I finished Wendy’s Migration quilt today and put it in the mail. It came out as I envisioned it. And it feels meaningful on many levels.
I never saw a quilt so clearly as I was working on it. Not in the detail, but in the structure of the design and the feeling of it.
I spent some time in Chaco Canyon in New Mexico years ago. It is the ruins of many ancient peublos and most of its history is still a mystery. I remember standing on one of the many roads at Chaco Canyon (I don’t remember which) and having the feeling that it went on forever. That’s what I was thinking of when I was creating the four arms reaching out from the center of the quilt.
The quilt represents the four directions and the interior migration that Wendy and her husband are now experiencing, after losing everything they owned the California fire, as well as the physical migration of finding a new home.
Migration will cover the bed in Wendy and her husbands “new” mobile home replacing the one that was lost in the fire.
I think that may be my favorite of your quilts. The surprise on the back just makes it even better.
Even though I made it, I was surprised to see the design on the back too when I finally got back far enough to look at it. Although when I think of it I say “of course!”
This is a beautiful quilt. I have a long family history of “southern quilters” in my family – Grandmothers, Aunts, etc. My question is how do you keep the batting from sliding down or moving around when you hang it up & before tacking it. One of my grandmothers tacked her wool quilts, but I think they were lying flat on a frame. I enjoy yours & Jon’s blog, & love your quilts. I live in Georgia. Thanks. Mary Ann
Thanks MaryAnn. The batting is held in place because when I hang it, it’s already stitched to the edge of the quilt. I don’t make my quilts in the traditional way. I sew the front, back and batting together then turn the whole thing inside in. I never learned how to quilt, this is the way I’ve always done it. I love some of the stories I’ve heard about quilt frames, how people used to pull them up to the ceiling of their one room homes.
Migration arrived home yesterday and will begin her new adventures! We, family and I , were weepy and in awe as we looked over each loving detail. My sincere and heartfelt thanks dear Maria!❤️
Oh Wendy, Thank you for letting me know. It makes me feel so good to have be able to create her for you. It was a special creative gift to me. Happy Trails!