from the various African and other miscellaneous fabrics provided by the Guild. The workshop was led by four members of the Guild, Ruth Raickett-Roberts, Zakiya Williams, and Susan Trice. 

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Attendees of all ages were able to explore the tradition of quilt blocking with ease as they aimed to create a piece inspired by friendship and community. At the end, everyone was allowed to present on what they made and what inspired them to do so through a show and tell. The end results were various pieces such as the friendship between a dog and a squirrel to an abstract depiction of the public transit system of Chicago! This creative and educational experience was full of conversation and had everyone working together to really figure out what they wanted to reflect through the tactile and imaginative process of quilt-block making. 

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No prior experience was required, making the event accessible and enjoyable for everyone-- from seasoned quilters to first-time sewers. The workshop encouraged attendees to explore their creativity through storytelling and cross-cultural exchange, providing a fun and entertaining environment for everyone! ​

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​This workshop was part of the Stitching Stories project, where we look to bridge the Black and Asian communities together through the art of textile works, supported by Healing Illinois. Healing Illinois is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois.