Tay Teng Poi with a simple patchwork done by her.
MIRI: In today’s fast-paced world, it is hard to imagine anyone would still be keen on spending hours quilting fabrics like in the old days.
But two women here – Tay Teng Poi and Remy Yii – have great love for patchwork and quilting. In fact, it is more than a hobby for them – it is a part of their lives.
Tay Teng Poi, who has a small business selling sewing equipment and fabrics, told The Borneo Post that even though she sold imported, good quality fabrics, she still enjoyed turning `old stuff’, like her old jeans, into tote bags.
“Although they might not be worth much, the hard work and time taken to make them make them more precious than expensive branded bags.”
Tay turned her old jeans into beautiful yet functional tote bags.
Tay said patchwork and quilting started at a time when there was a shortage of fabrics. Scraps of fabrics were recycled into patches before they are quilted.
“While quilts like bed coverings, blankets, and curtains were said to be essential household articles back then, today they are considered expressions of joy.
“Nowadays, making them is no longer considered cheap or economical because of the increasing cost of materials, time and effort involved. But I still indulge in this art form as the beautiful and harmonious coming together of colours and designs never fail to mesmerize everyone, including those who don’t sew.”
A beautiful DIY bag on display at Tay’s shop.
Tay, who has indulged in this ‘trade’ for more than two decades, shares her joy for patchwork with her customers and friends.
“I often display my masterpieces at my shop, and curious customers often ask about its price. But I tell them they are priceless as they are my ‘babies’.
“However, I would often offer to teach them how to make one for themselves. Some of them took up my offer, and became totally hooked with patchwork.”
Seeing the interest in this field, Tay formed a small group among enthusiasts themselves to promote the craft locally.
“In countries like Japan, the US and Great Britain, patchwork and quilting are quite common, and most of the pieces made are for their own use. Ironically, the DIY (do it yourself) trend only became popular in recent years.”
A sample of Tay’s collection of mini sewing-machines.
Interestingly, sewing spawns another interest for Tay – collecting mini-figurines of traditional sewing machines.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but every time I travel abroad, I make it a point to visit gift shops to look for such figurines that are unlikely to be found in Malaysia,” she said, adding that thousands of these now adorn her house and shop.
Meanwhile, businesswoman Remy Yii said she had garnered many great friends in her journey of quilting blankets and bed covers for her family over the years.
“To be honest, conversation other than patchwork and quilting doesn’t interest me. There was once instance when I visited relatives in New Zealand. I came across an old man who was trying his hand on quilting. I took a look, sat down to correct him, and we ended up talking for hours and became friends.
“Topics on this are endless. I can talk from A to Z about the fabrics, designs, colours, the stitching methods, textures and the creativities involved in creating something new.
“To be able to share something and teach other people to make a quilt of their own really gives me a great sense of achievement and delight.”
Some of Tay’s many creations.
Besides managing her family business with her husband, Yii does find time to teach patchwork quilting to a small group of young and old.
She also conducts free workshops at Miri Palliative Care Centre.
“From those who have plenty of time on their hands to stressed-out young people, the workshops offer an outlet for them to restore balance in their lives.
“They are able to focus for an hour of two during workshop, crafting their own masterpiece.”
The completed crafts by Yii.
As quilts items have expanded to include cushion covers, make-up bags, towel hanger, wall hangings, and table runners, Yii insisted it was not difficult to produce works of art.
“It is easier than what you may imagine. The making of quilts does not require special talent or skill, just basic knowledge of sewing and, most importantly, the love and persistence to complete it.”
Though the quilting market is expanding, Yii said the ones she made was nothing like those sold in the market.
“You can throw in your own creativity, your own touch, and I guarantee you that it can never be found anywhere else other than in your own house.”
A sample of Yii’s efforts.