What was started last week as a lesson in making quilts on the Londolozi Digital Learning Centre veranda turned out to be a deeply profound lesson of learning for all of us who were there. My memory keeps gently tugging me back to those beautiful few hours, as more than 20 of us gathered around and, inspired by Londolozi’s wild landscapes, weaved strips of scrap material together, surprising ourselves with what we created.
I often say that I continue learning far more than I ever taught, and so – shortly after the quilting workshop – I “journaled” some of the things that I learnt and I am privileged to be able to share them with you in today’s blog. By the way, my cutting-edge friends on the blog team call this “listography” but I just call it five things I learnt from an African quilt.
- Beauty comes from unlikely places
Seemingly lifeless objects or discarded “things” lie about all around us. In this case it was scraps of material (literally), but to see those individual scraps come together to begin to create exquisite handcrafted quilts was astounding. I am reminded that there is so much that can be achieved without having to consume new “things” off the shelf.
Savannah Varty helps to cut old and unused fabric into strips just outside the Londolozi Digital Learning Centre.
- The “old-fashioned” stuff still counts … maybe even more
I thought quilting might seem a little old-fashioned to our community of modern women at Londolozi. How wrong I was – on the day of the workshop we had a full house and five women who were on leave made special arrangements to come in to Londolozi on the day. My daughter often says that in 50 years time “yes you’ll need to know how to programme a robot, but you’ll also need to know how to run a sustainable houesehold garden.” There’s no doubt about it, whether it’s micro-farming, sewing or quilting, there is a renewed interest in skills that make us more self-reliant.
The tape measure hasn’t really changed over the last 150 years. Here it is, ready for action, at the “African Sky” sewing project at Londolozi.
- We all see the world in our own different, yet beautiful way
As a teacher I know that there is true, inherent creativity in all of us. Oftentimes it takes the laughter, spirit and guidance of a group for certain individuals to feel comfortable with their own creativity. The unselfish sharing of ideas was an inspiration during this workshop, but more than that, as time went on, individual styles emerged based on each person’s ability to be inspired by those around them and then believe in their own ability to express themselves.
You might recognise Margaret Ngobeni, a host from Varty Camp. Wait until you see her interpretation of the African sunset.
- The magic of sharing is growing
The social media revolution has been a catalyst for new social trends, “sharing” being one of them. Free learning, free sharing of ideas, online fundraising: these are all changing the world. So when Jane Laburn, from Johannesburg, said to me she would like to offer to lead a quilting workshop (for free) for the Londolozi community, I was not surprised, rather I was proud that amongst so much perceived bad news, there are these little stories of magic, sharing and community that are taking place more and more.
A group of us gather round as Jane Laburn explains the basics of quilting.
- A vision takes patience and planning
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the end goal, that we forget to see and plan how all of the individual parts will fit together. This quilting workshop was a wonderful example of everything that we do in life. Like so many things, an encouraging group, an inspirational facilitator, and an ability to “follow the process” step-by-step led to beautiful products in the making.
Inspired by the African Sky, our sewing and crafting space in the village encourages creativity, learning and sharing.
Now imagine beautiful hand-crafted quilts reflecting the colours and images of Africa, telling the stories of the crafters and being a source of income for the crafters as they continue to develop the Londolozi Women’s Cooperative.
I am sure the learning will grow wider, deeper and richer as the quilts evolve. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and as soon as we have some finished products I will be sure to share photos on the blog.
Written by Maureen Groch (Gogo Mo). Photographed by James Tyrrell.
Awesome blog Mo. Life is really about going back to the basics. Learning new crafts. It is such good therapy and so rewarding to see something you have made with your hands come together and giving pleasure to someone. Looking forward to see the finished quilts.
Thank you Marinda!
It was a privilege and great fun to be one of the group!
Mo
That’s really fantastic Gogo Mo, I can’t wait to see the beautiful quilts that you are all creating! My Grandmother enjoyed making quilts and I have some beautiful ones that she made, lovingly stitch by stitch. I think she found it not only enjoyable to quilt, but also a relaxing, stress-relieving time when she could get together with friends and enjoy working together on something that they all loved to do. I look forward to your follow up blog and to see what you have all created!
Will definitely send pictures!
Mo you have long been a hero!!
The women of Londolozi are some of the greatest teachers… and my mom in law has a heart like few I have met- what a gift to come together and create- thank you to all for the magic energy…
My gift was being part of the group and working and laughing with my friend Jane!
Great story Mo thanks for sharing and for the lessons you have learnt.
Pleasure Rich – spending time with your mom was a treat!
So beautiful! So why I love the blog – I can’t be there in person but I can be there though your story and photos! I’m imaging the energy and power created by the beauty of quilting with all you amazing women! Thank you always for sharing Gogo your insight and learning. Such a gift for us all!
Nice to see you on the blog Mo! Quilts will never die & there is a very big quilters guild that involves all kinds of people from all quarters, so I hope we will see your creations.
Thank you Jennifer! I is a great gift for me working with and learning from the incredible women of Londolozi! Wish you lived closer and could join us!
Mo, thank you so much for sharing the lessons that you learnt. I love being part of this team of inspirational women and seeing the enthusiasm they have to learn new skills. Thank you as well to the workshop teachers for sharing their knowledge with others.