Three years ago when we were in the early stages of organising the very first Yarndale festival, the team had a brain storming session to decide exactly what type of event we wanted to bring to our rural Yorkshire town. Yarn, obviously, but what else? Some words kept coming up time and again, words like Community, Inspiration, Celebration, Creativity. We wanted Yarndale to be more than just a yarn-filled retail experience (although it does make for an exceedingly fab shopping weekend it has to be said).
Although I love working with yarn and crochet, I've realised in recent times that what makes me really, really happy is the way I can help to inspire creativity in others. And it's that creativity, inspiration and sense of community that I personally wanted Yarndale to be about. Hence the 2013 bunting and the 2014 mandalas - it was all about bringing people together via crochet to celebrate yarn and colour, to enable each one of us to be a part of something really big and beautiful and visually inspirational.
So one day at the start of the summer when Sheila began to talk about crocheting some flowers to raise funds for the Alzheimers Society, I suddenly thought - yes! I can help Sheila to make her ideas a reality! I felt so inspired by her enthusiasm and her vision, and I thought the Flowers for Memories project would be a great way for us to celebrate yarn and creativity at Yarndale whilst at the same time raising money and awareness for a very good cause.
Having been through the bunting and mandala madness experience, I had a fair idea that Sheila probably wouldn't be receiving just a scant handful of flowers. I had an inkling that this call-out for yarny flora would result in a whole meadow blooming on our doorstep. I began to visualise how we would display them, what a whole crochet flower meadow would look like. And I said to Sheila - we need to colour-order the blooms. Not necessarily a rainbow as such, but the display should definitely follow some sort of colour order to create maximum impact.
The above picture shows Sheila photographing the first flowers that arrived in July. We are both part of the knit and natter group where the Yarndale idea originated, and this Summer we got to meet up in the town's museum/gallery each week, becoming a living part of the exhibition (yes, really!)
Now I want to show you something.......
....the above picture shows the flowers as Sheila laid them out for her photograph....
....and here are the exact same flowers, rearranged by me.
Go on - scroll back up and look again, look at one image and then the next....the same flowers, but what a difference it makes to order them!!
See? Do you begin to see my vision??
Day after day the flowers came, arriving from all over the world. I would collect up all the packages and take them to my studio so that each Friday, Sheila and I could open them and make a note of where the flowers had come from and who had made them. There were so many beautiful cards and letters too, memories and stories of love and loss, the devastating effects of those lost to dementia. It was quite emotional at times, but beautiful too. The flowers are soooooooo beautiful!
Two weeks before Yarndale, we were looking at seven large bags full of flowers.
One week before Yarndale, we spent five hours in my studio sorting the flowers by colour and counting them.
Sheila had received just over 5,000 flowers, made by more than 400 makers, from 23 countries around the world.
On the Monday before Yarndale, Sheila and I began the lengthy process of creating the display. We bought some hessian fabric and began to pin the flowers, arranging them in dense formation according to their colour.
The hessian panels measure 6ft x 5ft and contain hundreds of flowers pinned by two pairs of hard working hands.
By the end of that first day, we had worked solidly for seven hours and had completed 1.5 panels. Only 3.5 to go.....
On the second day, we had Carole helping us with the pinning and with three of us working and chatting we made really great progress. That afternoon we were able to move everything out of my small studio space and up to the auction mart where we could spread out a bit and listen to the amazing sound of the auctioneer conducting a massive sheep sale while we pinned away in the room next door. It was fabulous to listen to the auction, but to see the pens full of hundreds of real live sheep just days before Yarndale was kind of wonderful and terrifying all at once!
On the third day, we went to collect some large display boards that we had been able to borrow from a nearby village hall. Up until then we had been working on the fabric horizontally - I have to tell you it was a very nerve racking experience lifting those panels up for the first time to see if they would look OK and if all the flowers would actually stay in place! But oh-my-goodness - when we stood back and got our first glimpse of what we had created it was truly breathtaking. We cheered! In the above picture you can see Sheila working on the final bit of the display, it was just the best feeling when we finished all that pinning.
I'm sure many of you have already seen the finished display, either at Yarndale itself, or via the many, many photos that have been popping up all over social media. But I'm sure you won't mind if I share some more photos?
Feast your eyes....................................
........WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We created five panels in total, each one measuring 6ft x 5ft.
The scale of the whole display was just incredible, almost too much to take in really.
