🧵🌸 LET'S TALK ABOUT WARTIME QUILTING WITH JOANNA DERMENJIAN - Karen's Quilt Circle

Did you know that Canadian quilters made over 400,000 quilts in World War 2 to families in Europe? The story of the quilters and these quilts are at risk of being lost to history. However, Joanna Dermenjian of Suture and Selvedge is an independent researcher who is working towards rediscovering the truth behind the Canadian women. Today we’re talking about her research and the important contribution these women had to world history.
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[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

This is a history that hits close to home. My ancestors were all part of this story but they are all gone now and I cannot ask them for more details. I hope you might have some family stories that you can share. E

[@tamelatuttle5931]

Have you read Jennifer Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilt series. There is a lot of history of quilting there. One is The Aloha Quilt which tells the history of quilting in Hawaii. All are Very Good! Love all you do for us!

[@pattweimer9268]

Lots of family stories, but not all of wide interest. And some are 'family weird ', good for a 'head shake or a,laugh'. I've been told I am a very good story teller and a good comedian. Never tried to pursue either, may be too old now.

[@lesleyfarris4025]

i'm a Brit and this interview is so moving that I'd like to say thank you to all those Canadian quilters who have passed. Thank you.

[@daleodberg6714]

Lovely 🌸❤️🤗🦊

[@jayneterry8701]

So kind of you. 🥰💗

[@gwenniesimpson9309]

You constantly referred to women in this interview - my grandFATHER was a quilter in the 1930 and onward into the 1960s, and during war years he sent a quilt a month to the war efforts. His "Guild" was his family of 11 kids who each participated to some degree until they each left home. (only three of which were daughters) PS - we are in Alberta, Canada. LOVED this interview - I'll send her a message.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

My apologies to the men. I know that there were plenty of them. I hope you have some pictures to share

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

That is AWESOME♥️

[@joannadermenjian1217]

That is so amazing! I have record of a blind male knitter who was 76 and very prolific for the WWII war effort. I am sure there are more male knitters and quilters that were not recorded.

[@cherieiduke1723]

She said she is interested in women's history. Lots of men make quilts but that is not her area of study

[@theresabedet6653]

Have you ever recorded their story? The u of a textiles archives would love any info you have.

[@heidim7732]

This reminds me of sewing facemasks in the early days of the pandemic. Not wanting to purchase medical masks that were sure to be in short supply, I began using my limited supply of scraps to make fabric masks for my family and friends. I mailed masks to Halifax NS and to St. John's NL. At the request of my husband's employer I made enough fabric masks for every employee to have 2 each in the company colours, ready for the day they were allowed to return to the office. I was working in isolation, and there is no record of any of it. I never want to have to sew another mask ever again. But the job got done; I think I can understand why those quilters didn't record their efforts, more's the pity.

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

Thank you very much for your service. You are an 😇 🥰❣

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Yes, you just do what you can when you need to do it. It's not until years later that you realize how important your effort was.

[@evelynostrander3516]

I did the same. I made masks and gave them to people. I sent some to my Brothers office so they could work. They take care of mentally handicapped people. I made them for anyone that needed them.

[@howardpennpenn]

Thank you Quilters of Canada! ❤ A fabulous reminder that quilts are for comfort and warmth and the occasional missed point is ok! 🙄 Andrea from UK xx

[@alanaw27]

I have seen and handled some of these quilts. Some are traditional and beautifully made and others are very basic using any old fabrics for the top and backing. The wadding between the layers could be old blankets but also a mix of any old sweaters socks etc. Anything to add bulk for warmth. I also had the privilege of seeing and handling a Red Cross Quilt which belonged to my Patchwork student’s father. He had been in a concentration camp and , when the camp was liberated, he was given this quilt. It was a treasured possession. It was well made and well quilted with the Red Cross label on it. His wife also had one and when she died it was passed to her other daughter.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Oh wow

[@floridastitcher1]

What a story. You are blessed to have seen some of these quilts

[@alanaw27]

Yes , Pam, I was in awe when I saw it and heard the story. It’s wonderful to think that two people, who’d had such terrible experiences, then met up in Scotland and went on to have a full life with children and grandchildren. These treasured quilts have kept their story alive for their family. They have also been used in schools to help students see the Holocaust from a different perspective.

[@joannadermenjian1217]

Wonderful story. The Peterborough (Ontario) Museum and Archives has a Canadian Red Cross quilt that was sent to a soldier while at POW camp and was saved by the recipient for his whole life.

