Roses From The Heart

One of the most unusual exhibits at the Festival of Quilts was the Roses From The Heart project.

As I discovered the display, I was amazed to see what looked like a sea of doilies...I then realised there were hundreds of embroidered Bonnets.

Each bonnet represents a convict woman sent to Australia in the 1800's.It was a very moving sight. I felt compelled to find out more and talking to the Australian women on the stand I decided to join in the project and adopt a convict woman.
I choose Charlotte Dwyer as she was from Dublin (My maternal Grandfathers birth place)and I got all the details to make her a memorial bonnet.
All the bonnets are made of plain calico or a white fabric, I embroidered Charlotte's name and the ship's name 'Soverign 1827' on the brim.I found some of my Great Grandmothers hand made lace to use for the ties. It is now off to join all the others in Tasmania!
http://www.christinahenri.com.au/index.php?/ongoing/roses-from-the-heart/