This post could have had many different titles…

“Heartfelt Up-Cycle”

“Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone”

“Quilting Brings New Friends Together”

Etc., etc., etc….

I’m sure I could go on but I will stop. This project became more meaningful for many reasons than I originally thought it would. Creating a quilt with fabrics that have a personal meaning is what I did for my friend Tony. The fabric came from dresses that belonged to his mother and grandmother and his wish was to make a quilt as a gift for his niece for her upcoming wedding. Tony had a vision of what he wanted, and he needed a pair of willing hands to execute. His vision guided this creation. Along the way I learned…A LOT! Best of all, I made a new friend.

Making this was difficult because of the variety of fabrics which included cottons, synthetics, sheers, crinoline, and knits. It was important to incorporate his vision along with my ability. I know, I know, you are looking at this and thinking, “It’s just a patchwork quilt.” However, it started with something more grand in my mind – triangles and other fancy blocks. In the end, I was fulfilling what he wanted and I learned that simple can be better. There is a lot going on with the fabrics and keeping it in squares made sense.

It was important to try to capture the essence of the dresses. This was done through layering sheers, lace and crinoline which at times was 3 layers. I liked the outcome, but most importantly, Tony liked it. Every time I make a quilt, I have doubts about something, including my own work. I try to remind myself that quilts are handmade and that the “perfection is in the imperfection”. However, the expectation was high. In hindsight, there are some things that I would have changed, but I chalk those up to the learning experience for future quilts.

THE DRESSES

Happy Quilting! ▶︎ ▶︎ ▶︎