An art installation honouring all Canadians who have experienced the horrors of war continues to grow.
Since the poppy project was launched in 2016, knitters and crocheters have crafted about 2,000 poppies that now adorn a blanket. Each year, the blanket gets displayed at venues around New West around Remembrance Day.
“Many people are very touched by the display — it has a strong emotional impact. Most people, when they stop to look at it, say that it is very beautiful. That's a nice thing to hear for all those who have contributed to the display,” said Reena Meijer Drees, who helped spearhead the initiative. “I like to think that the blanket embodies all the thoughts and prayers of those who take the time to contribute a poppy.”
Here’s where you’ll be able to see the poppy blanket in the coming weeks:
- Nov. 1 to 3 — Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street (main lobby)
- Nov. 3 — In the morning, the blanket will be displayed as part of the No Stone Left Alone poppy-laying ceremony at Fraserview Cemetery, 100 Richmond St.
- Nov. 4 to 8 — Starting on the evening of Nov. 4, the blanket will be on display at the Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.
- Nov. 8 to 13 — New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue (main lobby)
Within its first two years, crafters had contributed about 1,000 handmade poppies for the blanket. Organizers haven’t been keeping track of the number of poppies on the blanket, but they estimate it’s now home to about 2,000 poppies.
“The project was frozen during COVID. We lost most of our volunteers, and we've only just started again with events to add to the collection,” said Meijer Drees. “It takes a few years to ramp up because it is so seasonal; most people don't think about Remembrance Day until the fall.”
Poppies are still being added to the original blanket that was started in 2016, but that could change in the future.
“We'd like the blanket to keep growing, and allow us to change and/or add to the display,” Meijer Drees said. “If we manage to grow the display, we could split it up and show it in more places.”
Cosy Yarns at the Quay has been hosting “contribute-a-poppy” drop-in sessions where people can make a poppy for the blanket.
In recent weeks, sessions have been held for knitters or crocheters, but a session set for Saturday, Oct. 28 is for folks who want to wet-felt a poppy. It’s taking place at Cosy Yarns in River Market on Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m.
“We are hosting a ‘no skills required’ poppy-making session, suitable for those over 12. It involves felting wool to make a sheet of felt, and then cutting and decorating (with needle and thread) the poppy,” said Meijer Drees. “It takes about 30 minutes to make a poppy. We provide all the materials. Your creation will be added to the blanket in time for this year's display.”
The red poppy is a symbol of soldiers who have died and fought in armed conflicts around the world.
Organizers of the poppy blanket estimate it takes about 10 poppies to cover a square foot.
Details about the project — and instructions for creating poppies — can be found at www.thepopppyproject.knit1take2.com.