[@jacquielawrence5670]

What a lovely thing to research. My gran and mum were evacuated, from Guernsey, to Bradford at the beginning of the war. Any help they received was gratefully received. If the Red Cross ship, The Vega, hadn't managed to enter Guernsey in December 1944 many of the islanders that didn't leave before the Germans arrived, would have starved before the end of the war

[@jayneterry8701]

Tfs

[@joannadermenjian1217]

There is a WWII signature quilt in the museum in Chemainus, BC, donated by a man from Guernsey 50 years after the war. He was so grateful for the quilt during wartime and wanted to return it 'home'. The quilt was made in London, Ontario.

[@mrslincoln5118]

From the limited research I’ve done it always impresses me that women in general quilted to fill a need. Whether is was to keep their families warm or send support to loved one far away during wartime. It is in our collaborative DNA. We are servers and givers by nature. I think that quilting became a craft/hobby as more of our household chores became automated and we found “extra” time to experiment/innovate with patterns beyond what we know as a traditional. I am so grateful for our foremothers❤️

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I think its about security. We want to wrap our loved ones in our love, protecting them.

[@juliestott4797]

As a Brit I found this interesting and very moving. Thank you quilting ladies of Canada for your help during the war x

[@jayneterry8701]

Without knowing exactly who from my family helped I thank you.🥰❤ Consider practically every family in Canada 🇨🇦 had someone in their family , father , brother, uncle ( to name the m en) fighting and mostly dieing .

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I am a WW2 baby, my mother made all my clothes when I was small. She saved brown paper bags and the wraps the butchers used. We lived in Montreal, Quebec and I remember the black outs, where I was told to stay in place when the sirens went off, until all the blinds were drawn and my Mom would take me on her lap and rock me so I would not be afraid. She also knitted and did crochet. I had some truly beautiful clothes that were mostly all made by her. She also knitted slippers and tuques and made what she called « blankets », that ended up God only knows where. When my Dad came in port, he would always leave with a bunch of stuff. I got my love of sewing, knitting, macrame and crochet from her. She never used a pattern…everything came from her mind. I would be given « the catalog » and would choose a garment and she would make it for me. I always got to pick out the sugar and flour sacks and ended up wearing them….I married in 1960 and now my daughter and I are quilting. I sewed most of my life making clothes for my kids and it is nice to see the daughter following in my footsteps and in the footsteps of my mother in law who worked all summer in her garden and then canned and preserved food looking forward to the winter to make all her quilts. She work with second hand fabrics most of the time, this dear lady would quilt all winter. When I had my first child, she gave me a beautiful blue and white quilt, I treasured it and was able to hand it down to my son for his first boy. She used a lot of flannel sheets for the batting, worn flannel sheets. Those two wonderful ladies are now quilting up in heaven but I am happy that my one daughter also has the interest.

[@joannschmidt2285]

What an inspiring interview. I also have quilt tops that were donated to me from attics of past quilters. We are a small quilting group that make quilllows that we donate to local heroes, wounded warriors in hospitals through the Soldier’s Angels and servicemen and women that are Killed in action.

[@suzannestubbins]

I loved this interview. I was not aware of quilts maded by women in Canada, sending them to Britian to help during the war. I'm quite aware of the rations in Britain, and it was brutal. Well done interview 👏

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

This is such a wonderful story. Thank you both. And...I keep pointing out to my friends...that our current society in USA is lacking in pulling TOGETHER to get wonderful things done- in order to help their neighbors and others in need. Now days it seems like its just one for one. Not one for ALL. We SORELY lack a community mentality as compared to past generations. Where is the Love... I'm glad their are some people out there, that are helping to make changes. Thank you all for your service and loving hearts ♥️

[@janetuesday6473]

There are many groups in the USA who pull together in times of crisis to provide aid and comfort to those in need. Right now there are many groups of quilters sending thousands of quilts to war torn Ukraine. When tornados devastate places in the US, companies like Missouri Star Quilt Company come together to organize relief efforts. With everything else going on in the country, these generous efforts need to be brought to the forefront so that people know there are still good people out there.

[@juliatepe5760]

Amen!

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

@@janetuesday6473 Well said. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront 🌹

[@susansalo8068]

@@janetuesday6473 Gudrun Erla and Bonnie Hunter worked to raise money and created a quilt pattern for folks to make. Pat Sloan raised money for UNICEF and also had a pattern. I'm sure there are others too- giving to Lutheran World Relief and others.

