A few weeks ago we went to a little concert at an old country house not far from here. During the interval I had a look at the pictures on the walls, and among the 17th and 18th century family portraits there was one modern piece. It was a collection of small squares, on each of which was a separate little drawing. It was a fascinating piece which I thought would translate really well to textile art, and ever since then I’ve been working on an embroidered version. From the beginning I thought that each little design should have some personal significance, so I thought of it as a memory panel, with each square holding a design that has some significance to me or to my past
I’ve digitised 20 squares so far, and although I think maybe I should do 30 squares and make it a bigger piece, I really would like to get it done in time for September’s NEOS exhibition so it will have to stay at 20 for the time being. Here are three of the small vignettes, each done to fit in the 4×4 inch hoop.
Three memories
As to the meanings – the little pot of geraniums (I know, they’re really pelargoniums) is a reminder of my volunteer work for Plant Heritage, a conservation organisation dedicated to the preservation of rare and endangered garden plants. The lovely woman who I worked for sent me a cutting of a very rare pelargonium cultivar, that had been called “Mia”, and which I’ve grown ever since, so this little embroidered pot will remind me of that.
Mia the Plant
The underwater scene will bring back memories of the many years I spent scuba diving around Britain’s coast, and the guitar is of course a reminder of my present attempts (largely unsuccessful) to master the classical guitar
The other squares will have similar nostalgic meanings for me. The only thing that worries me is being able to organise all these little vignettes into one big panel – the little squares are all of different widths so it will be a technical challenge. I fervently hope that I’ll be able to work it all out
This project is a lovely idea–I hope you will continue showing us the squares as they are embroidered. And, my, you lead an interesting life!
How clever. What a great idea to make a memory quilt for a loved one; to quilt your memories of them to be given as a wedding quilt or anniversary gift. I love it. Great job Mia.
I love how they’re coming along. You *are* doing something horsey, right?
🙂
Amazing, as always! These are beautiful. Perhaps decide on a standard block size or two, more if you’re overly ambitious, and add sashings to make each block that size. That would be visually interesting too. Also there’s “free piecing” see: Modern Patchwork Quilts: How to Free-Piece the Blocks.
You’re fantastic!
Your project is magnificent! I am thrilled to be able to see your progress. Thank you for sharing your many talents and inspirations!