Well, I finally did it! Yes, Samantha's Trek Quilt is finished!!!
It has truly been an exercise in persistence. I've never actually finished a project once it dragged on this long. If nothing else, I've learned I can do hard things, too =)
It definitely didn't turn out exactly as I imagined all those years ago, but it came close. I love the handcart and the trail. I drew the handcart out by hand on a piece of paper that I then traced onto the top and then used my walking foot to trace those lines.
My favorite part of the quilting is the path leading to the horizon. The dense pebble quilting sets off both the handcart and surrounding areas.
I've learned so much since I started this quilt, and I'm proud to say not only is it finished, but it is also beautiful. Not perfect, but full of meaning--from the event in personal and religious history that it represents, the memory of the clothing in some of the squares, the connection to family history and some of the symbolism I managed to work in. I know that Samantha will appreciate it even more as she has watched (and harassed) me every step of the way.
This has also been a testimony-building project as I've studied about the history, prayed over the project and been inspired along the way. I've travelled my own path and poured love and energy into every stitch along the way. I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity to study and ponder the motivations of my pioneer ancestors, to learn of their testimonies and trials and triumphs. I'm grateful that I took on such an epic project in all my ignorance. I'm grateful that I've come so far in so many ways in the last almost-seven years.
I've also blogged about this project before here and here. Linked up here as #58.
It definitely didn't turn out exactly as I imagined all those years ago, but it came close. I love the handcart and the trail. I drew the handcart out by hand on a piece of paper that I then traced onto the top and then used my walking foot to trace those lines.
My favorite part of the quilting is the path leading to the horizon. The dense pebble quilting sets off both the handcart and surrounding areas.
I've learned so much since I started this quilt, and I'm proud to say not only is it finished, but it is also beautiful. Not perfect, but full of meaning--from the event in personal and religious history that it represents, the memory of the clothing in some of the squares, the connection to family history and some of the symbolism I managed to work in. I know that Samantha will appreciate it even more as she has watched (and harassed) me every step of the way.
This has also been a testimony-building project as I've studied about the history, prayed over the project and been inspired along the way. I've travelled my own path and poured love and energy into every stitch along the way. I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity to study and ponder the motivations of my pioneer ancestors, to learn of their testimonies and trials and triumphs. I'm grateful that I took on such an epic project in all my ignorance. I'm grateful that I've come so far in so many ways in the last almost-seven years.
I've also blogged about this project before here and here. Linked up here as #58.
Nice job with your FMQ. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish!
ReplyDeleteIt was worth the wait. It's beautiful and has so much significance with the pattern. Congratulations on finishing the quilt.
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