[@debrawitte8391]

Hi there. I am in the usa, and I'm 70. I remember my grandmother telling me about her being part of The Gray Ladies, knitting sox and special shooting mittens for the usa soldiers. {{{Hugs}} to you all who are helping each other.

[@pattweimer9268]

I remember my G. GRANDMOTHER, "knitting for Britain", & G.G. GRANDMOTHER winding 'sterilized ', sheets into balls, ( than 'baked' in the oven). This was after the war 1948 ish. I was about 4/5. Nana taught me to knit when I was 4 ish. I'm just had 77th B.Day.

[@rhondaschellin8878]

THAT is absolutely AMAZING!! What a wonderful memory to have! I'm SO glad you shared this and passed it on! I wished my parents and grandparents had passed on more information from their past😔

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

A story that needs to be shared

[@pattweimer9268]

Thank you. I remember a small account of my G.Father's time in the trenches in France. He was 18/19. It has always stuck with me. My Grandmother told me, he never spoke of that experience with anyone else. It was horrible. Nana & Nani (her mother), had lots of family stories, crafts, skills , etc. Nana taught me how to make doll house using the cardboard insert in Shreddedwheat ceral, cotton stuffing & cotten fabruc. Also fur coats for dolls from bit of mink, fox, rabbit, etc. Also how to just layout fabric & cut, sew, ???,whatever I might think up. I never thoughtvof any of it as a special skill. She said "if it doesn't work, try something else". So I do, frequently. HA HA. Quote, Karen, just get it done. If someone complains, they can do it themsekves ir not br given another one, that's my quote.

[@janice4860]

Now why would sheets be rolled into balls and baked? TY for sharing

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

@@janice4860 stripped and made into bandages

[@jennystrahley927]

Karen you described both of my Grandmothers, right down to plucking the chickens for supper! My paternal Grandma made quilts all her life. Many were paper pieced on Sears & Roebuck catalog papers. Thanks for bringing that memory back to me. I really enjoyed your conversation with Joanna.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@mightymouse2098]

These wonderful woman deserve some honor for their work in WW2. It makes me so proud to be a Canadian. They should make a book of the patterns for all to make

[@joannadermenjian1217]

in most of the surviving quilts the patterns are just crazy blocks of scraps, but there are a few nine patch, windmills and improv strip quilts as well. I have a pattern for a Victory Quilt (lots of appliqued 'V's) and also a Victory basket pattern).

[@maureenkearns5376]

I love hearing about the history behind quilting. Thank you so much for this interview. Love you videos!! My quilting friends and I just don’t know how you come up with so many ideas for videos. But keep it up because we love them all💕💕 you have a great personality for doing videos, not everyone does, that makes them all so interesting and enjoyable to listen to and watch.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you 🤗

[@vivianchristensen9695]

Fascinating! My great-grandmother, Jennie Betzing pieced a quilt top during this time that's been passed down to me. In January of this year I started hand quilting it. It's a Grandmother's Flower Garden top and it's a wonderful privilege to complete this multi-generation project

[@carol1derful]

This was a fascinating interview and I THANK YOU both for it!! I realized that I was only sewing and quilting for my own loved ones, so a year ago, when I saw an article in the local paper asking for volunteers, I got in touch. We are women of all backgrounds who want to share our enjoyment of cutting, piecing, and laughing. We do most of our finishing at home. We make lap quilts for Veteran's homes, bibs for crisis pregnancy centers, bags to hold information for new breast cancer patients, pillows for ill children, etc. We call ourselves Hearts & Crafts. One organizer does record and photograph the finished items as a way to thank the church that donates their space to us. Does anyone know of a way to provide quilts to displaced Ukrainians?

[@rhondaschellin8878]

☀️🌺☀️🌺☀️🌺☀️ I could have listened to Joanna for an HOUR instead of a half of one! I am very interested in stories from WWII and WWI. I cannot believe it never even DAWNED on me that we (quilters) sent quilts to the war torn families during WWII! 🙄 Especially since we are all sending quilts to Ukraine! 🙄 I feel like a dunce! LOL! AND the number of quilts sent by Canada alone just boggled my mind!! I'll DEFINITELY be listening to this interview more than once to soak up all of her knowledge. There's just an abundance of interesting information! I so much enjoyed this interview and learned a LOT! Again, you shone as an interviewer with your questions, drawing Joanna out and keeping the flow of information going.😀 When I see your notifications pop up, I always say out loud (🤣) "YAY!!" Keep up the good work!! ☀️🌺😁😁🌺☀️

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Be sure to check out the podcast Haptic and Hue for more info

[@rhondaschellin8878]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Hey great!! Thank you!!

