Lynn Valley LOVE Project: community engaged art project

Hi friends and neighbours.

This project was designed in response to the tragic attack that occurred at the Lynn Valley Library in North Vancouver, BC, on March 27, 2021. A horrific event in which a young woman lost her life, and six others (5 of them woman) were injured, some with long term injuries. I’ve done a number of projects for other communities over the years. This one is personal to me as it took place a mile and a half from my home. These are my people.

For those of you that have come here via links from the library and don’t know me, a brief introduction: I am a modern quilter, designer, instructor, speaker and community project organizer. My quilt designs and community work are somewhat intertwined. They may be about bringing people together to collaborate on a healing project, providing a platform to discuss social justice issues, a fundraiser for non-profit organizations to support marginalized communities, or sometimes they’re just about things that make me happy. Either way I love what I do and am so grateful to have found a way to use my skills to work with others to bring about change. You can see my latest escapades on Instagram at @happysewlucky.

Lynn Valley LOVE Project is my latest collective healing project, and you are invited to participate! You can do so by contributing a little creativity towards the collaborative installations.

There are two ways to participate:

1. LOVE BANNERS:

This will be an installation of a collection of banners with messages of LOVE and HOPE made by members of the quilting community. (Sewing level: Intermediate. Previous quilting experience is required. These banners will be pieced using quilting techniques. )

The banners will be a similar concept to my previous projects: #ToBostonWithLove and #TorontoLoveProject however note that the dimensions will be different. If you are a quilter and you or your guild would like to get involved, awesome! You can read all the details, project specs and requirements on this post here.

2. GIANT “LOVE” X-STITCH community engaged art project:

This is designed for the general community or anyone wishing to participate.

(Sewing level: EASY – no previous experience required.)

Contributors are asked to hand stitch a felt X onto a piece of white cotton fabric, using embroidery thread and a simple running stitch, with this downloadable pattern.

These are to be dropped off / mailed to the LYNN VALLEY LIBRARY by JUNE 15 at the latest.

The blocks will then be assembled into a large “LOVE” cross stitch design which will be installed in the library breezeway.

IMPORTANT: Please watch the following video tutorial for instructions on how to make these blocks.

Here is a list of locations where you can find supplies in Vancouver and online:

FELT:

Michaels – any location (Instore & curbside pick-up)

Dollar stores

Fabric Spark (order online)

EMBROIDERY FLOSS & NEEDLES:

Michaels – any location

Stitch and Bobbin (Owned by a Lynn Valley girl now living in Gibsons, order online for speedy shipping)

WHITE QUILTING COTTON:

(Note most online stores have a 1/2 yard minimum.)

Stitch and Bobbin (Owned by a Lynn Valley girl now located in Gibsons, order online for speedy shipping)

Dressew – 337 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC

Spool of Thread – 101-649 E. 15th Ave Vancouver. (No in-store shopping. Order online for curb-side pick up)

Fabricana – 1348 United Blvd, Coquitlam, BC

FabricSpark – Toronto – order online

Mad About Patchwork – Ottawa – order online

Dinky Doo – #906 19055 Airport Way, Pitt Meadows, BC (No in-store shopping. Order online.)

DROP OFF / MAILING ADDRESS:

North Vancouver District Public Library
1277 Lynn Valley Road
North Vancouver, BC
Canada, V7J 0A2

Please write: “LYNN VALLEY LOVE PROJECT” on the back of mailed envelopes.

If you are in Vancouver: You can drop these off at the Lynn Valley Library Main main desk.

Library hours: Tues / Wed / Thurs 10am – 8pm, Fri / Sat / Sun 10am – 5pm, Monday – closed.

DEADLINE:

Blocks need to arrive at the Lynn Valley Library by: Wednesday, JULY 7, 2021.  

Please include a note with your name, IG handle (if you have one) & location. We’d also love to know the story about why you contributed if you wish to share.

SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Post a pic on Instagram or Facebook. Tag #LynnValleyLoveProject

Thank you so much for participating!

Thank you also to the project partners. We have a brilliant band of team mates that are helping to pull these two installations off. I’m so grateful to them all for their skills. Much appreciated!