I started this quilt in my head when Field Study Voile first starting showing up in blogs and shops. I cut into the fabric almost as soon as it arrived. I had it laid out carefully in the old shop, keeping note of time so I could work out a reasonable price to charge when it came to selling it.
I turned out to be the only thing I had brought home that Saturday afternoon, the last day of my 3 day working week, a few days before we had the scan that told us we had lost our baby.
I had a funny kind of feeling towards this quilt after that. I felt like stitching. Sitting, processing, feeling, stitching. But I didn't feel like working. I couldn't just keep manufacturing. But if I decided to keep it for myself, I knew I was making just because. Because it helped, because it was beautiful, or fun, or quiet, or passed the time.
So I decided to keep it. I worked on the binding before I finished the quilting, and have spent the last 2 months, without pressure, just quilting it as I feel like it, and not counting the hours. And all the while in between, I've been taking it outside to read while the kids play, or folding it over the couch to display my favourite parts, letting the kids use it as a cubby house or cape, noticing new things as I quilt or sit in changing light. Enjoying it.
Keeping a quilt is so different to making them to sell.
This week, one of those times was spent cuddling Evie who was sick and sleepy. It just felt so right that this quilt that comforted me, is comforting her. Like it's weaving its colour through our joy and sorrow to become part of us.
I'm linking up to the Blogger's Quilt Festival. Welcome if you've stopped by from there!
Quilt Stats:
Size: 55" x 60"
Field Study voile and quilting cotton.
Hand quilted with Yellow Perle 8.
Jodi. xx
This is such a beautiful quilt, I'm glad you're keeping.
ReplyDeleteOh, how lovely is that last picture of you and your Evie! It brings you both comfort, just as a quilt should.
ReplyDeleteAmazing story behind this quilt Jodi, it makes it so special. Sad, yes. But also like a faithful friend. I agree with Rachel, beautiful picture :-)
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ReplyDeleteLove that last picture of you girls. So beautiful. So glad you are letting yourself enjoy and keep this quilt. It is hard sometimes to justify making for yourself, it is for me and I don't sell my sewing I only give it. It is important though to have beauty and things that bring you comfort in your life and your blessed with the ability to make these things so you should enjoy some of what you create just for you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, though such a sad story behind it. I'm glad it's brought you comfort and provided a means to heal and reflect. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteQuilts can be so healing. They're like big cosy fabric hugs.
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My entry is a Field Study triangles quilt and they would make very happy twins I think - having it in voile is just the icing on the cake - just beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is lovely and I am so glad for the comfort is has brought you and your family. Best to you.
ReplyDeleteLove your story. Very pretty, cozy quilt.:)
ReplyDeleteSo lovely, Jodi! Hope Evie is feeling better too!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt. I'm so glad you had it to work on when it was needed and now you get to see it bring that comfort to the other people you love. Thank you for sharing it all!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, and story! I am terribly sorry for your loss. I have found that quilting can be a transformative and healing process, and it sounds as though that might have been true for you and this quilt.
ReplyDeleteLovely, and thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your quilt - it is beautiful.
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