INNISFAIL – It was a mission and partnership of love to create something special for the Innisfail & District Historical Village.
Innisfail artist Karen Scarlett latest crochet BOMB project focuses on heritage, and there was no better place to do it with committed volunteers than at the heritage village on June 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Scarlett’s grandfather, Jack Scarlett, was one of the founders of the village and her father Edwin served as a past president.
“This project is meant to wrap the historical village in a big cozy hug,” said Scarlett.
Last year Scarlett led the Heart BOMB Project, an initiative that was seized across the world with more than 3,000 hearts created for the fences at Autumn Grove.
Following that heartwarming initiative she then launched the Poppy Project for the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104 to coincide with her legion mural project.
More than 1,800 poppies were received from around the world, and they were used to create a breathtaking poppy curtain that was displayed at the Innisfail cenotaph during Remembrance Day celebrations.
And now there is a winning trifecta of community creation with the Heritage Quilt Crochet BOMB Project.
More than 1,400 granny squares were created by at least 100 crochet enthusiasts in the community and beyond for the grand installation day on June 23.
Following the event’s official welcome from Mayor Jean Barclay and Deputy Mayor Dale Dunham, Scarlett and her team of volunteers went outside the historical village to create quilts from the granny squares by tying them securely on the north and eastside fences.
A few hours later, after lunch was served for all, there were 41 quilts created from granny squares that dazzled and waited to be admired by all.
“I think the day on a scale from one to 10 was about a 12. Everybody who came out was just happy to be here,” said Scarlett. "It's all about bringing community together and having something fun that we remember together as a team.
“And we even had people stop by who had, who had crocheted all winter to make granny squares,” said Scarlett. “They just wanted to see what it looked like. They didn't have the energy to help out but they ended up stepping forward and putting a couple wires in the fence.”
Anna Lenters, president of the Innisfail and District Historical Society, said her society was pleased to partner on the project as it was important from museum’s point of view it was “about community".
“We share a passion for art and our community and expression,” said Lenters, adding the project’s heritage theme is what the local museum is all about. “It's a natural fit, and as we've heard Karen say, she’s wrapping the museum in love, so how lucky are we?”
