ANZAC Special: Quilts Stitched by Soldiers at War
On ANZAC Day we remember the contribution, suffering and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealander soldiers. Quilt-making on the battlefields seems an unlikely idea, but soldiers at war hand-stitched all of the quilts featured in this post. They did so during lulls in the fighting. Quilting was a form of therapy for soldiers recuperating from war wounds or held in prisoner-of-war camps.
Create our Nineteenth Century Diamonds Quilt
Dr Annette Gero’s Collection of Quilts Stitched by Soldiers
These quilts belong to Dr Annette Gero and her large collection of military quilts. British, Prussian and American soldiers made the quilts, during wars dating back to the nineteenth century. “I didn’t deliberately start collecting military quilts; I just bought them when I saw them because they are so dramatic,” she says.
Men made all of Annette’s quilts. The activity gave the men some semblance of beauty and a connection to memories of home. “Ordinary soldiers on active duty endured long stretches of boredom, seemingly endless toil and long separation from family and loved ones,” says Annette.
Make your own Australian Fanfare Quilt
Using material from everyday uniforms, as well as dress uniforms used for formal occasions and pageants, achieved a rich mixture of colours. The fabric was either heavy serge or worsted twill. The resulting geometric squares and diamonds create a mesmerising pattern. Some quilts have up to 15,000 patchwork pieces. Appliquéd leaves, flowers and hearts were used for intricate borders and focal points. Ribbon and button details were also stitched on. Military personnel in India used heavy bead-work on the quilts, referencing traditional Indian textiles.
These handmade wonders were often made to be sent back home to the soldiers’ loved ones. Many can now enjoy them through Annette’s book, Wartime Quilts. The book features more than 100 quilts made from military fabrics.
To buy a copy of Wartime Quilts, email Annette directly: annettegero@bigpond.com.
The photography in the book of these stunning quilts makes it easy for you to copy one of these quilts and there are lots of detailed photos as well. An inspiration for the quiltmaker
