Yap demonstrating her quilting process, advising the use of quality threads and fabrics to ensure lasting durability. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan
Quilting began as a practical way to repurpose leftover fabrics into multi-layered textiles for bedding, insulation, and decoration. Many may recall grandmothers or mothers stitching patchwork quilts from mismatched fabrics.
But for Janie Yap, an experienced quilter, these creations go beyond family heirlooms each piece becomes a canvas for storytelling.
While most artists create scenes with a brush and paint, she does so with needles and thread. By cleverly choosing and piecing together fabrics of different types, colours and shapes, the 78-year-old retired teacher, who lives in George Town, Penang, draws viewers into her life, travels, and experiences.
Each of her quilts is painstakingly hand-made over dozens or hundreds of hours and illustrate her mastery of various techniques from applique to embroidery.
Many pay tribute to her Malaysian and Penang roots, such as 2014’s Jom Balik Kampung which uses batik to frame the outline of a kampung house as well as a pair of roosters.
'Jom Balik Kampung' is a piece crafted with batik fabric, celebrating the simple joys and warmth of returning home. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan
My Island In The Sun, done that same year, celebrates her Peranakan heritage through motifs of a kebaya, trishaw, beaded shoes, “kamcheng” (a covered ornate jar) and even the spices used in nyonya dishes.
View From Horizon Towers from 1997 could easily be mistaken for painting, thanks to her nifty use of colour gradients to recreate the coastline, sea, sky and mountains.
Among Yap’s newer pieces, 2021’s Ode To Nutmegs highlights how a fruit is transformed into a world-famous spice, while last year’s Life Goes In Circles represent her outlook on everything.
These were among the selection of 35 quilts she is displaying at The Art Gallery in Level 4 of Bellisa Row located in Pulau Tikus for sharing sessions today and tomorrow (Sept 28 and 29).
Created in 1996, 'Japanese Girl' features cool bluish tones, evoking the feel of traditional Japanese wall hangings. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan
Titled Hanging Of The Quilts: An Afternoon Of Stories And Sharing, it will see Yap taking guests down memory lane on her 35-year journey will quilting.
“It all started when I visited the Philadelphia Museum in Pennsylvania in the United States in the late 1980s and saw a heritage quilts exhibition. Some pieces were beautiful despite being over a century old,” said Yap.
“That really piqued my interest because I didn’t have any quilts growing up. Both my grandmothers had so many children that they never had time to make quilts,” she added.
She moved to Melbourne, Australia, in 1991 to be closer to her two sons who went to boarding school. Wanting to fill her free time, she searched for classes on crafts.
'Life Goes In Circles', one of Yap’s latest pieces, showcases her stitching mastery through its intricate circular motifs. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan
Pottery was her first option but none were available in her neighbourhood. It seems pre-ordained that a local lady she spoke to, would point her to a patchwork shop instead.
“I signed up for an eight-week course and learned how to stitch by hand. I then bought a basic sewing machine for roughly AUD$500 (RM1,415 today), which I still use to this day.
“In the beginning, I was guided by patterns. But as I got better at it, my mind started to recall scenes from my travels which I knew I had to convert into quilts,” she pointed out.
Examples include 1996’s Japanese Girl with predominantly navy tones, and 2018’s Colours Of India with vibrant colours reminiscent on sarees worn by women.
For a side of adventure, Tiger’s Nest (2020) was inspired by Yap’s trek in Bhutan to the Paro Taktsang monastery on a cliffside and even has little squares on a string to represent prayer flags.
'Tiger’s Nest' is inspired by Yap’s trek in Bhutan to the Paro Taktsang monastery. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan
“When I travel and come across a place selling fabrics, I’ll always to buy pieces to put in future quilts. It’s a really therapeutic hobby and I can lose myself for hours.
“It’s also good exercise for the brain as you need to constantly think of how to make pieces better,” said Yap.
The 130-plus pieces she has completed over the years vary in size. Some are large enough to be used duvets, while others make good wall hangings.
Quilts typically has three layers – the top fabric with the motifs, insulating material known as batting, and finally the base or backing. In warm climates, makers like Yap usually forego the batting.
She also creates pieces for joyful occasions, such as 2023’s Into The Hole, an 80th birthday gift for her golf-loving husband, and Snuggle Bugs, featuring cute insect characters, which took six years to finish for her granddaughter’s 12th birthday.
'My Island In The Sun' pays homage to Yap’s Peranakan heritage, featuring motifs that highlight key elements of the culture. Photo: The Star/Jeremy Tan
She said any keen quilt maker should always go for the best fabrics and threads they can afford, as these tend to retain their colours better and would not fade or unravel over time.
Another way to keep quilts in good condition is to air them frequently. This gave rise to a tradition called “airing of the quilts” which is still practiced in some towns in western countries today.
“Whole communities would hang quilts on the balconies of their houses, shops and pubs. They are very festive occasions that even attract tourists,” said Yap of the ritual.
Those keen to learn about quilting craft can attend Janie Yap’s sessions (2.30pm) at The Art Gallery, Pulau Tikus, George Town, Penang today and tomorrow (Sept 28 and 29). Seats are limited, token fee of RM15 applies. To book, call: 012-604 1434.