But there was plenty of space to get right up close to the panels and take in the beauty of the individual flowers and all that wonderful, glorious, yarny colour.
This is my favourite section, I pinned this particular bit from white, through greens and aquas to blues and had such an amazing time immersing myself in all that colour. It was like making a work of art, it was so much fun!
The most popular flower colour was pink, in all it's many forms. The strong, deep pinks we grouped with the reds, and the rest sat next to the blues and merged with the mauves and purples.
This display of colour and creativity was everything I had imagined and a whole lot more besides.
It's hard to find the words to describe - I look at these pictures and I just want to say wow. WOW!!
Visitors to Yarndale absolutely loved what we had created and the display was an incredibly popular part of the festival. And rightly so - how can you not be bowled over by this sight?!
The original idea had been to sell the flowers to raise money for the Alzheimers Society. But in the end, nobody really wanted to break up the display, it just seemed like such a shame. So Sheila decided to listen to the thousands of visitors who begged her to keep the display intact, and instead she asked for a small donation to be made in exchange for the opportunity to take photographs. This kept everyone happy (most especially Sheila who had been really fretting about how exactly to go about selling the flowers).
The total sum raised during the two days was a truly spectacular £1811.80, which has been donated directly to the Alzheimers Society.
Sheila herself is completely thrilled with the whole thing, I don't think she's come down from her rainbow cloud yet! She is now investigating ways to exhibit them at other places to raise even more money, honestly, there is no stopping this amazing lady. We love that this will be an ongoing project doing lots of good for charity as well as celebrating the talent and creativity of the yarny community.
Sheila would like to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to everybody who made and sent flowers for this projec. And thank you also to everyone who donated money during the Yarndale weekend, you have made us all very happy up here in Yarndale Land.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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EDIT TO ADD ::
I have already replied to many of you via email after reading though the comments here, I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding - totally my fault as I really didn't explain things properly.
It was Sheila's decision to keep the display intact during the Yarndale weekend, the decision was made in direct response to overwhelming public opinion at the time. She is already investigating ways of exhibiting the flowers at other venues to raise even more funds for the Alzheimers Society, but ultimately the original idea to sell the flowers still stands. The flowers will still be offered for sale, this has not changed. But she feels she would like to try and raise as much money and awareness as she can from exhibiting them for a while longer before selling them.
Sheila is in the process of setting up a Facebook page dedicated to Flowers for Memories so that she can keep everyone up to date on progress. She has kept all the letters and cards received and has compiled them into a Memory Book which also contains a full list of every single person who made flowers, along with where they are in the world. She is doing an amazing job of maximising the potential of this project, but please remember this is a lady in her 70's and this will be an ongoing charity project for many months to come.
I also want to make it clear that the "Flowers for Memories" project is Sheila's thing, she is now the custodian of the flowers and all decisions relating to what happens to them are hers. This is not an Attic24 thing or a Yarndale thing, we have just really enjoyed helping Sheila in her fund raising quest. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed, it is honestly very very much appreciated.
I'm writing from the land of June 2016 and scanning thru the comments after seeing this lush, spectacular body of pure creativity at its finest. But wow am surprised at the "knickers in a twist" some had/have. Love grew this to a proportion that commanded other plans be made. Everyone involved on the receiving end of the thousands of flowers gave this thoughtful consideration and came up with a fitting solution. People, people.. If we can't accept this small of a change in plans that is only about creativity and caring, it's no wonder bigger issues are at such a disaster level in the world. My hope is that we're all together now on this subject nearly a year later and can immerse ourselves in the beauty of the tangible and intangibles of this amazing project of the heart. 💜
Posted by: Peaceful Artist | June 26, 2016 at 03:39 PM
you the best !
~~~~~~~~
http://www.th3games.com
Posted by: th3games | December 19, 2015 at 05:06 PM
Hello Lucy, the flower display is magical. A real work of art! I feel they should stay together and be sold at auction for this great cause. This would probably bring much more money (and is more effective) than selling them individually. I wish I had donated some flowers, I'd be so proud to be a part of this wonderful and special art installation!
Posted by: Claudia | November 12, 2015 at 05:20 PM
Wow, I went to Yarndale and somehow managed to miss these beautiful flowers... I was obviously in too much of a hurry. I never usually reply to blog posts but somehow felt the need to... I understand both points of view... some people made flowers expecting them to be sold, and then the plan changed... but I think that's life, plans change. As long as the intention is good and plans are changed for good reasons we just have to let it go. If I'd found myself in that situation I might even (rather than swearing never to bother again) do quite the opposite... make loads more flowers, perhaps even replicas of the first ones, and sell them locally for the Alzheimer's charity... why not? More flowers in the world, more money to the charity too, and fewer 'bits' to use up. I am new to crochet but I am going to learn to make flowers just so that I can do this!!
