Aurifil Threads – Endangered Animals Subscription Series by 2 Sew Textiles
As a textile artist with a deep passion for preserving the beauty of our planet’s wildlife, it was a joy to bring the Endangered Threads series to life in 2023. This monthly foundation paper piecing project, created by Aurifil Threads in collaboration with the talented Cassandra Beaver, who designed the patterns, brought together a community of quilters who share a love for art, nature, and creativity. Each month, our subscribers received a unique pattern featuring an endangered animal, paired with a set of three 50 wt cotton threads and three solid-colored fabrics from Devonstone Fabrics.
The series has now come to an end, but the impact it has left on our community is enduring. We still have some thread sets, complete with the free pattern, available in our online shop. But today, we want to shine a spotlight on two remarkable makers who brought these patterns to life in their own unique ways.
Fiona Cassidy’s Award-Winning Quilt
One of our series subscribers, Fiona Cassidy, recently made waves at the Brisbane Royal Agricultural Show (EKKA) with her stunning quilt. Fiona’s work won Best Use of Colour and First Prize in the Non-Professional Mixed Techniques Other category—an incredible achievement! Her quilt is a testament to the power of creativity and attention to detail.
A particularly special moment in Fiona’s quilt is her rendition of the blue whale block. She took the pattern to new heights by stitching herself into the scene, swimming alongside the majestic whales. This personal touch not only showcases Fiona’s technical skills but also her deep connection to the animals she was depicting. It’s no surprise that her work stood out to the judges and viewers alike.
Pat Abbott’s Vibrant and Playful Interpretation
Another maker who has truly embraced the spirit of the Endangered Threads series is Pat Abbott. Pat’s quilted version of the series is a celebration of color and creativity. Staying true to her free-spirited style, Pat infused each block with vibrant hues that reflect her fun-loving personality. Her quilted animals are not just representations of endangered species—they are brought to life with unique colors and a joyful energy that is distinctly Pat’s own.
Pat’s approach reminds us that quilting is not just about following patterns but about expressing oneself through fabric, thread, and imagination. Her work is a beautiful example of how quilters can take a project and make it their own, adding layers of meaning and personality to each stitch.
Read more about Pat’s quilt here: http://addicted2fabric.com.au/2024/08/29/aurifil-endangered-animals-quilt-show-at-coorparoo-quilt-exhibition/
Join Us in Celebrating These Talented Makers
The Endangered Threads series was more than just a subscription—it was a community effort, bringing together quilters from all walks of life to celebrate and raise awareness for endangered species. We are so proud of the work that has come out of this series and are excited to continue supporting our community of makers.
If you missed out on the series, don’t worry! You can still get your hands on the remaining thread sets and patterns by visiting our online shop. And who knows? Maybe your next quilt will be the one that inspires and delights us all.
*note: the patterns are only available with each thread set. To get the whole quilt pattern, the full series must be purchased.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Endangered Threads series. Your creativity and passion are what make projects like this so special. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create next!