Thursday 18 February 2010

"Square One"

In my search for new challenges, experiments and growth as a quilter, I am back to where I started –“Square One”.
I was very attached to my maternal grandmother. She passed away when I was pregnant and daughter is named after her. Among the things I brought home from her house were some flannel sheets which were so typical her and that I loved. Some of them were a bit worn in the middle, so I cut them apart and pieced them back together leaving the worn parts on the sides. They were dyed in the washing machine and used on daughter’s bed for many years.

These sheets were some of the recycled material used in my first quilts. I found some of the squares (there is nothing square-like about them other than that they have four sides) the other day, and have been working with some of them. They are so incredible soft and have a lovely texture.

I added tulle from one of daughter’s favourite dresses, batting, a piece of an old duvet cover as backing, and stitched with pearl cotton leftovers from previous projects. I did not want to clean up the imperfect edges, so I added a bias binding which I attached a few mms outside the edges, folded and stitched to the back.
Being a somewhat restless soul, I have felt very grounded working on this piece. It has been a lovely trip down memory lane, and I’d like to stay there for a while.

10 comments:

  1. What a beautiful way of keeping those memories
    fresh in your heart and a way of giving them to your daughter as well. The stitch colors are marvelous.

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  2. Wonderful piece! I'm inspired by your combination of sentimental fabric to create a special memory tribute.

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  3. Your stitches are great as well as the colors you chose. I love your story. Memory lane can be a great place to visit ;-)

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  4. You tell the best stories with your work. Thank you for sharing another lovely one with us.

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  5. Nina,

    I think your quilt and this story are very touching. I worked with my mother on a quilt using my mother's aunt (who she was very close to). The quilt is hanging in my mom's house and is one of her favorites.

    If you want to see it go to:

    http://www.lujeanquilt.com/StudentGalleryDetails.aspx?ProjectStudentId=6

    While you're there I would love for you to look at the rest of the website, LujeanQuilt.com

    My mother and I started LujeanQuilt.com as a new online Quilting community and we would love to have you check it out and review it on your blog.

    WE HAVE MEMBERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING NORWAY :)

    At LujeanQuilt.com you can talk with other quilters or learn new patterns for projects and borders. The site is fun and most importantly FREE!

    We would appreciate you taking the time to give the site a look!

    This site is built on YOUR input and we look forward to hearing it!

    Have fun! Enjoy! And happy quilting!

    -Adam

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  6. absolutely lovely! thank you for sharing!

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  7. Beautiful piece. Your stitching is fantastic. What a touching story. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Nina Lisa,

    I am always amazed at how much you accomplish! What a great story. I have 2 of my Dad's shirts in my closet waiting to be put into a quilt. He passed away 19 years ago but I've just had such a hard time cutting them up.

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  9. A very beautiful way to remember an important lady in your life and different aspects of your life :)

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  10. Such a beautiful story and memories. Love your stitching!

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