The Language of Fabric and Patterns
We are all aware of the power of words and images to tell a story. Intuitively, whenever we feel the need to convey an idea or make a statement, the quickest and most efficient way to share what is on our mind, the first tools we choose are the written or spoken word and or image.
That form of communication is deliberate. You speak, write or create an image to be shared with another with the purpose and intent of sharing that information.
Quilts, and you may be surprised by this, are also a form of communication. They are a powerful storytelling tool, capable of conveying rich narratives through their patterns, colors, and construction.
The majority of quilts I have made in recent years have been baby quilts. And, it has taken me a while to figure out why I’m so drawn to these. What I have discovered is at the core, each quilt was designed and constructed as both an avenue for artistic expression and a tangible medium to convey a message to the recipient.
The fabrics, design motifs, quilt design, color selection are all driven by my perceptions of the recipient.
Here are a few favorites from my Baby Quilt Era:
No two quilts I make are alike. Each has it’s own “personality” with intent to attempt to match the recipient’s personality.
Every new baby announcement becomes an opportunity to explore my own creative spirit. I may use the same pattern (quilt #2 and quilt #5 – above – are from the same pattern) or the same fabric (quilts #2 and #3 are from the same fabric) but the end result will be OOAK (One Of A Kind) quilt created specifically for that baby.
While I’m in a “Show-and-Tell” spirit, I’ll share a few other “favorites”:
Fabric: I Believe in Angels by Bunny Hill Designs This specific fabric no longer available on her site but the fabrics you will find are nothing short of adorable!
Fabric: Laundry Basket Favorites by Edyta Sitar.
I have many more quilts from my Baby Quilt Era to Show-and-Tell – I’ll save those for another time.
Making a quilt for the sake of making a quilt does not offer the same degree of personal satisfaction as making a quilt for a specific person or group. It’s like talking to yourself – it’s something I can do but, would a conversation is usually more meaningful with another person.
Quilts Tell A Story
If you have been lucky enough to receive or be part of the creation of a Heritage Quilt, the result is probably the most meaningful way to preserve history.
Often, the fabric used to create a Heritage quilt will incorporate fabric items previously worn or used in the past.
A Heritage quilt can also be made by piecing the top using a pattern of historical significance i.e., the Nine Patch, Log Cabin, Morning Star or Bear Paw. Examples and free pattern downloads for these block patterns and SO much more (like the Mother’s Favorite Block pattern shown below) can be found on the All People Quilt (APQ) site.
A Memory quilt incorporates items such as baby clothes, a wedding dress or uniform to make the quilt top and is another great quilt idea to create a tangible connection with the past. These are probably the best examples of a quilt that tells a story.
I look forward to making one of these myself one day.
Quilt Language and Symbolism
Pattern
This is where a quilt becomes interesting.
Case and point: the Double Wedding Ring quilt , created in 1928 by a woman hearing of her husband’s idea of a double wedding ring ceremony was inspired to create this iconic quilt design.
This is not an easy pattern to piece and quilt but, for those with the time and patience, the design with the contrasting colors and circular shape is mesmerizing. The symbolism is unmistakable.
The image below is from the article, “Anatomy of a Double Wedding Ring Quilt” . This post on (Quilt Social) written by Christine Baker contains a LOT of information about the double wedding ring quilt pattern and it’s variations.
Other quilt patterns carry symbolic meanings. One of my favorites is from Sherri of A Quilting Life. Her “Log Cabin” quilt is not only stunningly beautiful, it can also symbolize home and security.
More symbolism can be found in the “Tree of Life” pattern which represents growth and continuity.
Color.
This is the element that speaks volumes. Not only in terms of hues and contrasts, but colors used in a quilt can be used to symbolize an emotion, event or theme. For some, blue symbolizes calm and tranquility, while red can represent love or passion.
The same quilt pattern can have an entirely different appearance when an entirely different fabric is used. I have a pattern and fabrics to try this out for myself. Stay tuned!
It is a quilt’s visual language that inspires every quilter you meet. Every stitch and piece of fabric incorporates a portion of our heart and soul.
If this post inspired you to make something today I’d love for you to share in the comments below!
