CHANGE THE PATTERN: CALL MY NAME! - CAARAC

Our Call My Name panel making program ensures the stories of Black lives lost to HIV/AIDS are honored with panels on the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Through the making and display of panels this powerful program is helping ensure the Quilt reflects the epidemic's impact within marginalized and communities of color. 

Help us call the names of Black lives lost to HIV/AIDS by making a panel for the AIDS Memorial Quilt that honors, celebrates, and remembers their stories. 

WAYS TO HELP:

- Make a Quilt Panel.

- Organize/Host a Panelmaking Workshop.

- Share the Story of Loved Ones Lost.

QUESTIONS:  If you need help, feel free to reach out to Marco Mays, Director of Programs at CAARAC at programs@caarac.org.

LEARN MORE:  www.aidsmemorial.org/quilt

______

HOW TO MAKE A PANEL  f o r  t h e  A I D S  M e m o r i a l  Q u i l t.

Quilt making has such a powerful storytelling tradition and deep history in the South, particularly within the Black Community.

The Quilt is a powerful teaching tool that brings generations together to raise awareness about the ongoing epidemic, and the effect stigma and prejudice continue to have on the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS within communities of Color.

You do not need to be an artist or know how to sew to create a moving, personal tribute. Whether you choose to paint on a bed sheet or sew elaborate embroidery is up to you -- any remembrance is appropriate.

Designing A Panel

When designing a panel, remember that the Quilt will be folded and unfolded many times, so durability of design and materials used are crucial to the panel’s longevity.

Include the name of the friend or loved one you are remembering on the panel. Please note that a panel can be created to remember a group or more than one person. Feel free to include additional information such as the dates and places of birth and death.

Size and Background Material

The size of a completed panel is 3’ x 6’. Since panels are sewn together to make a 12’ x 12' sized Quilt, it is recommended to have at least 1" around the edge of the panel without any design elements like words or pictures. This will ensure that all of your design will be visible when the

panels are sewn together.  

Select durable and medium-weight non-stretch fabric for the background. Leave at least 2" of hem around the 3” x 6' panel that can be used to sew other panels to it to it to form a block of Quilt.