The idea of creating a massive textile artwork belongs to Australian artist Janette McLaughlin, who initiated the project in the early days of the full-scale invasion.
Recently, near the Great Lavra Bell Tower, the first 600 meters of the quilt titled 'Sunflower Quilt For Ukraine – Patchwork of Victory' were unveiled, as reported by the National Reserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.'
This quilt, crafted by artisans from over 25 countries, has become a symbol of international support for Ukrainian soldiers and a means to raise funds for reconstructive surgeries for those severely injured on the front lines.
The event was part of Ukrainian Fashion Week. The implementation of this project at the National Reserve 'Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra' was made possible by the Charity Fund 'Doctors for Heroes,' Charity Fund 'YANKO,' the Ukrainian Quilter's Association, Pechersk District Administration, and other concerned partners.
Guests at the event were able not only to witness this unique quilt but also to contribute their symbolic patches with messages.
The conception of this quilt belongs to Australian artist Janette McLaughlin, who began the project in the early days of the full-scale invasion. By the end of next summer, the quilt is expected to reach a size of 1100 meters.
If successful, the quilt will be documented in the Book of Records of Ukraine and a submission will be made to the Guinness World Records. The entire process will be accompanied by fundraising for the needs of the soldiers.
In the future, this quilt will become part of international exhibitions and will eventually be donated to military hospitals as a symbol of support and gratitude to the defenders.
“This project is more than just a peaceful protest against the war. We recognize the powerful healing force of patchwork emotionally, but we now wish to reach out to our friends and partners in Ukraine and beyond, asking for support through donations for the reconstructive surgeries of our military. This, too, is patchwork, allowing our heroes to return to life,” stated Maria Nelga, head of the Ukrainian Quilter's Association.
“The quilt will continue to be created by artisans until it reaches a length of 1100 meters – the distance from the beginning to the end of Khreshchatyk, to cover Ukraine's main street next year,” shared Natalia Lyutikova, founder of the Charity Fund 'Doctors for Heroes.' The initiative has been named 'Sunflower Quilt For Ukraine – Patchwork of Victory,' and its goal is to attract the attention of creative individuals in various countries to support Ukraine, wounded soldiers, and highlight the extraordinary achievements of Ukrainian surgeons in reconstructive facial surgery.
A fundraiser has been opened in Ukraine to support this initiative.
Additionally, within the framework of the project, an exhibition titled 'Unbreakable Patchwork' featuring works by artisans has been launched. It will run at the bell tower until September 15, daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