Posted by: Cathy B | November 02, 2015 at 04:21 PM
It is really nice, cute and interesting what you have done,congratulations. Your notes are very interesting, from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posted by: karina | November 01, 2015 at 02:35 AM
It looks amazing. Have you or Sheila considered contacting the Eden Project to see if they would display them and help raise funds - there's an obvious link and I believe they gave exhibition areas. My mum once embroidered a hanging of her vision of the Eden project whilst it was being built and Tim Smit happily hung it in the Lost Gardens of Helligan. Just a thought. Good luck with all the fund raising - it's such an inspiration on so many levels. Thank you.
Posted by: Clare Herbert | October 25, 2015 at 10:49 AM
I remember people complaining about the Mandalas too. Just pray for them and keep doing what you are doing. I understood from the beginning that they may or may not be sold. It only cost me around $4 to post from the United States, if I recall correctly. $4 to participate in something special and beautiful. What a bargain!
Posted by: Kristina | October 21, 2015 at 02:53 AM
Stunning! I wish I could have seen this in person! It is a work of art created not only by those who pinned the flowers (your hands must have been so sore) but by loving crocheters all over the world. I hope it raises a lot of money for your cause. Oh, I like the idea above about making and selling postcards. You could also consider making a calender, note cards, or note pads. Keep up the good work ladies!
Posted by: Kyle | October 19, 2015 at 12:32 PM
bonjour
comment vous contacter ..
Posted by: gunsel | October 17, 2015 at 01:04 PM
Beautiful job, well done Lucy! The panels make quite an impact and are truly works of art. You have inspired me (and so many others, obviously) by sharing your love of color. How wonderful that Sheila was so moved by the pleas to keep this art together to potentially inspire many more people. My husband died from this awful disease. It was heartbreaking. And my heart is sore for you from the negative comments, although proportionally few, that have posted here. Your innate goodness shines through, please don't ever change.
Posted by: Susan Carder | October 16, 2015 at 06:37 PM
You are great and Sheila also, of course. Soon I will have the time to cooperate like yoy with people who needs. A big hug from Chile
Posted by: Ana Sudy | October 15, 2015 at 09:49 PM
Oh Lucy I hope you are OK. I am so surprised at some of the comments. Remember the old saying ' You cant do right for doing wrong' and ' you cant please all the people all the time.
You have worked so hard to make Yarndale the success that it is. Please focus on the positivity that has come out of the event and the flowers and not the negatives.
Hope to see you in Coopers one day xx you have got me crocheting and it is like Nirvana to me.... x
Posted by: Catherine Maudsley | October 15, 2015 at 07:18 PM
Lucy there are no words when I saw the completed display....you just look with your mouth open...WOW indeed! I applaud you and all the others who worked so hard for Yarndale. I wish we had such an event here in my town in the U.S.A. You are truly a gift to crocheters and knitters. You do so much for our craft and in doing so it helps make crochet cool again! Just look at how you brought a connection to people all over the world with the donated flowers! And a special thanks to Shelia for her vision and desire to make a difference for those affected by Alzheimers ...no matter what her age...she is out there getting things done! Just wanted you to know how lucky the world is to have you both! Don't ever let the nay sayers stop your great work and talent!
Posted by: Robin W. | October 15, 2015 at 05:49 PM
I truly do not believe that I have ever seen anything so beautiful. Huge congratulations to everyone involved for being part of such an amazing project.
Posted by: Darcy | October 14, 2015 at 10:34 AM
Beautiful words Francesca!
I unfortunately didn't participate this year but next will surely do. Donating is always a wonderful thing but donating crochet handmade items is even better!
Posted by: Mara | October 14, 2015 at 08:27 AM
My Mom has dementia and it is a very sad thing. The flowers fill my heart with joy...the colors, the work that went into each flower, the hours that went into making the display, all of it is overwhelming. I think cards and note papers, calendars or something to that effect, could be done with pictures to generate some funds from that. I'm sure the perfect idea will surface, but it would be a shame to dismantle this "Flowers for Memories" display...it is awesome!!!
