Quilting for Koalas

A Labour Of Love

A hand-made quilt is being raffled in Fairfield, with proceeds going to the Australian Koala Foundation in support of the fire relief efforts because between a quarter and a half of Australia's koala population is believed to have perished in the current bushfire season. A collaborative effort made between four entities and a unique design that would be cherished by the young and the young at heart, this is a very special quilt that would be perfect for gifting or keeping.

A labour of love, this hand created quilt was made by Ruth Komesaroff, a former Senior Arts officer who worked for the National Gallery of Victoria and Premiers Office, from a pattern by the acclaimed Elizabeth Hartman. Fabrics were donated by GJ's Discount Fabrics and machine quilting done by Angel Quilts. Taking over 95 hours to make, the process encompassed two people selecting the fabrics- which took two hours, followed by sewing the quilt top- a 75-hour process that encompasses sewing small, accurately cut pieces using a patchwork pattern technique, and then machine quilting - an additional 5 hours where the three layers of the quilt (top, batting, and back) using a decorative pattern are sewed together.

The cost price (not retail) was approximately $500 in materials excluding labour and time. The quilt will be raffled for a month at GJs Discount Fabrics 31 Steane Street Fairfield Vic 3078.

Just last month Ruth made a hand made Koala Cushion that was raffled in the beachside town of Balnarring and raised $500 for Wildlife Victoria.

The cohort would appreciate any opportunity to help promote the raffle and ensure awareness for the plight of wildlife following the fires remains in the minds of Victorians.