Gratitude Quilt

One of my most sentimental and personal quilts I’ve ever made is this Gratitude Patchwork Quilt.

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 can be 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!