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Evie Harris of Napier, New Zealand

Sometimes the smallest of ideas can swell to create a wave that impacts many.  Struck by the devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand in February 2011, Evie Harris wanted to make something that she could send to comfort those left homeless or displaced. Although Evie doesn't come from a traditional quilting background, she knows that quilts are a great source of comfort. 

She began with two small, hand-stitched hearts, accompanied by a short encouraging message. Her thought was that the "love-filled" heart could be carried or pinned to a wall as a reminder that others were thinking of the recipient. Hoping that others might pick up on her idea, she began spreading the word through the internet via all the Yahoo groups that she belongs to. She also asked her friends to spread the word...and you know how much stitchers like to talk! 

Soon the hearts began to arrive. What began as a trickle became a flood. Next question: What to do with all the hearts? 

The Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, while sustaining some damage, was planning to re-open to the public on September 2, 2011. What better place to display all the hearts for the people of the area? And so, the hearts where carefully boxed and shipped from New Zealand to the museum. As a result, 4000 hearts have been displayed by color in an artful wave that flows about the exhibition area. The outpouring of love from stitchers around the world is a reminder to us all that the smallest of gestures can make a huge difference. Why not make a small heart for a friend who is going through difficult times to show how much you care?

Evie is still taking donations of hearts. If you want to learn more about this project, and to see images from the Canterbury Museum, click here.