Why that design??
I guess every quilter/designer sets out to design in a certain way or in a certain style. I am probably no different in that respect. I really love for my designs and quilts to tell a story. I am going to walk you through Calvary’s Road because it is the most recent design and some may wonder why I chose the blocks I did. I design from inspiration and find that inspiration from almost anything.
For Calvary’s Road, the FB group asked for an Easter quilt, one to have complete by Easter around that theme. I decided I would go with the more historical traditional theme for the blocks rather than bunnies and eggs. Going to church each Sunday gave me that inspiration. The blocks in Calvary’s Road all have a Biblical meaning or name. The centre block, named “Crown of Thorns”, was the only one of it’s kind in the quilt, Jesus came to die once for us. These were surrounded by the Greek cross and other cross variations, representing those who were there with Him when he died. There is a narrow border around the crown and crosses aptly named “Road to Heaven”. The final themed block in this beauty is called the “Storm at Sea” block, symbolizing how our storms always have an end.
It was a matter of researching and finding Biblical Easter themed blocks first, which turned out to be easier than I expected. The harder part was colour and block placement to tell the Story of Jesus’ death beautifully. I think in choosing your colours and fabrics, some adding more storms around the corners tell your story as well. This experience has been an amazing one. For me, this was a very special quilt to both design and complete. I love everything about it, even the blank space has meaning for me.
For other designs, I try to stay in a common theme or maybe feeling I have. You can probably see my moods or emotional state in the designs. I can see how I have grown as a designer, thanks to all of you! I love to design “outside” the box. In saying that, I love symmetry and a sense of “complete”-ness, but am willing to go asymmetrical to tell the story. I am not one to use two of the same blocks side by side unless colour and depth require it. I love that each of our quilts tells YOUR story with your fabrics and colour choices.
As far as names…. that’s the hard question…. Seems as if I sit and stare out the window a lot when trying to name a quilt, but sometimes it is just there right in front of my face! I love that you just run with the names even though sometimes you may wonder “what was she thinking”? I have a few designs on the sticky notes for you (ones waiting for us to complete the ones we are working on!!)… Twinsies, Hugs & Cuddles, Picnic Party, Spinning Around, and Aroha to name a few. Each one with it’s own story to tell…
Thank you for sharing this information. I love your stories, designs, inspiration and creativity. Oh and also your enormous kindness!❤
♥️❤️♥️
This is beautiful Debi. This quilt is a wonderful testament to our Lord and Savior, telling the real story of Easter. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. ♥️
The name of this quilt really spoke to me. The road to Calvary was Jesus’ gift to us. You have told the story beautifully.
I am in awe of your loving spirit and willingness to share with and challenge us.
You are so kind and encouraging. YOU are the reason I love to share. Thank you ♥️❤️♥️
I am just about to complete Party Poppers. I have been leading my small “in house’ quilting group through this one. My first time with one of your mysteries. …their first time doing a mystery. We are all having great fun. Thank you very much.
Thank you!!! I’d love to see their pics!
I love the story, too. This is my first with you. I’m about 2 weeks behind. I’m doing a lot for my sister now. She is very ill with pulmonary fibrosis caused by an African Gray parrot. Hopefully she will get a lung transplant. Many days I only get just a few minutes to work on it.
I love that I have another sister way down in New Zealand.😊
I’m very sorry to hear of your sister. Will be thinking about and praying for you both. I deeply appreciate that you chose my design this time for your precious spare minutes to sew.
I must tell you that this message has come In a very important time in my life. My younger sister is very ill Alcoholic and heavy smoker She is in the hospital and I had to make the decision to not restart her heart if necessary. Your message was timed perfectly. Thank you for all you do for us! You are a blessing in
Many ways
I pray you find joy and peace in this very difficult heart wrenching time. I’ll be praying for you. You inspire and move me. Thank you.
Very meaningful thank you Debi.
I try to tell a story with each one, I should tell the stories more often.
Muito interessante,conhecer a história de cada um, adoro , obrigada 💖
Obrigada! Por ler e costurar comigo (hope i translated correctly!)
Thanking you for sharing Debi! Love the story!
Thank you!
Love your story and the special meanings behind the individual blocks and the complete quilt.
Thank you! I love to share, guess I should do more of it!