[@vickiewagner3530]

I am from Michigan. This left me watching with my mouth open and in total awe of these women. Thank you for doing the excellent interview and opening my eyes on what our neighbors have done.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Vickie 👋 how are you doing today?

[@amyreich2524]

How cool! That would be a great story--book, etc--& it's a shame that all these quilter creators are no longer able to share their experiences!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

I had a feeling that our 2020 effort, at least in the US, to make masks for hospital workers was not the first time women had stepped up to meet a need that required fabric, needle, and thread! Fascinating interview. Thank you so much, Karen, for the wonderful topics and guests you choose.

[@joannadermenjian1217]

Barbara Brackman and other independent American quilt researchers have done extensive investigation of Civil War quilts -- again, women organized themselves to provide quilts to soldiers heading off to war.

[@patcoxen6857]

I toured the English National Quilt Museum several years ago. Kaffe Fasset had a show where he had picked quilts from English history and redid them with his fabrics. A Canadian war-time quilt was there. Wool with red tarn to tie it together. That was my eye-opener to a part of our Canadian history.

[@shannonschwab3754]

SO interesting. We (in the US) have heard about Victory Gardens, never occurred to me that sewing en mass for the war would be a thing. To find one of the leather coats made for sailors in the North Sea would be a real find! Thank you, Karen, for bringing this interview. And thank you Joanna for doing the work.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Shannon 👋 how are you doing today?

[@gracepilditch9388]

This is a fascinating interview about our quilting heritage. I’ve learned so much in the first minutes which leaves me yearning for more! Will send to my quilting friends for them to enjoy. Thanks so much!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I just heard that two new quilts have been found

[@kathyjohnson1911]

Oh, those quilts!! 😍 I collect 30’s and 40’s quilts and repair them. I feel so honored to hold these quilts and see the amazing stitching, imagining the person (or person’s) who made them. My father served in WWll while my mom kept the home fires burning. I grew up listening to their stories and the music they loved. Thank you for this video!

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Kathy 👋 how are you doing today?

[@barbaraarndt4407]

This is such a topic of our own time. See the CPSA - as a German I want to state, that we are not yet finished with the last war but being confronted with the next military confrontation on the continent. Will mankind learn that we are just one folk? I keep praying for this.

[@s.wilson6770]

As a family historian/researcher I'm really grateful for this interview. It's given me new ideas for research avenues to look for information about the women in the family. Too often all one finds are dates and places, especially for women. I've used period papers quite a bit in my research but will look with fresh eyes. Thanks again to you both, from California.

[@pjinlaca5489]

So interesting. It reminds me of the quilts being done for the Ukrainian people. And this reminds us about the importance of quilt labels. Thanks Karen!

[@jayneterry8701]

And the blocks and quilts and donations of fabric for the survivors of the residential schools ❤🇨🇦

[@denisebenedict6102]

Yes, a quilt isn’t finished until it’s labeled! Sadly, many quilts are discarded or dumped off at Goodwill, all because they weren’t labeled and didn’t mean anything to anyone.

[@jackygallon3995]

What a great interview. I did not know that Canada sent quilts over here to the UK in the war. Coincidentally I noticed that there was mention of these and a couple of pictures of Crazy Patchwork quilts in the most recent issue (issue 90) of Today's Quilter magazine in the UK.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I need to check out that article

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Hello. I had a busy day in my sewing room and now I get to watch your video. I just want you to know that I like your content. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! Thanks for sharing!

[@christinekeay8456]

Over thirty years ago a friend of mine in Maidenhead in Berkshire, England , was lucky enough to find one of these Canadian Red Cross quilts in a charity shop. They must have been so appreciated by people who were bombed out and left with nothing.

