I could have...

on
I could have waited for when I have more time...

I could have waited for my retirement...

I could have...

But because I could not afford to buy a quilt - I mean a beautiful handpieced and handquilted quilt- that I would have loved to have in my home, I decided, many years ago, that I would learn to quilt, that I would make my own quilts. I did start stitching samplers too! Why would limit myself to only one art form? Samplers would look nice on my walls too, wouldn't they?

I have learnt so much since that time. With each new quilt, with each new stitch, with each new fabric, there is something to learn.



It is also true with this quilt! Indeed, this time, I have learnt to do Broderie Perse but not only that! I've learnt to be patient, to enjoy every stitch. I have learnt to  try not to keep thinking about the finished quilt but just the next piece and .... without even thinking of making significant progress, just because I was just thinking of finishing the next border, the next block, it has come along nicely, quickly, magicallly.


 I am using the fabrics from the kit, which means that this quilt will not be unique...well, in fact, that is what most people think. But I completely disagree! Why is that so, you might ask? Well, this quilt is UNIQUE to ME. I may have used the same fabrics but it is pieced by my hands, each stitch bears so much than thread holding fabrics together. I holds my feelings, my thoughts and lots of meditative time in it and so much more.

Just look at the details... can you see that it's just a bit more than just stitching fabric together.



 


 



And once, the quilt top is complete, there will be the handquilting process which will turn a beautiful top into a unique quilt... to me.

So guess what?



I am happy that I have not waited to be retired to start doing something... I may not have started  anything at all  ;-)

And last but not least, quilting involves a lot of sharing time via social networks as well as in real life. It creates a kind of bond with like-minded people and it makes the world a smaller and better place :-) And just that makes me happy!

Just in case (but I doubt it) someone does know what pattern it is, this is the Di Ford Mystery Quilt that was published in Quiltmania in 2014.

Until later,

Comments

  1. bidules de daniMarch 29, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    Il est très beau ton quilt Di Ford. Moi je suis toujours à la première partie.

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  2. CarinMarch 29, 2015 at 6:28 PM

    Indeed, ... why wait for retirement when you can enjoy making it now ;-)
    Its a beautiful quilt !!

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  3. wenhkcMarch 29, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    The quilt looks so lively, with the combo of colors. I agree that it is unique to you. Hope you continue to grow and learn from the process as you hand quilt. How big will the quilt eventually be?

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    Replies
    1. DavidMarch 29, 2015 at 6:40 PM

      There are two more rows (1 1/2 inch + 5 inch) and a large border (3 3/4 inch). Once finished the quilt will be 62 1/2 x 62 1/2 (158.5 cm x 158.5 cm).
      Thank you for stopping by ;-)

      Delete
  4. GertMarch 29, 2015 at 6:32 PM

    Love your posting, and I totally agree. Making it yourself is so cool, and it looks great!

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  5. DamenanaMarch 29, 2015 at 7:45 PM

    Bravo ..tu as bien travaillé sur cet ouvrage....
    Il est splendide

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  6. DaffycatMarch 29, 2015 at 7:49 PM

    How divine it looks! I have just started learning to quilt, one day I will create something as awesome as this is!

    Lovely, lovely work here, David. Congratulations!

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  7. BéaMarch 29, 2015 at 8:00 PM

    Magnifique David, magnifique et unique XXX

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  8. Мое РукоделкиноMarch 29, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    David, your quilt looks magnificent! You are a very talented quilter! I admire your work!

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  9. AnonymousMarch 29, 2015 at 8:59 PM

    Wonderful post David and your quilt is, as always, beautiful.

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  10. Филиппова ЛарисаMarch 29, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    Очень красиво!

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  11. VickieMarch 29, 2015 at 10:09 PM

    Spectacular! You inspire me.

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  12. DiMarch 29, 2015 at 10:36 PM

    Magnifique David ! Congratulations on such beautiful work . And I agree with with all your comments . I make quilts for the absolute joy I get from making them , all the processes that create them and your hands stitching them ! May we keep stitching for all our days !

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  13. Featheronawire Sally BramaldMarch 29, 2015 at 11:23 PM

    So agree. Just wait until you start all those stars!

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  14. KoalaMarch 29, 2015 at 11:30 PM

    Amazing! Congratulations, David!!!

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  15. Paqui GalánMarch 30, 2015 at 12:37 AM

    Me encanta!!! Es un trabajo precioso <3
    Besos, Paki :)

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  16. TrinikiMarch 30, 2015 at 12:49 AM

    Cuanta razon tienes, David!
    Es un hermoso trabajo, espero verlo terminado...un saludo afectuoso.

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  17. DorothyMarch 30, 2015 at 2:24 AM

    Beautiful words. It is always the journey and the pleasure it creates.

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  18. BeccaMarch 30, 2015 at 3:14 AM

    This is the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen! A family heirloom for sure.

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  19. RaewynMarch 30, 2015 at 6:05 AM

    Your quilt is beautiful! Good on you for not waiting!

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  20. FrançoiseMarch 30, 2015 at 7:54 AM

    C'est vraiment beautiful de chez beautiful!!!!
    Félicitations!

