From Paisley with love
Quilters to show off town in Germany
Paisleys rich c u l t u ra l h e r i t a g e is to be recognised internationally thanks to some colourful quilts.
Members of the quilting group, the Paisley Patchers, have been hard at work, making wonderful creations with a Buddie twist.
The Pa i s l e y - t h e m e d patchwork will make a 1,000mile trip to Germany, where the quilts will form part of an international exhibition in the city of Fürth.
The feel-good, hands across the water experience will allow the two towns to share a part of their culture with one another.
The Paisley Patchers met on Monday to show-off the items – which are the culmination of a years’ worth of hard work – displaying the 24 final pieces that will journey across the globe later this month.
Paisley Patchers president Sheila Morton said sending the quilts overseas is a proud moment for the group and for the town.
She said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to take part in this experience and we are proud to have risen to the challenge.
“Paisley is renowned for its textiles history and we are excited to share some of that with another country.
“Hopefully, at the end of this experience, we will have learned something from the people of Fürth too.”
The German Quilters Guild approached the British Guild last year, asking if any group would be willing to make small quilts for use in an exhibition in Germany.
Since Fürth and Paisley are twinned locations, the Paisley Patchers grasped the opportunity to send over some of their beautiful creations to their partners.
Among these are various designs paying homage to the Renfrewshire town, including the stained glass window panes of Paisley Abbey, weavers and their beloved Sma’ Shot thread, and the iconic Paisley Pattern teardrop.
Pat Brown, a member of the Paisley Patchers, created two quilts for the exhibition, one of which is a beautiful depition of the Glennifer Braes.
Pat, who has a view of the Braes from her bedroom window, said the international project has been an exciting experience.
She explained: “The Paisley Patchers meet once a month, so we have been working on the quilts at home and in our own time.
“It’s been lovely to make the designs based on a local theme that is close to our hearts.
“There are some fascinating creations and each one is completely different and unique. We’re all very excited to send them to Germany.”
The quilts will be shown in exhibitions in Germany and England, before returning home to be put on display in Paisley.