As the hours passed I felt I need to be doing something other than sitting there, so I decided to make a quilt. It wouldn't be a quilt with a pattern, but would consist of disjointed pieces and colors - a tapestry to represent the many lives impacted by that terrible day.
My sewing area is next to the den where the television was going, I could cut and sew and still turn around to see the screen if I wanted to. But listening always, and thinking.
Not about the quilt I was making so much as about the events and how it might change all our lives. It did. Forever.
I simply began sewing. Bits and pieces were fitted together. A few pieces were trimmed from previously unused lengths of fabric, but the shapes are primarily pieces I took from the scrap bag and sewed together. On and on, larger and larger.
What I ended up is a rather dark and depressing quilt top, just as I had planned it. No cheery yellows or bright colors here to speak of. Just a patchwork that will forever remind me of that time.
I made it put it away.
But this winter I have been a quest to complete some of my many unfinished projects, so I spread the quilt out and decided it's time to make it a usable item.
I do not want to hand quilt it. Too daunting a task. Too large a quilt (king size).
I have found a lady who does commercial quilting in her home. She will do the quilting on her machine. Yesterday I purchased the batting (filling) and backing and I'm taking it to her today.
I'll be very happy to have this one project completed and it will make a cozy cover for the bed. And it will always remind me of the several days I spent making it, grieving for all the losses that day brought on all the families directly affected, upon the nation, and upon the world.
Have you ever made commemoration items to mark certain days or events?
Hello Sanda,
ReplyDeleteYour patchwork quilt is so lovely.
How nice that you have someone to quilt it .
I remember that day so so well.
My sister was visiting from England. She nearly had a nervous breakdown. We were both in such shock. It had been rumored that they might attack Britain. It was a terrible time.
Very sad to remember all those lost soles.
I don't think any of us can forget that day.
I just keep photos to remember..
xxxx val
The quilting is finished. I picked it up yesterday. Must now add the binding to the edges. I will picture it soon.
DeleteSanda, that was a brilliant idea to make a quilt during those dark days. Many Australians also perished in the towers that day, and I remember it was dull and overcast here when I went to a Uni lecture - everyone was so sad and depressed. Your quilt will be very beautiful, and the commercial quilters I have used always do a very good job. I have made special occasion quilts - weddings, parent's 80th birthdays, first overseas trip, just to mention a few. I hope you will show us the completed quilt!
ReplyDeleteA trip quilt sounds like a marvelous idea! The quilting is good, not excellent. It's the cloud design, and not every cloud is consistently the same shape, but that's OK. Not really noticeable. And the price was excellent. A lady who has a quilting machine at her home. So much less expensive than the shops that do it.
DeleteIt's beautiful...glad you're finishing up some projects. Maybe this will motivate me! You are so creative and do wonderful things.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's an act of desperation! Just so tired of seeing all those unfinished projects starring me in the face. I have creative spurts, but I'm not consistent......like you!!
DeleteRemembering the pictures and the news coverage which I couldn't stop listening to gave me a very clear mental picture of you sewing this quilt, I find it somehow uplifting to know you were creating something beautiful in the midst of chaos. The quilt is a treasure and I'm happy to hear you are finishing it. Waiting to see the quilt ready to use.
ReplyDeleteDarla
You said it perfectly, Darla. TRYING to create beauty in the midst of chaos. Soon on the photo of the finished deal!
DeleteA truely wonderful tribute to all those people who lost their lives.We also will never forget watching the terrible events of that day.
ReplyDeleteAnd Britain has had its share of the terrible terrorist attacks as well. So sad and useless. Our world is crazy.
DeleteSo many quilts have stories stitched into them. As it turns cold again in Tulsa, I am under a quilt made by my husband's grandmother. All the tiny hand done stitches are such a marvel.
ReplyDeleteI think the quilters of yesterday did much better quilting stitches; so tiny and even. People in too much a hurry these days. There's something so comforting about sleeping under a handmade quilt
DeleteI've never made anything to commemorate something sad. Whenever tragedies occur I just feel numb and all of my creativity and energy simply disappear. I tend to curl up on the bed with a cup of coffee or tea and read or solve sudoku puzzles.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt reminds of Picasso's Guernica: horrifying and mesmerizing at the same time.
I admit I had to look up Guernica to see your comparison. I think there is something unsettling about the mismatched pieces of shapes and colors in my quilt....as I planned it. I have to date and sign it on the back.
DeleteStarting the quilt at the time of the horrible event, was like your mental way to handle the situation. No doubt you will be reminded of the date when you see it finished.
ReplyDeleteBut as the quilt fades it´s colors, so will the horrors hopefully fade too.
Your quilt is lovely.
Very fine words to describe the making and the memory that will be associated with the quilt.
DeleteSeems like a good idea, to make something commemorative, but I'm thinking I would prefer it was to remember a happy event. I might attempt something like this in my 60th year... Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do like the idea of a birthday quilt. You could expand it to make it the story of your life, at each stage. Sounds like a fun project. You are just the perfect person to do such a work of art!! You go girl!
Delete