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  21. Sue-AnneMarch 30, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    What beautiful words and your quilt is beautiful too. It doesn't matter what other ones are out there, as long as you love your quilt and the precious memories it brings.

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  22. MarieMarch 30, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Outre la joliesse et la précision de tous vos ouvrages et tout particulièrement de celui-ci, je vous remercie d'avoir su exprimer si justement pourquoi nous alignons jour après jour des milliers de petits points, sans lassitude mais au contraire avec un enthousiasme et une patience que les non-quilteurs admirent mais ne comprennent pas. Je vous remercie car votre analyse rejoint si bien la mienne que je me permettrai de l'utiliser pour me justifier auprès de ceux qui s'interrogent autour de moi.

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  23. Tilda FrankMarch 30, 2015 at 9:57 AM

    David, I think it is a Masterpiece! I'd love to learn quilting too!

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  24. Atelier Blanc nord-ouestMarch 30, 2015 at 10:28 AM

    Les travaux d'aiguilles sont une excellente source de méditation :)
    Ton ouvrage va être unique car c'est le détail qui fait la différence et sur ce point, tu es très doué. :) bonne semaine David

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  25. Penelope P.March 30, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    David, this is such an inspirational post. The quilt is wonderful, a joy to behold, but more than that it's such a metaphor for having a "live in the moment and get on with it" attitude to life! I'm forever putting things off but this is such a good example of what happens if you don't!thank you. Penny L in Dorset

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  26. Quilting MoesjeMarch 30, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    I didn't know the good English words .... to say ...

    But your story is true and ( the quilt) suprising too :o))

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  27. zaza passionMarch 30, 2015 at 2:26 PM

    Toujours aussi agréable à voir tes ouvrages progresser au fil des mois et celui est une nouvelle merveille en cours de réalisation.
    Effectivement chaque ouvrage est unique même si les tissus sont les mêmes que ceux employé par la créatrice mais chaque ouvrage à une histoire différente.......tu as si bien décrit tout cela.
    Bon petits points David.

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  28. CATHERINEMarch 30, 2015 at 5:54 PM

    un quilt d'une rare beauté !! tu vas pouvoir te surpasser maintenant pour le quilting car c'est ça qui va le rendre sublime !!

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  29. audreyMarch 30, 2015 at 10:24 PM

    Your stitching looks wonderful! Right now is always the best time to do the things we love.:)

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  30. PhyllisMarch 31, 2015 at 8:47 AM

    Your reason for starting quilting is the same as mine. Back in the late '80's I saw an old quilt in a shop, but could not afford it. I had never seen anything like it before and really wanted to have a quilt for myself. So I entered a beginner's course and a passion was born! You are right, each quilt is unique, because of its maker and any personal touches added. It is a lovely mystery, the best QM have ever done, but then you can count on Di Ford to do a wonderful job!

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  31. UnknownMarch 31, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    Je n'ai pas tout compris au niveau du texte ;-( mais les images parlent d'elles mêmes! c'est splendide, quel ouvrage!
    Bonne visite à Nantes et bonne lecture des fantaisies de Cécile F. que je découvrirai seulement quelques jours plus tard...
    Bons petits points
    Alexandra (AtelierFilles)

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  32. Jenny MApril 1, 2015 at 12:56 PM

    Wow, what an achievement. Beautiful!

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  33. nataliejoApril 1, 2015 at 1:42 PM

    Divine work ! You can be proud of yourself. Thank you for sharing :-)

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  34. siassiouApril 1, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    Votre travail est de toute beauté, comme d'habitude ! J'ai hâte de voir votre Di Ford quilté !

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  35. LorraineApril 2, 2015 at 12:45 PM

    Hello David, Found your wonderful blog on the Net via the Grow your Blog pages. Love your work, so glad you didn't wait till your retired. Signed up to follow you so will be dropping by from time to time.
    Lorraine
    AKA Monkey Business and Quilts

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  36. La fragua del patchApril 8, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    Olé!! Bravo!! It´s a pity my husband doesn´t like stiching or quilting... You´re really a gem!! Felicidades desde España. Bon travail!!

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  37. Leratdesfils April 11, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    Il est splendide !

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  38. KarolineApril 11, 2015 at 6:29 PM

    Fantastic quilt!

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  39. Tempus fugitApril 12, 2015 at 10:29 AM

    Magnifique !!! Ca va être quelque chose, la retraite ;)

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    Replies
    1. DavidApril 12, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      Merci... La retraite c'est pour dans....20 ans!!! Tu comprends donc pourquoi je n'attends pas ;-)

      Delete
  40. pamina....stitchApril 15, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    Magnifique, David ! Tu as raison, quand on ne se laisse pas "déborder" par tout ce qu'il y a encore à faire pour terminer un ouvrage, mais qu'on prend son temps pour apprécier le voyage, une étape après l'autre, même si cela est long ( je sais de quoi je parle, j'ai des en cours qui " traînent" depuis des années :-), les progrès se font sans y penser... toute une philosophie... ;-)

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  41. UnknownApril 16, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    Ton travail est magnifique David, toutes mes félicitations! Prendre le temps, c'est tellement précieux de nos jours mais c'est de cette manière que le bonheur nous attend!
    Bisous

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