Sisters in Fiber is a small professional group of women of Color, from the Boston, MA area, who share a passion for all things fiber. We share similar philosophies, but have very different quilting styles. We all have spent part of our professional lives in the teaching field. We approach fiber art with a goal to teach by sharing our thoughts, dreams and life experiences with the people who view our work. The Freedom Quilt Experience gave us an opportunity to work together as a group, share our expertise and learn more about each other and how we work as fabric artists. We were all touched deeply by 9/11. This experience of creating one of the quilt panels allowed us to remember those who were affected by the tragedy.

When SIF was asked to be part of the The Freedom Quilt Experience, it brought back all the suppressed feelings of shock, anger, and sorrow for those who had lost their lives in the attack on 9/11. It also brought a sense of pride in those passengers who had lessened the death toll by sacrificing their lives by crashing the plane in Pennsylvania.

This project made each of us pause and recall where we were on that life changing day. We all knew in our hearts that our lives and our country would never be the same. Those of us who were with children, that morning had a very important teaching moment forced upon us. Our explanation was the first information our students received about the event and would shape their perceptions of the event.

As we began the actual design and sewing of the Freedom Quilt banner, our thoughts focused on the goal of completing the project. When we finished the banner, we once again let ourselves think about the significance of The Freedom Quilt Experience and were happy that we have a small part in the celebration.

Participants: Michele David, Celeste Janey, Brenda Jones,
Renee Keels, Valarie Poitier , Juanita Johnson