Patch/Work
This small quilt was stitched and quilted by hand during my working hours. Struggling with my return to paid work after maternity leave, I would “patch” work throughout the day - stealing moments away from the laptop or during online meetings to create and care for myself through sewing.
The colours and materials reflect different aspects of working life. Bold red nods to traditional labour movements, unions, and socialism - forces that fought for workers’ rights and protections, including the maternity leave and flexible working I benefited from. Deep navy reflects the classic colour of working clothes, from office wear to industrial uniforms. The greys, including fabric from my own office trousers, represent the dullness and routine of desk-based work.
Each patch represents a day of work, with the varied and imperfect stitches reflecting the frustration and emotional unpredictability I felt at that time. The quilt became a reminder of the importance of creativity and making by hand - like the practical, hands-on work of mothering - in contrast to the intangible nature of office work.
Textiles
41 x 21 x 0.5
£200.00
No. pieces
1
Medium
Mixed fabrics, office trousers, embroidery thread, cotton thread
