The Quilt

The quilt with the Tree of Life motif was designed by Elise Kägi-Davis from Lindau (CH) and Joanne Hess Sigrist from Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania (USA). The fabric parts were cut by Eliane Wenger Good from Lititz (USA). A patchwork group led by Elise Kägi sewed the quilt. Quilting continued on the quilt during the Anabaptist year 2007 accompanied by the experienced quilting teacher Esther Miller from Berlin (D). The final touches were made by Ruth Lüthi from Langnau i.E. (CH).

This project is a joint work of Mennonite women from the USA, Europe and women from the Reformed Church of Switzerland. This quilt is a symbol of peace and international sisterhood.

Patchwork is a technique born of necessity to reuse even the smallest of well-preserved fabrics and sew blankets from them. A layer of fleece between the back and front provides the necessary warmth. The three layers are permanently joined together by small stitches = quilted. This creates beautiful quilt patterns.

The Amish, with their fabrics in muted colors, developed a whole new art movement from this, as this blanket with the diamond pattern shows.