Creating your own panel

Workshops in each state will assist people with panel making.
The workshops are a place for visitors to view panels, to seek advice on making their own panels, to compare ideas and to share experiences. Sometimes, visitors will attend only one workshop to confirm the requirements of the Quilt, and then depart to make their panels elsewhere, returning when they are ready to hand over the completed panel. Other visitors will make their panels at the workshops, seeking appropriate advice and help from the volunteers. Each panel is unique, as it reflects the life and interests of the person being remembered, as well as his/her relationship with the panel makers. Panels are made of materials which must be selected for their durability so as to withstand folding, storage and unfolding over many years.

Designs range from very simple (e.g. a name and date) to quite elaborate (e.g.. photographs, messages, poetry, artwork., etc.) No item is included on a panel by accident; each piece will have some symbolic or sentimental value for the panel makers. Items of clothing, badges and personal effects are often included.

It is recommended that photographs and other perishable paper documents be laser copies onto fabric so that the more durable images can be used. The Quilt is carefully guarded. Any changes to a panel (such as alterations or routine repairs) are only made after specific consultation with the original panel makers.

Workshops are open to visitors and members of the public, and as the Quilt Project Melbourne is a voluntary group, it openly welcomes all volunteers or donations of suitable equipment and materials, etc. Select a durable medium weight fabric (non stretch) for the background.
A firm base is essential. Lightweight fabric can e backed with calico.
The finished size is 90 x 180 cm's (6 ft x 3 ft), and the backing needs to have an extra 6cm border all around to allow the panels to be joined together. (so 102 x 192cm in total)
There are many different techniques possible:

Appliqué: Sew letters or shapes onto background. Avoid using glue alone.
Painting: Painting with colour fast or permanent paints, dyes or inks.
Collage: Sew down fabric or materials to recreate objects in the fabric.
Stencils: Brushing textile paint over stencils.
More detailed panel making advice is available.

Stories are an important part of the Quilt. When your panel is complete, please take time to write a short story or biography of the person you have remembered. This helps us understand the lives of those we have not met personally and also the symbols on your panel. Enclose a photograph if you are willing to part with one.

Please ensure you have completed a Data Form. All information is strictly confidential. When received, the panel is numbered and catalogued by the national office. This way we know where your panel is at all times. Eight panels are sewn together to form a quilt block. The quilt block becomes the basic unit of any Quilt display.