The Midwife Patchwork 2020

MATFLIX boxset curator and colleague collaborate to create a memory of the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020

Dr Jenny Hall – boxset curator at MATFLIX – and her colleague Lindsay Hobbs are working together to bring the world of midwifery a 9 month plan to produce something to celebrate the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020: a memory quilt. They say about the project:

We are midwifery educators and researchers in the UK. In addition, we have a love of textiles and crafting and collaborated on the Knitted Midwife project. Jenny also made a quilt as part of her EdD studies, which sits now at http://www.midwiferyquilt.co.uk/. We are here to bring you a nine month plan to produce something to celebrate the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020.

Follow the project, and its latest developments, at https://midwifepatchwork2020.wordpress.com. The team will share updates on this site periodically but also via twitter – follow @themidwifepatc1 and #midwifepatchwork2020 – and other social media.

About the Midwife Patchwork 2020 The plan is for the final nine months of the year (nine months- get it?) to create a patchwork square for each month giving a block of 9 squares. At the end these can then be made into a cushion cover or wall hanging to keep as personal celebration of the year. Each square would represent a reflection of midwifery from that month and its meaning to each participant . This could be from personal practice, observations on the ground or other related maternity inspirations. In addition, the organisers encourage those taking part to write down why they have done this square, the meanings behind it, why did they choose the fabric, colours etc. (An example of the sort of thing is the square Jenny made for the Femedtech quilt. The organisers will also add their own to the Midwife Patchwork 2020 blog when they are done.)

Instructions for participants

1. Decide on your fabric for the square. Something that is not too flimsy is recommended, though you can back with lining to make it stronger.

2. Cut a square of seven inches for each side- this means at the end there will be half an inch all the way round for seam.

3. It is not necessary to add anything onto this square – sometimes the fabric says enough – or decorate in any conceivable way: draw, stitch, knit, stick on, decorate with buttons – you decide. It is your celebration, do as you feel able and comfortable.

4. Take some time to write why this particular square was created – this could be in a handwritten journal, on a computer, your own blog or social media.

5. Keep these squares and the accompanied writing safe and further down the line on the organisers will suggest ways you can create something with these.

Do not forget to follow the project, and its latest developments, at https://midwifepatchwork2020.wordpress.com.