[@craftymystic4868]

The US did a massive quilt documentation efforts in the early 90’s I was a part of the Iowa Quilt Documentation project. Not sure there would be Canadian references in there, but I’m almost positive the UK did that as well, as we looked at other models for our project. tapping in to that may lead to more info. I don’t know about the rest of the Allied forces that served, and one may even look at knitting for references to quilting. Roxanne Richardson may be able to answer that question, she’s here on KZbin and has an interesting episode on Kitchener stitch and WWII. I love all this…attempts to identify all this work women did and how undervalued or under the radar they functioned, vs the sheer amount of quilts they produced.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I'll look Roxanne up

[@barbaranneboyer7997]

l wish you great success with your much awaited book...l loved your interview. The women in my family quilted through out the 1900s (Georgian Bay area Ontario) but all that's left are a few stories and nothing tangible. cheers

[@nancymacdonald8968]

So much to be thankful for this beautiful country 💓

[@deborahdavey1743]

My mother made me a quilt when I got married 43 years ago. It was handquilted by a group of women in her church. They would gather at the Church Hall for quilting bee. As it was for a double bed she used an old well washed and worn woollen blanket as the batting. It continues to keep us warm. Should have added. This group were from Fredericton Cathedral in New Brunswick. My Dad was Dean there and I got married there. I married a British Officer and we are now retired living in Jersey in the Channel Islands. UK

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you for sharing

[@janice4860]

What a wonderful story. NB is my ancestry home but now make my living just outside of Kitchener ON and, yes, I'm an amateur quilter and cross stitcher. Ty for sharing

[@joannadermenjian1217]

My grandmother and my aunt quilted at Wilmot United Church in Fredericton. My grandmother never mentioned quilting for the war effort, but I am guessing she did --she would have been the right age (born 1899) and her daughter has confirmed that she belonged to a Women's Institute at that time. As a result of Jo Andrew's podcast, Haptic and Hue, Canada's Forgotten Quilts, she has received a quilt that has a label "Canadian Red Cross - Perth Andover"

[@63Kelsey]

So proud of our Canadian Quilters.

[@colleen6960]

A beautiful story & history. Our Australian WW11 grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, girlfriends & other family members did similar work for soldiers on the front. Knitting socks, scarves, beanies etc, plus baking biscuits & other food items that would keep long enough for long journeys to the front. I believe Australian women also sent clothing & other items to GB to help support those effected by homelessness. Such great generosity & kindness humbly delivered across the globe.

[@joannadermenjian1217]

I believe you are correct. I have encountered one academic article that highlighted knitting in Australia during wartime. I am sure more investigation into primary sources (newspapers and periodicals of the time) will uncover interesting stories of charitable contributions from your country to Britain as well.

[@wendyekers7849]

I'm British and I love sewing but I've never hear that all you lovely people helping us out. Thank you all for the support and love and prayers. I want to look in to this more the history is so interesting. Where to start? Thank you again for that you have given us, and this channel is so inspiring and encouraging for me.xx

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Wendy 👋 how are you doing today?

[@wendyekers7849]

I'm trying to find more out about the wartime quilts which were sent to the UK. It's so interesting.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

@@wendyekers7849 oh really that's good, are you from the UK?

[@MsBfromtheD]

Fascinating interview. On my next visit to the UK, I’ll be on the lookout for the Red Cross quilts!

[@marilynhardman5239]

A very interesting historical quilting discussion! I’m sure men also sewed quilts then, I know my father knitted along side my mother for the war effort. They were Australian farmers. Thank you for sharing!

[@cacb24]

This is awesome……I was fascinated with the quilts that were part of the underground rail road, and now this……amazing! I had no idea about the role quilts played in WWII. Both my parents served, Dad was stationed in Tibenham, England. I had 10 uncles who served, one was KIA. So I wish you a lot of luck in your search on the history of WWII quilts! And thank you so much for bring this to quilting history !!

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Carol 👋 how are you doing today?

[@emmathompson3680]

There is a book about a quilting group during the depression in the USA farm community. It is called "The Persian Pickle Club". Persian Pickle was the name then for a fabric pattern and was much prized. It helped me see more about the farm life during that period and added to my family farm stories. Lucy Thompson

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I love the sound of Persian Pickle. I need to look that up

[@Gale4health]

Thanks for the history! I will continue to label those quilts!

[@floridastitcher1]

What a great interview. This shows our deep compassion as human beings to help others, and to help in whatever way we can. Especially at war time when we feel helpless and want to do something. I think us crafters have a strong passion to use our talents to help others.

[@julieshoup1559]

Fascinating. I was born in 1940 and remember a bit of WWII. I love to quilt. Also read about that time. Thank you for all your work on keeping quilting in that time alive.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Julie 👋 how are you doing today?

