The idea of creating a massive quilt belongs to Australian artist Jeanette McLaughlin, who initiated this project in the early days of the full-scale invasion.
Recently, the first 600 meters of the world’s largest patchwork quilt, “Sunflower Quilt For Ukraine — Patchwork of Victory,” were unveiled near the Great Lavra Bell Tower, as reported by the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.”
The quilt, crafted by artisans from over 25 countries, has become a symbol of international support for Ukrainian soldiers and a tool for raising funds for the reconstructive surgeries of severely injured fighters.
This event was part of Ukrainian Fashion Week. It was realized in the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” with the help of various charitable foundations and organizations.
Guests of the event had the opportunity not only to see the unique quilt with their own eyes but also to contribute their symbolic patches with messages.
The concept of this massive quilt was developed by Australian artist Jeanette McLaughlin, who began the project at the start of the invasion. By the end of next summer, the quilt is expected to reach a length of 1100 meters.
If the plan is successful, the quilt will be recorded in the Book of Records of Ukraine and a submission will be made to the Guinness World Records. This entire process will be accompanied by fundraising for military needs.
In the future, these quilts will become part of international exhibitions and will later be donated to military hospitals as a symbol of support and gratitude for the defenders.
“This project is larger than a peaceful protest against the war. We understand the powerful restorative force of Patchwork emotionally, but now we want to reach out to our friends and partners in Ukraine and beyond for support in funding the reconstructive surgeries of soldiers. This is also patchwork that allows our heroes to return to life,” said Maria Nelga, head of the Ukrainian Quilter's Association.
“The artisans will continue to create the quilt until it reaches a length of 1100 meters — the distance from the beginning to the end of Khreshchatyk, so that next year it can cover the main street of Ukraine,” shared Natalia Liutikova, founder of the Charity Fund “Doctors for Heroes.” — The initiative is called “Sunflower Quilt For Ukraine — Patchwork of Victory” and aims to draw the attention of creative individuals in different countries to support Ukraine and injured soldiers, as well as to highlight the remarkable achievements of Ukrainian surgeons in reconstructive facial surgery.
An open fundraising campaign has been launched in Ukraine to support this initiative.
Alongside the project, an exhibition titled “Unyielding Patchwork” featuring works by artisans has been opened, which will run in the bell tower until September 15, daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.