Sometimes you meet someone and feel like you've met before. That's exactly how I felt when Tracy dropped off her clothing for her memory quilt. She lives within an hour or so of my place, which meant no need for shipping and it's always a real pleasure to actually get to meet who I'll be working with online.
Once I had her fabrics on hand I was able to work away at preparing them and allowing my brain to imagine the next steps. Basic Patchworks come together quite organically as I move and piece each little item to try to create a balance of shapes, sizes, colours and textures.
With this quilt I added some Essex linen in Flax to create a bit of a cohesive feel and fill in some areas. I also used it as a sashing around the outside of the quilt (a strip of fabric that acts like a frame). I LOVE this linen/cotton blend.
Tracy opted for a queen size basic patchwork quilt and I did my best to incorporate a little bit of everything. Even a small piece of fabric can bring you back.
The blue zippered piece above still opens and closes, so can be used as a little secret storage spot or a place to exchange hidden notes back and forth. The skull was actually a baby hat that I took apart and then recreated into a flat skull that could be used on the quilt. So many little details for them to explore and reminisce about.
For the backing Tracy chose Mindful Paths from Art Gallery Fabrics (great name eh?). I'm a little in love with this fabric at the moment. It's a perfect neutral that is 100% cotton Oeko-Tex certified and has a silky feel that will be lovely to snuggle up with. We used it for the binding too and I love how it works with the quilt face.
I normally use my local fabric shops, but they didn't have enough in stock so I went a little further afield to Elegante Virgule in QC, Canada and waited eagerly for it to arrive.
Unfortunately, once it arrived, I had some issues with my long arm and it took me a few day to get the machine itself sorted out before I could get it completed. I went through every possible problem, spoke with different technicians and in the end had to reset the timing myself. It's a persnickety, fine detail process, but eventually I got it sorted. My beloved Grandma used to say I could do anything, and I hear her little voice every time I do something 'hard' or new. Thanks Grandma for believing in me <3
Once ready, I quilted an all over stippling free motion design to hold all those lovely layers together. Next I launder the quilts so they go home all crinkly, clean and ready for loving.
Neko the cat decided he wanted to help us take photos and you can see him in a few shots here. He's a pretty cool little dude.
We have a step stool and my partner in crime Mark climbs it to become my quilt holder. I really need to figure out something else though because his arms just aren't long enough for these larger quilts, you get the idea though. It's gorgeous.
Thank you Tracy for trusting me with your precious memories. I hope this quilt brings you and yours a lifetime of comfort and trips back in time.