[@djeoutdoors]

This is absolutely fascinating. I never even thought about that type of history in quilt making. Thank you so much for this reveal.

[@ginabethyoung3276]

This was one of the most interesting videos yet! That is saying a lot because you have really broadened my quilting world with all your guests. I’m in the states but feel a connection because we make quilts for survivors too. I’m in a Guild and we have a Community Cares Committee which oversees the making and handles the gifting of quilts. Pat Sloan (who I watch on KZbin) also refers to the Lutheran World Relief which sends quilts World Wide. Thank you for this video and all the quilters who make quilts.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Gina 👋 how are you doing today?

[@mssixty3426]

As a history buff, this is so very interesting - an aspect of WWII that I never thought of. Thank you so much for this interview. A thought crossed my mind that possibly the guilds or women's institutes didn't preserve or archive their war efforts because once the war ended, they wanted to move on to new things and put it behind them. There must have been times when they got together to quilt that conversation was grim. It was heartening to learn that some groups continued efforts because of the needs of the survivors in those devastated countries. Another excellent interview, as always!

[@joannadermenjian1217]

The Tweedsmuir Women's Institute Scrapbooks often have a little bit of information about their wartime work, but it seems to have been quite 'matter of fact' for most of them. There isn't detail that helps us to know where their materials came from, and whether they made blocks together or separately at home, and then came together to quilt. Its the little bits of interesting information that help me pull this story together.

[@robertaluckow5928]

Great interview Karen! I am a USA citizen. Our church makes mats from plastic bags for homeless Vets first then other homeless. The mats can be washed and get the individual a bit farther off the ground. Quilts go with them .. simple patchwork mainly.

[@susansalo8068]

I'd heard about the Canadian women and their quilts on the Haptic and Hue podcast, but your interview really helped me understand what was happening. Joanna was a wonderful guest!!

[@joannadermenjian1217]

Thank you for sharing that. The story is getting bigger as my research continues, so it can't all be shared in one place or at one time. I hope others are understanding the breadth of this story, and I will continue to post articles on my website as I discover new interesting information.

[@bobleethom]

So interesting. I didn't know about Red Cross quilts in Canada. I am in the US and I know my family history of Red Cross knitting that they did.

[@joannadermenjian1217]

You might appreciate Sue Reich's book, WWII Quilts.

[@MsSherryjh]

A quick comment about woman going outsde the box. I am also in the US and I come from a large family of female knitters and crocheters. My father was an adult during WWII and he told me that his mother and my grand-aunts all knitted loads of socks (and sweaters) and the Red Cross them the directions and the needles. That they were supposed to knit with a specific size needle and pattern but they never did. He said she knit on a size 0 needle instead because, she told him, the larger gage- "Those socks would not keep feet warm!" The Red Cross never turned down what they gave to them. Let's also remember that these woman were also adults and teens during WWI and (especially in Canada) had memories of what men needed then.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Considering that the people in Europe who were NOT displaced did not have much left after the war either and were not able to help others, it is even worse for the 150 million displaced persons. So many homes were destroyed by the bombs that they were already living with 6 people in one room. They were sleeping under the dining table and on the dining table because the houses were so crowded. Even at the beginning of the war, my mother's family was already living in one room: My grandmother, my great grandmother, my mother and her sister because they were that poor. When my grandfather came home from war captivity, it was even more crowded.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Maybe I should add, that they were living in Berlin, Germany. It is a heavy burden to suspect that all of my grandparents probably voted for the nazis in the 30s. But at least my father (born in 1937) confronted his mother when he was old enough. His father was killed in the war, but on his last visit home in 1944 he said: "The revenge (of the others) will be terrible." So my grandfather had seen the crimes of the nazis and I guess he felt responsible. My maternal grandparents got divorced in the 50s and my grandfather moved to Australia. I remember my grandmother saying: "But at least Hitler had the free way built." She sounded defensive. I could not understand back then because I was only 10. But now I get that she felt kind of responsible or guilty. I know this is not the kind of family story you asked for. But I could not stop typing and now I don't want to delete it either.

[@tiffanycollier54]

This is so interesting to me! I have loved history basically all of my life! Since I have begun quilting, and finding fabric from my husband 's grandmother and recently receiving a quilt my own grandmother started before she passed; I find myself wondering about quilting during different periods of all history. And how it helped, it certainly helped me during the covid pandemic! Great interview!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I had no idea how much quilting is teaching me about history…and I love going down different rabbit holes

[@leonawardosky2814]

I’m a quilter in the U.S. This is an excellent article. I’ll be sharing it with my quilt guild. Thanks 😊

[@joane8651]

How very interesting! Thank you for doing the work, Joanna, we appreciate you!

