Gymfest | Kelsey’s Handmade T-Shirt Quilt
The countdown is on for Gymfest in Edinburgh next month! One team member is just as excited now as she was ahead of her first display event 12 years ago.
Veteran display performer Kelsey Paterson from Enigma shared with us her love for the event and how she has kept her memories together through creative use of her t-shirt collection.
Kelsey has been a part of Enigma since the club was formed in 2011. Starting as a gymnast, she soon became involved in helping with pre-school classes. This led to her gaining a level 2 coaching qualification all while still remaining part of the display team.
Enigma’s display team has attended Gymfest many times and performs at other club display events in Scotland. The excitement to attend annually never leaves and since the pandemic it has only grown more special as Kelsey can now share the experience with a new generation joining the team.
Kelsey (far right) and Enigma teammates with Gymfest presenter Tony McNicoll
“I have only ever missed one Gymfest since starting, due to a college trip to Sweden, despite the fantastic experience I am still a wee bit gutted about missing out on a t-shirt!”
Using her crafty skills and her ever growing collection of Gymfest t-shirts she has collected every year, Kelsey created a quilt. A staggering 35 t-shirts, some using the front and back design, make up the 56 square pattern with the newest one from May 2023 making the cut.
“I was inspired to make the t-shirt quilt because I had a drawer stuffed full of mostly outgrown gymnastics t-shirts. I wanted to keep the memorabilia with the added bonus of being able to have them all on display. I enjoy a bit of sewing, including making and altering the display team costumes so I thought a quilt was the best way to go.”
Feeling inspired to take a trip down memory lane or to see the dazzling display lights for yourself? Tickets are now on sale for Gymfest taking place at Meadowbank on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November. You can also pre-order your merchandise to collect at the event – be quick, as pre-orders close on Wednesday 8 November at 5pm.