Patchworld

Creating a patchwork quilt with a square made by women from every country in the world.

In 1942, women in the notorious Changi Prisoner of War camp in Singapore used quilt-making to send coded messages and to create a world of freedom and beauty in the midst of suffering.

Facing isolation, torture, and starvation, 198 women of many nationalities created squares that bear their initials, emblems of their home countries, and inspirational messages of hope. More than that, they sewed flowers, birds and animals, sailing ships and ripe fruit; they created beauty when facing the worst humanity can inflict. The women gifted the quilts as hospital supplies to the Red Cross, and so their continued existence and incredible determination were communicated to the outside world.

Today, women worldwide face innumerable challenges. Globally, almost one woman in three has been subjected to gender-based violence. Less than a quarter of the world’s parliamentarians are female. Women make up two thirds of the world’s illiterate people. The list of statistics representing inequality goes on and on.

What messages, emblems and meanings might a modern quilt with a square made by women from every country in the world contain? 

Inspired by the Changi quilts, as well as by the resilience and creativity of the women we have worked with through our arts projects, we are developing a new project, creating a patchwork quilt with a square made by women from every country in the world, sewing together the world’s women in a collective act of meaning making.

This project is still in development, but for more updates follow us on instagram. Get in touch team@makani.org.uk if you want to know more or get involved!