Why Do We Quilt?
The image above is book gifted from my husband a few years ago when it became apparent my love for quilting was more than just a passing phase. The title of Thomas Knauer’s book, gives those that have carried the question “why”, the hope that somewhere between the book’s cover and back, we will learn why we quilt. Exactly how does a quilt tell a story?
Almost two years ago I began my journey trying to develop a deeper understanding of the purpose of quilting. While the preservation of social cultures or family traditions were a common theme, the underlying purpose was, again, to tell a story.
Quilts I made for each of my granddaughter’s 16th birthday were designed and created for this purpose. Each quilt shows how a basic story line can be told in two different ways.
Same Book, Different Chapter
Revisiting the “why” we quilt theme, I published Part 1 of this series where I made another attempt to answer this question. As I wrote the article, I discovered there is no easy, simple answer. To be honest, I barely scratched the surface as the answer is almost as complex as even the simplest quilt.
Part 1 was a decent introduction to describe how basic elements such as fabric choice, block pattern design and color schemes can be used to convey a message and how those elements give symbolic meaning to a quilt.
Those elements are what I refer to as “surface” levels or layers of a quilt. The basic visuals that you see when you are simply looking at a quilt. Much like a book cover. Let me explain.
When I first entered the quilt-making world, I was drawn to attend as many quilt shows and festivals as possible in the hopes that being in the presence of experienced quilters and their awe inspiring quilts would give me a better understanding of why people quilt. However, I was only a “surface” level observer. I was too wowed by a quilt’s colors and patterns, so much that the how and what of those designs overshadowed their deeper, hidden message.
Even with my own quilts, I was not aware, until very recently, that it was that deeper layer (the one that carries a message) that was subconsciously guiding me in my quilt designs. From sewing the block units to the positioning of those blocks up on my design wall, I was in the process of telling my own story.
As quilter’s, we get so caught up in the technicalities of cutting, sewing and arranging a quilt block that we lose sight of the true meaning behind what we are creating. The process all too frequently overshadows the deeper layer of storytelling a quilt has to offer.
Beyond Color and Pattern
When I initially signed up to participate in the Fat Quarter Shop’s BOM last year, I did so primarily because I was in love with the fabric line being used (My Summer House by Bunny Hill Designs). The color palette was a soothing mix of reds, pinks, aqua and taupe that immediately evoked a sense of nostalgia. The design motifs of each fabric resonated with my love for summer cottages. However, it was the pace of the sew-along – one block each month – that became the hook that grabbed my attention. Memories of a warm, lazy summer afternoon sitting on a porch swing sipping iced tea were the memories I hoped to re-capture with this sew-along.
I’m not sure how this happened – maybe I finally gave myself permission to just let go of the process of being perfect – but as I was rounding the home stretch to complete the final block (#12) from the Designer Mystery BOM that a light came on. I began to “see” a layer that, until that moment, I did not know existed.
Each quilt block took on a life of it’s own. These blocks were more than cut pieces of fabric sewn together. The designer’s vision or message was embedded not only in the pattern design, but also in the specific fabrics – the colors and design motifs – that were chosen.
More Than a Sum of It’s Parts
Quilting, in many ways, is analogous to writing.
Think of it as writing a chapter in a book. Sashings and negative space between blocks act as spaces between words or paragraphs. These spaces create necessary pauses that allow you to absorb and reflect on what you are viewing.
Quilt blocks are chosen in the same manner as written words on a page. In writing, the writer intentionally chooses specific words to convey a message. A similar process is used in quilting. A quilter, whether consciously or not, will arrange quilt blocks in a pattern that, on the surface, “looks” visually pleasing. However, a more thoughtful look will reveal the pattern chosen was designed to subtly nudge the viewer’s eye in a certain direction. To tell a story.
To Tell a Story
This is where I’m at with this particular quilt, My Summer House. The main blocks are finished but the story will continue as I add the “finishing” blocks, the boundary, backing and binding.
I can’t wait until I have the top completely pieced and the entire quilt quilted. What I anticipate is a quilt that becomes a visual journey with each block holding a memory and a moment in time.
From Beginning to End
A quilt I recently completed primarily uses rhythm and repetition to tell it’s story. It’s a smaller quilt made from a Jolly Bar fabric cut (Bunny Hill Designs, Moda fabric) that sadly, is no longer available however, many similar designs and fabrics can be found here.
In this instance, the “story” becomes the emotion that is felt when viewing the the whole quilt bottom image below).
A close look reveals that each quilt block is the same. If colors of minimal contrast had been used, the overall effect would likely be very uninteresting = boring. However, when colors and patterns of high contrast are used (in this case blue and white) and placed in a way to pull your eye in a certain direction, the quilt takes on very different vibe. It has energy, rhythm and visual interest.
Repetition, while creating a sense of movement on it’s own has a way of creating balance and harmony. I quilt like this could actually send a message that creates a sense of comfort and familiarity. I have been known to incorporate a repeating star motif as a way to communicate hope or the presence of steady guidance through difficult times.
One Stitch at a Time
What I’ve shared with you are only four examples from my recent quilting experiences.
So, why do we quilt? The quilts we make become our storybook. We use fabric pieced into patterns to not only tell a story but shape how others “read” our story.
The next time you pull fabric or lay out blocks on your design wall, consider not just the design but the direction of the story you want to tell.
If you’ve made a quilt that tells a story, I’d love to hear about it. Share a photo or a short description in the comments.
