Word Quilts

I’m making quilts out of words. It fascinates me that the idea IS the quilt. I position the letters in a way that keeps the message hidden so the reader has to puzzle a bit. This started when wanting to personalize my niece’s quilt with her name on the back. I procrastinated making the letters, but when I finally got started I loved it. I make them without a pattern, simply eyeballing them on my gridded cutting mat.

“Appreciate Everything” is a phrase a friend of mine says who is going through tough times. She reminds me that even my ability and freedom to sit at the kitchen table and pay bills or wash dishes are moments I should appreciate and enjoy, and I wanted to create a daily reminder. My fabric choices emphasize the idea of everything, as well as my quilted circles.

“Beautiful Feet Bring Peace” was made with thoughts of a retiring pastor, based on the scripture “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace…” from Isaiah 52:7. At first I quilted only straight lines to form the peace sign, but it was hard to see. I was going to leave it with the rationale that peace is illusive, but in the end couldn’t stand it. I quilted it again in heavier thread and found the circle made it work. I did this by eye, deciding peace doesn’t mean perfection. If I use this idea again I will carefully draw curved lines before quilting.

I find phrases constantly popping into my brain now, and keep a list. Then I count letters and work out the array. This is the start of a fun journey.