The making of an Heirloom

Every quilt I make has a special meaning to me.  I've often talked about this here on the blog.  My quilting designs are inspired by the world around me, good and bad.  Every quilt has a story to tell.  So when someone asks me to make quilt just for them... it can be quite the challenge.  This quilting project has been years in the making.  It's shameful that its taken so long but that's my process.  I need to be inspired.  And if it takes years then that's what it takes.   The quilt below you've seen many times over the last couple of years.  It's the third quilt I've made using men's shirts.  If your interested in reading more about them you can use the search tool in the sidebar, search Connie's shirt quilt.  It will bring up a list at the top of the blog of many posts.

A little history on this quilt before continuing.  My friend Connie made the shirt quilt blocks.  I was asked to put them into a quilt.  I wanted it special she would be happy with anything.   The center applique is my own design, representing their marriage. And the baskets, one for each member of her family.

When quilting for someone else you need to know what they want.  Well Connie gave me quilt design and quilting freedom.  You would think that would make my job easy.  NOPE.  What she really was saying is " We're friends you should know what I like".  And I think do.  She's a simple down to earth kinda gal.  The little things in life make her the happiest.  So here's what I took into consideration when designing and quilting this quilt.    

1. She's not a quilter
2. She may want to cuddle with this quilt to comfort her missing her husband
3. This quilt will become a family heirloom

Now I need to translate those 3 facts into a quilting design.

1. Not everyone likes heavy quilting, especially non quilters
2. Quilted to death doesn't cuddle and she may use it as comfort when missing her late husband
3. Pantographs and all over quilting designs don't make nice heirloom quilts.

Several design ideas and about 3 days later a design was finally marked on the quilt top.

You would think straight lines would be easy but when the fabric shifts....things won't line up!  UGGG!  Well all that's over and I'm super excited about the design and that I'm finally nearing the end of this project. Delivering these quilts to Connie will be an exciting and emotional day.

 Here's the other two quilts made with the shirts.  Both were quilted super simple. My thoughts when quilting them is they could be used as everyday couch quilts or gifts to her children.  No need for fancy quilting if it's a utility quilt.    I'll be doing machine binding on the two below and hand binding the quilt above.

So you know I love to hear feedback from my followers so here's my questions for you.  

1. When making a quilt for others do you consider their likes and dislikes or do you just pick fabrics you like and quilt what suits you.
2. Do your quilts reflect emotion?  Example...when I'm sad I tend to add more browns and blacks to my quilts.  When I'm overwhelmed by daily chores my quilt designs are simple patterns such as charm quilts with simple quilting.

Happy Stitching!

~ Lea Anne ~

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