A Stitch in Time

From Spectrum 28 June 2015

For over seven years a dedicated group of volunteers have been passing on their quilting and life skills to prisoners at Auckland Region Women's Correctional Facility.

Quilt-Stitch Group members Mary Ann and Claire with the Dresden Plate Quilt. The quilt was made over several years by women prisoners and volunteers and is now hanging in Parliament.

The Big ‘A’ Prison Arts Community Award, which was won by the Quilt-Stitch Group for their volunteer work in 2012. The award was given to ARWCF Prison Manager Cheryle Mikaere and it sits proudly on her desk.

A Success Quilt created by the ‘Friday and Saturday’ girls in 2013. It was entered into the Mairangi Bay Art Centre "Inside Out" Exhibition where it sold for $975.

A working bee with some of the Quilt-Stitch volunteers. All of the volunteers spend countless hours sorting, collecting and cutting fabrics so they’re ready for class.

Cheryle Mikaere, Prison Manager at Auckland Region Women's Correctional Facility. Cheryle is holding a picture that she keeps on her desk. It shows Quilt Stitch volunteers Mary Ann and Claire presenting the Dresden Quilt to the then Minister of Corrections Anne Tolley.

Volunteers Mary Ann and Claire presenting the Dresden Quilt to the then Minister of Corrections Anne Tolley.

"Angel quilts" are made from donated fabrics and orphan blocks for sick or premature babies at Middlemore Hospital.

Angel quilt

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.

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