What Is A Quilt?

 

The definition of a quilt according to the Oxford English dictionary is : A warm bed covering made of padding enclosed between layers of fabric and kept in place by lines of stitching, typically applied in a decorative design.

 

This one was made earlier this year for Hampden
 

A quilt is normally three layers of fabric sandwiched together.  This can be done using a variety of methods, from hand stitching, machine stitching, ties, buttons and embellishments.  In most cases the top is pieced using different cotton fabrics of varying shades and colours, cut in to small pieces and joined up again to make a colourful block forming shapes and patterns.  Generally these blocks are then sewn together to make the quilt top, then framed with a border.  Fabrics used originally were scraps of worn out clothing, shirts, skirts, blouses and dresses, all beyond repair but cut up and reshaped by the thrifty housewife to make a cosy blanket for the cold winter nights, before central heating!

 

As many quilters will tell you a quilt is what you make it!  Many quilters are artistic and make wall-hangings and beautiful pictures, however my quilts are not artistic and always practical. My quilts have so many uses, a quilt is a Hug in all respects, it offers comfort, warmth and memories.  (I usually can tell you where each piece of fabric was purchased, memories of outings and holidays always come to mind).

A quilt can be made for a new addition to the family whether it be a new baby or a pet!  A quilt can be a throw for over the back of the sofa to add accent colours to a newly decorated room.  A quilt is handy to have in the car for picnics.  A quilt can be a comfort for many a student, travelling abroad or leaving home to study  at university or college and to live in a new flat or halls, a small reminder of home.  A quilt can keep elderly legs free from drafts and warm the feet when circulation is not quite as it should be. As you can appreciate my quilting passion covers all ages and everyone should have one! Or two or ........?

My husband still cannot grasp the concept of buying metres of fabric, cutting it up into small pieces, then sewing them all back together.  I however find it therapeutic, challenging, fulfilling, relaxing, frustrating, enjoyable, colourful, thought provoking and fun.

I thought I would show you some of my quilts made last year and donated to the Hampden Park Quilt Project for Alzheimer Scotland.  5000 quilts covered our national stadium in June and I was honoured to have some of mine out there on the pitch to make this colourful spectacle.

 

One of the many rows of quilts on the pitch
with 7 of my quilts

 

Another three in the third row

My current project is progressing very well and I am delighted to say I have been sewing more regularly since starting this blog.  You might even see the completed quilt very soon, maybe even next week all being well,  when I will also be giving details of how you can support Marie Curie Cancer Care.  Thank you all for following.