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The Tin Forest by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson September Book of the Month Quilt Contest Central Riverside Elementary School
Third and fifth grade students were given the task of drawing their dreams. Not the kind of slumber but what they wish for, what would make their world more beautiful. Just as the old man in the book wished for more beautiful surroundings and made it happen, my students wished for a variety of things that would make the world a better place.
From these sketches, the ones that most expressed this theme were chosen. The students recreated their drawings on fabric. We have wishes for a clean earth, no more murders, acing the FCAT, goldfish pets, developing a lifesaving formula and a wish to be a singer.
Animals played a major role in the book, so we incorporated an animal motif throughout the quilt, the appliqués cut and sewn by the children.
Bright, brilliant jewel tones were chosen as the color scheme of the quilt to match the progression from drab grays to glorious color in the book.
The “tin” panels, actually vinyl backsplash tiles, were used to tie in the metal junkyard pictured in the book. They lent themselves well to the quilt square requirements.
My students enthusiastically looked forward to stitching each week and we created an impromptu “sewing circle” which I hope to continue in some form as a result of this project. |
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