FAQ’s

How much does it cost to participate?

Individuals, community groups, schools and charities can participate in the project and donate a block for free. Local businesses can purchase a block with prices starting at £60/block. However, if you can, we’d ask you to consider a donation to the St John’s Dementia Support service, a free service providing transformational support for those living with dementia and their carers and families. You can donate via our dedicated Fabric of Winchester Enthuse page.

What is the deadline for donating a block?

You have until Friday 10th November to donate your block, along with your completed Block Donation Form. Unfortunately, any blocks that are received after Friday 10th November will not be included in a finished quilt.

How big will the finished quilts be?

All quilts will be approximately 60 inches x 45 inches. This is the preferred size of Winchester Hospice for their patients’ use. There will be up to 35 blocks included on each quilt.

Who will make the quilts?

We’ve recruited several volunteer quiltmakers, including members of the Wessex Quiltmakers, local quiltmakers, and Winchester textiles students. Although each quiltmaker will have a minimum number of blocks that they will need to include in their quilt, ultimately the design of each quilt will be up to them. This means that every quilt will be unique, whilst enabling our quiltmakers to demonstrate their creativity and exceptional skill.

What will happen to any offcuts or spare material/clothing?

All leftover material, including clothing remnants, will be donated to local sewing groups, quiltmakers and craft classes. Unfortunately given the scale of the project, we’re unable to return offcuts to donors.

What happens at a Community Sewing Day?

Community Sewing Days are a great opportunity for you to work on your block whilst meeting and connecting with other people. We’ll have several sewing machines available for use on a rotational basis, as well as local and professional quiltmakers and sewers to provide helpful guidance and advice. Tea, coffee, and some sweet treats will be available throughout the day. Community Sewing Days are free to attend but registrations are essential to help ensure we can manage any capacity restrictions.

What happens if I want to be involved in the project but can’t attend a Community Sewing Day?

If you want to be involved in the project but can’t attend one of our Community Sewing days, please don’t worry. You can still participate by either creating a block in your own time or by donating a piece of clothing or fabric that holds a special meaning or memory. Please remember to complete and attach a Block Donation Form to your block or piece of fabric. To find out how to donate your block, please visit our instructions page.

When will the quilts be displayed?

The quilts will be publicly displayed at The Arc, Winchester between 12-14 January 2024. Those who attend the display will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite quilt in the People’s Choice Award. The public display will be free to attend.

What happens after the display finishes?

Once the community has had a chance to see the finished quilts, we’ll hold a special ceremony to formally donate the quilts to Winchester Hospice. From there, they’ll be used by their patients, a reminder of the love and support of the Winchester community and the power of our individual memories and stories.

Why are you asking for donations through this project?

Whilst participation in The Fabric of Winchester is free, we kindly ask those donating a block to also consider a gift to our Dementia Support service. This service provides life-changing support to those living with dementia, but since its launch in October 2022, has received unprecedented demand. We want to ensure that we answer every call for help, delivering the exceptional care for which we are known. A donation to the Dementia Support service will mean we can expand our work, ensuring it remains free for all and reaches those otherwise unable to access critical help.