At the beginning of 2022 the idea came to me for a new quilt; one for our bed - to mark twelve years of marriage. I'd long been inspired by the beautiful handmade quilts by Sara of Farm & Folk. How playfully she used natural dyed fabrics in traditional designs. So I set about creating my own star block quilt entirely out of linen scraps from my stash - all the colours I love and have used in various other projects over the years - black, blues, greys, greens, oatmeal, taupe, brown, burgundy, pinks. There would be twelve stars; one for each year of marriage. Each one different, each one a homage to the seasons of life Alex and I have journeyed together. The star blocks emerged quickly over that first summer - it was addictive to sew the triangles and piece them together on my machine. Next was the play of arranging them in different combinations until I was happy with the balance of dark and light, colour and movement. For the in-between squares I used a mix of dark blue and black linen that I had left over from sewing the Tea House Dress a few years ago and a black Ogden tank for a friend. I wasn't sure how this would work, but I knew I wanted to make the top of the quilt entirely out of fabric I already had - even if it meant a bit of creative seaming, The edging was the leftover of oatmeal hemp-linen scraps from my hinterland dress. The backing fabric I did end up buying new (on sale) from the fabric store. A glorious blue and white linen chambray which is reminiscent of a summer sky. Everything was tacked together and ready for the hand quilting - my favourite part of the process! But I just couldn't find the time or will to start it. So the quilt sat dormant for more than a year. It's curious how creative processes ebb and flow - the motivation to finish can be so much harder to muster than the initial beginning of the thing! I bought some beautiful silk-cotton thread from my local fabric shop in blue and sage green and cream - I decided to make simple lines. Once I began I couldn't stop - the process of threading those tiny, even lines was so calming. Finally I reached the last step - sewing the edge of the quilt - which I did with a simple folded edge binding and an invisible hem stitch. The completed quilt now lies on the edge of our bed, keeping our winter toes warm. It is a homage to our marriage - to the beauty and the struggle, the adventures and the seasons, the commitment to learn more about ourselves, and always - to love each other well //
4 Comments
Shara
4/7/2023 04:40:07 pm
It’s Beautiful Emily! So fulfilling to make something by hand, and especially to make use of what you already had. I am also making a quilt inspired by Sara! I started it last June to celebrate our 15th anniversary, but I’m only just over halfway done with the top. It’s a super king size!
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11/7/2023 08:25:08 pm
Hello Shara :) thanks for your kind comment. Sara's quilt are just gorgeous and timeless aren't they?. Happy anniversary to you - and your quilt sounds like the perfect way to mark all those years.
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Grace Sheehan
26/7/2023 07:44:21 am
This is incredibly beautiful Emily, what an effort! I could only dream of making something so beautiful, but I may just give it a go - I recently borrowed a wonderful library book about hand quilting that was also very inspiring! Hope you are all keeping well x
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26/7/2023 04:49:20 pm
Hello dear Grace! So nice to hear from you. I hope you are well? And the library is so wonderful for crafty inspiration isn't it? I love the old fashioned, Amish style quilts.
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ABOUT the authorEmily Clare Sims is a farmer and mama to three young boys. Each day she looks for ways to notice beauty, contemplate her faith and savour the seasons... Categories
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