A DUMBARTON charity is calling for submissions for its patchwork quilting project which aims to mark lockdown with a piece of community art.

The Skylark IX Recovery Trust – which is restoring a Dunkirk Little Ship that sank in Loch Lomond – will display the finished quilt in its space at the Denny Tank Museum in Dumbarton.

The group also plans to highlight each person who got involved with the project in an artist’s book that will be displayed next to the completed quilt.

Although the project, which launched in June, has received submissions from Helensburgh and Glasgow, the charity is looking for more local contributors.

Jade West, volunteer coordinator for the project, said: “We really wanted to do something a bit different, that was creative but inclusive of everyone.

“I love the idea of the community capturing their own stories and experiences of lockdown by turning nothing into something with some of the scraps of materials or beads and buttons we often find lying around in our homes, unloved.

“There is something exciting about giving out the motifs and waiting to see how people use their own creative flare to decorate them.

“I am truly looking forward to seeing what everyone does and I am already super impressed by the community involvement so far.

“The continued support for the project as a whole has been greatly appreciated as we have tried to stay afloat over lockdown

The charity hired Suzanne Smith, textile expert, to help guide the process. Suzanne said: “The use of recycled materials to create this unique community artwork ties in with the ‘make do and mend’ values of the World War Two and of course the environmental issues we are all aware of today.”

The group has designed the quilt already and it is made up of 50 individual motifs that are sent out via email or the post.

Contributors can request one by emailing skylarkinfo@alterntiveswd.org or calling 01389 734500 and asking for the Skylark project.

The wider community is also invited to support the project by donating materials such as pillowcases, sheets, old clothing, small fabric offcuts, embroidery threads, sewing threads, small beads, sequins, ribbon and embroidery needles. Please send any materials to Alternatives 1/3 Quay Street, Dumbarton G82 1LG.

The closing date to receive a motif by is July 27 and all finished pieces should be returned by August 2.