One of my most sentimental and personal quilts I've ever made is this Gratitude Patchwork Quilt.
First shared in 2012:
It is exciting to finally share a quilt that I made over a year ago. This is one of those quilts that has a lot of meaning behind it - it's my Gratitude Quilt and so, naturally, the week of Thanksgiving here in the states feels like the perfect time to finally share.
I made this quilt over a year ago- it's weird to work on something and not talk about it. This was my first experience making something to contribute to a book and I was so excited I was ready to burst. But away it hid from any cameras or blogs.
This quilt is based on an old signature style block, only instead of signatures, I embroidered things, people, and places that I am grateful for. The fabrics are from a Moda's reproduction collection, which suited the style of the quilt really well. I've always loved the idea of throwing teal in with traditional fall colors and I'm so happy with the result. I think it would be fun to make this pattern again out of more contemporary fabrics (maybe all solids?). I think it would be equally effective and would work perfectly for a modern look too.
I embroidered all the the words by hand onto a giant piece of solid fabric so that it would be portable. I was working on them during our road trip to Bryce Canyon last fall, furiously stitching so that I could meet my deadline. I loved choosing each of my items I'm grateful for, including the names of my family members, places I've lived, parts of my faith, and other sentimental favorites.
Then I cut up the words and created the individual blocks. See where it says tomatoes in the upper left corner?
Well in my haste, I accidentally wrote and stitched the word tomatoes twice. I didn't realize until I'd pieced the blocks and by then I was in such a hurry that I just went ahead and included it again - once in the upper left corner and the other in the lower right. I call it personality. And I guess subconsciously I'm just really grateful for tomatoes.
The pattern for this Gratitude quilt was originally found in the book Sweet Celebrations with Moda Bakeshop Chefs. It was so much fun to get to contribute to this compilation. I feel honored to have been a part of it.
I have wanted to make a Gratitude quilt for many years. I'm glad I finally had the excuse - and the deadline- to push me there. And I'm enjoying having it back at home with me this Thanksgiving.
Hope all celebrating in the states have a happy Thanksgiving. It's one of my favorite holidays. We are hosting lots of extended family members at our house tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. For one thing, it's a good incentive to clear all my sewing junk off the table. I'm not feeling too stressed thanks to the many food contributions by those who are coming and especially for my husband's desire to be in charge of the turkey. (YES!) He has been excited for weeks and takes this job very seriously. He's been preparing the brine and my house smells SO good as I sit here typing.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have since created an updated version of this quilt - and sharing the pattern which you can find here.
Bloggymom
Beautiful quilt. Love the colors and the "thankful concept".<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!!
tatiana
te felicito es hermoso
Shannon
This is really lovely. I don't usually go in for calm colors, but I love them here, and I can't get over the wonderful idea of embroidering things you're grateful for in the blocks. I've been thinking a lot about gratefulness and graciousness lately and think spending time embroidering the words must have been wonderful and meditative. I hope having a deadline didn't make
O'Quilts
Wonderful quilt, wonderful idea!! I just love it!
Dresden Quilter
What a beautiful quilt and show a fabulous way to remember everything we should be grateful for. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
NadineC
So beautiful, and love the sentiment. And, yes, tomatoes are wonderful especially when they are plucked warm off the vine in late summer...so tomatoes x two is a good thing 🙂
Jodi
Great idea for a quilt! And I also see how you make it stay put on the fence - I'm going to use that free hint! 🙂 <br />Happy Thanksgiving!
diane
This is such a great idea. I wish you would have posted it a few days ago. I think it would be wonderful to have all our family members write what they are grateful for tomorrow, on a piece of fabric, and then I could make it into a quilt. Too late to get it ready, but a good idea for next year.
Jessica Young
Love , love, LOVE this quilt! The concept, the fabrics you used, everything. What a beautiful project!!
Alisa
It's a beautiful quilt! I can totally see myself doing it with my kids. They can each take a few blocks and write the things they are thankful for. Love it!
Esch House Quilts
What a lovely idea and quilt 🙂 Congratulations!
mindingmomma
Lovely quilt! Happy Thanksgiving to you.
IzzyR
It is a wonderful quilt ! EH whats a little more tomato ? LOL Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Melissa {polkadot chair}
I absolutely adore this quilt! and I'm doubly thankful for tomatoes too!
lifeinredshoes
What a wonderful keepsake. This just went onto my top 10 list of things to make! <br />And hey, tomatoes are important 🙂
Tracee
What a gorgeous idea and such a beautiful keepsake.
vintage grey
It is so beautiful Amy!! Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving! xo Heather
Ginette
What a great pattern! I LOVE the idea behind the quilt, you have definitely inspired me to make a Gratitude quilt! My daughter would definitely agree with tomatoes being there twice!! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
linda f
Amy, <br /><br /><br />Your quilt is gorgeous! Congrats on your pattern in the new moda book.<br /><br />Have a great Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Linda
sandra
Beautiful quilt and a lovely idea, I love that you hand embroidered it. Tomatoes are my favorite too and their are no mistakes in a quilt it just shows that we are not perfect. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and all of my American friends.
Sarah Craig
Love it, Amy! Such a great idea - I can see us using this design for prayer quilts, with one-word prayers embroidered in each block - Faith, Hope, Love, Friendship, Courage, Family - you get the idea! Thanks for sharing such beautiful inspiration!!
Kristie
This is just a lovely quilt, and certainly perfect for Thanksgiving. I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend with your family!
Katy Cameron
Fab idea for a quilt, I did have a giggle when I spotted chocolate on there, and then even more at the double tomatoes!<br /><br />Hope you enjoy your holiday :o)
trish
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!<br />Your quilt is precious and so sweet that<br />you added tomatoes twice. We love them<br />fresh from the garden as well! :0)<br />I have a copy of this book and it has<br />fabulous patterns inside! :0)
Thimbleanna
I love it Amy -- It's gorgeous!!!
Big House in the Little Woods
I really like the colors in that fabric line. And I think it's absolutely brilliant that you have used signature blocks to highlight your "gratitudes."
Susan @ Blackberry Creek
I just ordered my copy. I'm going to make me a version of tour grateful quilt. Already making my list. Thanks. I love your quilt
Janis Garber
I absolutely love the colors in this quilt! Would you have the finished size?
Amy
Yes! It's 76" x 76".
Rosemaryflower
This quilt is a treasure, Amy. I love it
Amy
Thank you, Rosemary!
Mary Galea
I love this idea Amy! It lends itself to so many variations, but my imagination immediately went to a “family” quilt. My husband and me in the middle, surrounded by children, grandchildren and now, great-grandchildren. It would be easy to leave some blanks to embroider as new weddings are celebrated and as babies arrive. I just love, love, love it.
Lea
Oh Amy what a special quilt with so much meaning to it.
Barbara
I love this quilt Amy. I'm thinking of all the words to embroider on my quilt when I make one.
Hope your finger mends soon, and have a warm and cozy Thanksgiving.