I’ve taken to looking at some of my older quilts and wondering how I could reimagine them, cut them up or change them in some way. With the Dare to Dream prompt I was thinking of some recent milestones in our city of Christchurch, New Zealand, 15 years on from our damaging earthquakes that saw our central city destroyed along with thousands of homes and businesses. Recently we have seen the opening of Parakiore, a large recreation and sport centre with swimming pools, multi-use courts etc and in April will be our new covered multiuse stadium. These are both large milestones that have been years in the making but alongside those our city has been rebuilt with a plan in place to ensure it will work for modern day people. It has interesting lane ways, amazing public mural art, zones including a new Performing Arts Centre, restoration of one of our heritage theatres (Issac Theatre Royal – amazing!), health and justice zones. The planners have thought outside the square to make it a place you would want to come to and people are coming.

The background to this piece was my Cloth in Common prompt #2 Round 3 piece called Forbury Park. The Park, a harness racing venue was closed down after years of no maintenance and it has become obsolete. But the question remains of what it is to become? Will there be a seed of hope that matures into a beautiful flower like Christchurch has? By super imposing the poppies over top of the old piece, I have given new life to not only an old quilt but to an idea that new beginnings can grow from the smallest ideas. This old quilt can now be exhibited again rather than languishing in the cupboard and while I really liked the first edition I believe the second edition is a much stronger piece.

my own hand dyed and painted fabrics, background an original quilt then machine appliqued and quilted over top. Size 40 inches H x 21 inches W