Q is for Quilt...with quilt dimensions added for Genevieve

Quilting is a craft I discovered by accident. Ever since I learned to sew those many eons ago, I had done some small piecework projects but I had never made or quilted anything larger than a pillow until about 7 years ago. The cross stitch bulletin board I belong to was making squares for a quilt that was to go to a member whose son was ill. There was a fiasco (not worth going into) and we ended up having to start all over. At that point, I just wanted to make sure it got done so I had everyone send the cross stitched squares to me. I just didn't tell the ladies on the board that I had never assembled a quilted project larger than a pillow. That first quilt had a few flaws but, over all, it turned out pretty well and I was hooked.

Quilts are more than something to just keep warm with. Quilts can be true artwork. Quilts can also be an expression of love and caring. Each and every quilt I have made for my boys not only keeps them warm but reminds them how much I love them. Quilts can also be a form of remembrance. When we were mired in the hell of repeat pregnancy loss, the same lovely ladies from the cross stitch board who collaborated with me on my first quilt made me a quilt to remember the babies I had lost. Even though they said they hoped I could one day wrap a baby in it (and I did), I could never bring myself to give that quilt to Gabe because of the meaning and memories it holds for me. Every time I hold that quilt, I am reminded that I'm not the only one who remembers the babies I lost. Quilts can also be just plain old fun. With all the fabulous patterned fabrics and textures that exist, a quilt can be anything you want it to be.

*****************************

Speaking of quilts, my friend Sheila finished that gorgeous patchwork quilt she was working on. She gave me permission to show the finished product to y'all. The binding barely shows around the edges of the pic of the whole quilt but it is a satiny chocolate brown material...


54" wide x 69" longand it's backed in fleece
Both pics are clickable so you can see a larger image and the colors in these pics are a lot more true to life. Sheila promised me she would let me know how the quilt was received but it is going to be a while until we hear about the recipients reaction. Sheila is going to be out of town for the next few weeks.