Saturday, April 18, 2009

Online Quilt Festival

How to select a favorite quilt? Each has a story to tell, its own unique history, and represents a certain era of the quilt maker's life.  After much deliberation, I selected this one as my favorite. Technically, it isn't the most "perfect", with all seams lined up and nary a pucker. There's even 
a mistake in the pattern; but for me it symbolizes a time in my life when things were not particularly easy and I feel triumphant that I was able to create this beauty despite the hard times.


The fabric is 100% silk, only the batting and thread are cotton. The print was a gift from a dear friend- a silk kimono worn by her husband's mother in Japan. It was stained and torn and not deemed good for much, yet the intact parts of the pattern were so gorgeous I couldn't wait to use it. The remaining fabrics were purchased at a closeout sale and the back constructed from other kimono and their linings. 

I've always been interested in recycling and repurposing so this quilt has special meaning, since most of it was made from garments that would have been discarded otherwise. Life circumstances necessitated using what was on hand at the time and I was thrilled to be able to pull something like this together. Although it would never win a prize for being perfect, it reminds me that beauty is always possible no matter the circumstances.   


I'm excited to be part of this online quilt show- my very first! I have found so much inspiration in others' quilts and want to say thanks for taking a look at mine.  Here's the link back to the page that started the festival: Park CityGirl  Enjoy!

13 comments:

Zonnah said...

What a great way to reuse a kimono! You did a great job.

Kerri said...

what a great keepsake!!

Ellie said...

these are gorgeous kim!!! thanks for sharing them. :)

Jocelyn said...

Super job. Thanks for sharing.

Tina said...

I love that quilt, I loved it the first time you posted it. I remember the boat we were both in @ that time. Funny how things change...but that quilt it's still gorgeous.

Michele/TextileTraveler said...

What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing!

Amy Sp said...

That's a very interesting story! I would have never though to try silk in a quilt. Very nice!

stitchinpenny said...

This is a beautiful quilt. Ilove the silks.

SaraVictorious said...

So wonderful to see a silk quilt that isn't a crazy quilt! Your treatment makes me want to play around with some silk scraps I have! Thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

I love your quilt! Repurposed beauty :) Sewing on silks is a challenge too - great work! Thanks for sharing

Stephanie D said...

I never would have thought of making a quilt from a kimono. How creative of you!

Granny Lyn said...

How wonderful, history AND quilt,,,absolutely perfect!

Kim said...

Quilts that carry strong memories are the "best" no matter if they're ribbon worthy or not. One of the things I've most enjoyed about this quilt show is the stories behind the quilts!

I figure it will take me a couple months to get through ALL the quilts in the show :-) But that's the beauty of a virtual quilt show...we can take our time.

I've tried to win some pieces of kimono silk on ebay, but haven't been successful yet. But seeing your quilt spurs me to keep trying!