with beyondblue

re-TIE-ing the Blues

involving men - "give us your tie!"

re-TIE-ing the blues was conceived when many non-artists began to express interest in participation in Senior Momentum projects.

Aware that men had not been included in previous projects either, Senior Momentum decided to make a simple patchwork textile of hexagons created from ties and began asking men, including prominent politicians, for their ties. They particularly treasured those with badges or logos of sporting clubs, community groups or other organisations.

The aim was to encourage people to get together and talk to each other - under the pretext of a community art activity. No particular sewing skills were needed, and Senior Momentum put together kits of instructions for making standard-sized hexagons. These kits were distributed to community groups and organisations, and the project was immensely popular. The CWA, quilt-making groups and many other organisations became involved and Senior Momentum was inundated with colourful hexagons.

The completed quilt, two metres square, toured Tasmania with Quilting the Blues for Mental Health Week in 2006. It now has a permanent home on display in the offices of Women Tasmania.