Posted by: Marylin Ollivier | October 13, 2015 at 07:42 PM
An old quote is appropriate here. " If you do a kindness wanting something in return, you are not doing a kindness, you are doing business"
Well done to Sheila for such kindness and all the people who donated a flower, in kindness, wanting nothing more than to help. It seems kindness is a concept alien to some.......
Posted by: Christina Tomlinson | October 13, 2015 at 06:17 PM
The flowers are absolutely stunning. I unfortunately had no time to make a flower this year but I made a Mandala last year. All the people complaining should just not send anything in the future. There are lots of other people out there who will crochet or knit something for the next good cause in 2016. Keep up the good work ladies.
Posted by: Lyn, Germany | October 13, 2015 at 04:09 PM
You did explain clearly Lucy!
Loved every word you wrote Francesca and Simone.
Posted by: Gingercats mum | October 13, 2015 at 02:36 PM
Remembering Memories
One gloomy day some time ago, Lucy's plea was heard loud and celear
Let's help Sheila create 'Flowers for Memories', isn't that a wonderful idea
Get out all the colourful yarns, a rainbow effect would be fun
We'll fill all those hearts with sheer happiness, in a carpet of colour and sun.
I think I can manage a dozen, with the thread that I have here to hand
Some patterns are free, not hard to find, so what's stopping me now to get on.
Such joy was felt in creating, these beautiful petals, then flowers
Why not add a little pearl bauble, in the centre to glisten and shine
A dozen created quite quickly, with just enough yarn to go round,
Didn't look much like a rainbow, so off to the shop in the town.
Purchased every hue in the spectrum, small balls of each colour was fine
Then back home again quickly, taking hook in the hand one more time.
Each spare moment available, more flowers were worked every day
Sewed pins on the back as requested, the piles and piles growing quite high.
Nearly every bit of yarn now used up, sorting the colours to find,
When counting them up there were 70, many times more than what had been planned.
Dementia is gaining ground quickly, funds are needed to fight, every day,
To protect our loved ones from the misery, of not remembering the time or 'which way'.
The flowers look truly fantastic, 5000 pinned to the wall
Let's use these to raise more awareness, of the disease that may soon get us all.
No one person can do this alone, but there is power in numbers as seen,
400 kind folk took hooks in their hands, creating this colourful scene
Which took breaths away, and caused tears to fall with happiness, sadness and joy,
So let's keep it as a reminder, of our resolve to keep Dementia away
Many thanks go to Sheila, for having this wonderful idea.
Lucy, thank you for letting us join in, and take part in the Yarndale Fair.
People of the World came together with one common aim in their minds
To fight the battle of Dementia, an Army with hooks in their hands.
Unconditional giving is wonderful, and something that should really be felt.
Giving freely is a blessing, warm satisfaction inside just melts.
The anonymous donor feels radiant, knowing good will come out of this
So when that option is spotted, grab firmly with joy and openness
With thanks for a tremendous joint effort, with so much hard work put in, to date
Let's rejoice in the love and well meaning, of our army of hookers and mates
Involved in the creation of something, that will grace walls for years to come
It is bright and vibrant, just lovely, and will go on to raise more and more funds!
Posted by: Francesca | October 13, 2015 at 12:02 PM
Wow! I'm an infrequent visitor to your lovely blog, but I'm so glad I popped in today and saw this post. How inspiring. And Sheila's idea of using the amazing displays to raise more money for the cause is inspired. I feel blessed, encouraged, and challenged - in so many ways just reading about this. :^)
Posted by: Becki | October 13, 2015 at 05:55 AM
Please ask her to make postcards it looks so amazing and she can sell them and raise more money x
Posted by: Alison | October 12, 2015 at 08:42 PM
Thanks for info, Crafty Mama. I thought my copy was late , now I realise why!
Lovely to see more supportive comments for Sheila and Lucy. How they enrich the lives of others.
Posted by: Wendy | October 12, 2015 at 08:26 PM
just found out-that there is no more simply crochet magazine-so sad
oxox crafty mema
Posted by: . | October 12, 2015 at 07:22 PM
Bonnie, that's a great idea! Certainly each panel on its own would be stunning!
Simone, I have been involved with both exhibitions and fund raising - they are a huge amount of work. My point was merely that charity fund raising and commercial events are best kept separate. I have to say I felt a little sad for Sheila, that her ideas and enthusiasm were hijacked -
Posted by: Jacky Russell | October 12, 2015 at 05:55 PM