[@joannadermenjian1217]

Thank you Joan, and to Karen for finding this story worth sharing to her expansive audience of quilters. The more this story is told, the better chance we have of uncovering more important details and assembling the 'bigger picture' of the contributions of Canadian women and children on the homefront in WWII.

[@carotrike]

Living in England, I find this really interesting! I will ask around and see if anyone has a Red Cross quilt. I know as a knitter, from the knitting podcasts I listen to, that knitters make who little teddie bears for the Mother Bear Charity, most of them go to children in war zones. The makers of the bears pay for the postage to get them to where they need to be.

[@ajamjar]

What an amazing interview, Karen. Your Quilt Circle interviews are so wonderful - thank you so much for your work. Some of the best content on KZbin - not just with a Quilting theme.

[@anne-marie5197]

This is fascinating! My dad was in the U.S. Army Air Corp in WW2 and I have studied the war itself but never thought of this aspect of it Thanks so much!!

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Anne 👋 how are you doing today?

[@lynne352]

What a great and enlightening interview Karen! It's so interesting to listen to history like this.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Lynne 👋 how are you doing today?

[@colleenarriola7063]

Quilting has been a family hobby great grandmother, grandmother and me. As I explain it to my hubby it is the process not the product that we enjoyed

[@DH-qz2so]

What a great video...very informative! So from a quilter's standpoint:: I have been in a quilt group for over 20 years. Each year, we do a Charity Quilt Project, each working on quilts for donation/giveaway , for either local or overseas needs. We do not label them, and we do not document our efforts or process.. why? Because that is not the point for us. They are not art quilts that need a story behind them, a date, a reason, or who made them/recognition. They are made in love; the joy of giving, the joy of helping...the joy of sewing is why we sew and give them away to those in need. That is just how our group rolls! and maybe answers the question about the lack of information around some older/vintage quilts... Maybe past generations felt the same way, sewn in love, for a need, utilitarian...and maybe didn't realize that generations coming after, would be so curious about them! I think questions we have with regard to past quilters, can be answered by current quilters...we all do it for the same reasons.

[@nancymacdonald8968]

Good for you for bringing this wonderful story to us....God bless your efforts

[@michellecornum5856]

This is very interesting. My grandmother had dozens of old quilts that she used to cover her garden with as the frost moved in. I once asked her where she got so many quilts, and she just shrugged and said, "They're just old blankets." She passed on more than ten years ago, and anything she knew went with her, unfortunately. I wish you all the luck in the world finding all the stories.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Maybe there are some pictures about

[@michellecornum5856]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Never thought about that! I'll have to start looking at old pictures.

[@fredataylor9843]

Very interesting. Thank you for your interview with her! I am a quilter myself so I love quilts!

[@carynturrel8208]

This is astounding! I'm so impressed. I wonder if the same response would happen today. I unfortunately am dubious about my fellow Americans stepping up but we always say Canadians are so nice. 🙂

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I think that there are plenty of efforts on the go all the time from quilts of valour to project Linus. It just not concentrated

[@joannadermenjian1217]

Search 'Bundles for Britain' - the Americans made and donated as well during the war, just perhaps not as prolifically.

[@vickiegrahamherrmann1158]

Fabulous information! Thanks for sharing with everyone.

[@maureenkomperda3421]

Really important interview Karen, thank you.

[@dmacisaac9382]

It was a convenient time for women to unwind and gossip , a latter day stitch & bitch if you will 🤣 I managed to find a stack of old quilt magazines from the 70's and 80's in Edmonton Alberta, our family has a long history of quilting in Ontario, my mother would sit underneath the quilting frame while the ladies stitched and I remember the quilting that my Great Grandmother and Grandmother did , everybody in the family was sewing in some way or another. Males and females both did their fair share of crafting in our family ❤ it's rubbed off of on me to the point where I'm currently surrounded by dresden plate , chinese lantern pattern, tumbler pattern , I'm trying to find all the old patterns I grew up with. Currently have ten patterns being cut out by myself to pass the time away 😁

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Be sure to share photos if you have any

[@wyorose5965]

What an amazing, amazing story that truly touches the heart. Silent soldier quilters that made an difference. I remember as a child sleeping under quilts from depression era quilts that were backed by flower sacks. That’s one reason why I quilt today.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Rose 👋 how are you doing today?

