This has to be one of the simplest quilts I've ever made. All it is, is a heap of basic 9 patch squares, cut into 4 smaller squares, which are then rotated and mixed up to form a random looking quilt top.
One of the things that pleases me most about this quilt is that it is made entirely from stash–some black linen, two types of Japanese woven cloth, three regular printed cottons, and washed linen for the border. I can't quite believe, how, someone who hates clutter as much as I do, has become a person with this much spare stash. Could it be I'm turning into a fabric hoarder?
Fortuitously, this larger than average lap quilt, got finished just in time to hide beneath before the current cold snap set in, but I'm not getting my fair share of usage. Instead, it has been commandeered by Patrick and Willow (the cat)–the only time it has been on my lap was while I was quilting the border and adding the knots.
One of the things I love about sewing, is that it teaches you so much about life in general (Patrick thinks the same is true of football). Sometimes the lesson is about the importance of patience, or using quality materials, sometimes it's about trusting your instincts, or the value of preparation. This quilt has taught me about the danger of raising expectations. My broken 9 patch was so quick to make that it has since been suggested (several times) that a new, heavier and cosier, quilt is needed for the bed. And if looks are anything to go by, a new quilt can't come soon enough for the cat; the way she glowers at me you'd think I'd done her a great wrong, like leaving her outside all night in the freezing cold.
Elizabeth,
x.
Beautiful finish! I've found the same to be true of cats and quilts.
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty, especially the wide soft purple border, and I can relate to that great feeling of using stash. I was away from my stash for two years while we lived in Japan, where I accumulated MORE stash, and now I just want to use use use it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I like the quilting in the border so much, if I ever came to stay, I'd ask for the quilt on my lap. Poor you, Elizabeth, you urgently need to make a quilt for yourself!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt philosophy is true.
Thank you Carin. You'd have a job getting the quilt from the cat, she's very hissy and scratches anyone who invades her space–definitely not a loving lap cat.
DeleteWhat I love about this is the absolutely wonderful texture your stitching has given the border. That washed linen is beautiful.
ReplyDelete