Quilt by McKenzie Oliver

Fabric/Quilting
A foundation paper pieced (specialized sewing/quilting technique) anatomical heart, made into a mini quilt/wall hanging. Quilted with a puzzle piece design. The heart is made with a variety of fabrics with shades of pinks and reds, and a little pop of blue. The background color is white. The finished piece is backed with a pink novelty heart print fabric and bound with dark and light pink fabrics.

McKenzie Oliver with son
My mini quilt art piece was made in honor of my son (currently 13 years old). At age three he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and then at eight he was diagnosed with an anomalous right coronary artery. Therefore, I challenged myself to refine and improve upon my foundation paper piecing skills by sewing this heart together. For autism awareness, I decided to quilt it with a puzzle piece design. The hearts (anatomical and novelty hearts on the back) represent kindness and trust. To be a good person of character, love, and kindness, one must have a good heart (represented by a traditional heart) and trust one another. The puzzle pieces represent autism and neurodiversity, which reminds me of the importance of being inclusive. We must celebrate and embrace all of our differences.—McKenzie Oliver