[@pauladimattei6434]

This was fascinating! I love listening to your. interviews as I stitch. You ask the best questions!

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

So interesting. I love history. I love to quilt. It's interesting that she has so much information

[@mariaf5474]

This is a wonderful interview to highlight how war wasn't just 'over there' and how it was supported at home. Though my historical interest is usually further back i time, this shows how communities come together for others. As a guild member and currently volunteering to manage out Community Projects, it was helpful to hear what we should keep as records. I know a lot of guild records have been discarded as 'irrelevant' and with no permanent home, they became cumbersome to move around. As our 30th anniversary is coming around, it may be an interesting project to try and do a synopsis. Thanks again for a thought provoking and 'Proud to be Canadian' interview.

[@francesgiacobbe6821]

Such a interesting video topic. Totally fascinating and I plan to watch again. Thank you so much for creating this!

[@lizagervais8621]

What a fascinating topic! Thank you for the history of quilting lesson. ❤️

[@sisiepuntil-wilcek8871]

I always love your videos and interviews. How cool for people who quilt to hear about these amazing women who quilted for a cause.

[@amandaforeman2626]

I positively love this interview ! Bless those quilters !!!!

[@karimadawood3366]

My most favorite interview.💗 Will definitely watch it again 🇨🇦💕

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello karima👋 how are you doing today?

[@margm4]

I’m wondering how many British families have these quilts and clothing, linen, clothing etc. What a brilliant war effort. 😊❤️🇦🇺

[@bevwyckoff2451]

Karen this is one of your best interviews. I adore historical fiction and appreciated all this info. Can’t wait for a book or site to read! I have all my grandmother’s hand cut cardboard patterns. But someone threw them all in a box with no references 😭 I’m sure she would have sent quilts abroad as she was very active in her community/guild. Was a weaver also and I have her loom

[@judywood4530]

Fascinating! Thank you for this interview.

[@gailgaddy5340]

Very interesting as I was not aware of this wartime project. I so hope she continues her work and documents it in a book. Thanks for a fabulous interview. Too short, I wanted more lol

[@lesleybonarius2085]

As a child (just after the war) II remember the pretty pieced top of my quilt was sewn, with blanket stitch, onto a grey army ration wool blanket.

[@memorysmaid9551]

Once again...another fascinating topic--thank you for providing this interesting interview.

[@Aberto]

Fascinating interview! Thank you for sharing this information

[@dweb9409]

What an awesome topic! So interesting to know. Thank you for sharing this. Great job.

[@karengarner2292]

Such an awesome and fascinating story! Thank you for interview!

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Karen 👋 how are you doing today?

[@barbaraimwold4352]

Thank you the interview.

[@mariawells8026]

This was extremely interesting! Thank you for the video.

[@sandramathews651]

What a fascinating and important project. My grandmother belonged to a church group that made quilts in South Louisiana. I agree the women need to document their reasons for doing such beautiful work for charity. Thank you for sharing.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Sandra 👋 how are you doing today?

[@baseballquilter8984]

Wow! What a great history lesson for us. I love learning about other origins of life. I enjoyed this very much. Thank you!

[@heatherscott3008]

Thank you so much for your work! Makes me so proud to be a Canadian.

[@janfelshaw8217]

What an interesting interview. Thank you for sharing this info.

[@nadinemerrick1255]

Loved this episode, I had no idea about WW2 quilts or Humboldt quilts, fascinating history. But then the end! the announcement of Tula Pink! can't wait!

[@jeanfletcher3223]

About 15 years ago I read about quilts, I believe made in USA during WWII that were sent to Holland. The women there had no clue what they were, so used them as mattresses for refugees.

[@joannadermenjian1217]

I think you are referring to a book called 'Passing on the Comforts' - a lovely story.

[@doreensherk287]

That was an amazing interview, a wonderful Canadian history

[@karenwhitley7211]

Fascinating interview. She needs to really get the word out about this and I bet people will come to her to tell some of the history. Karen please share this interview with your magazine, guild, fabric manufacturer contacts. This is awesome.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Karen 👋 how are you doing today?

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

Beautiful and informative interview. I would love to see more about quilting history. Thank you, Karen.

[@austinhartman819gmail.9]

Hello Valerie 👋 how are you doing today?