Winter’s Comfort Quilt – wip

Phew … the September magazine is now all safely sent out – always an anxious time.  Although I’m still in the middle of listing the individual patterns and generally updating the website, I thought it would be nice to take time out to show you my new quilt project -still a wip – that will be included in the October issue (how can I possibly be thinking about October already?!)  I’ve called it “Winter’s Comfort” for two – well no – three reasons really I guess …

I’ve completely reworked seven vintage snowflake drawings, originally from Ruby McKim, a wonderful US quilter from the early 20th century.  I have changed the stitches, layout and suggested colours completely – she originally suggested a grid of 12 white snowflakes embroidered on light blue fabric – possibly gingham, I’m not quite sure – with white thread and completely different stitches.  I chose my favourite vintage linen, and dark blue floss, then added tiny mother of pearl buttons so the snowflakes would sparkle, just a little, as though they were frosty.

Hopefully this should be quite effective as I’m planning to use my quilt to snuggle under on the sofa – mostly by artificial light as the evenings draw in – the first reason for the name “Winter’s Comfort”.  The second reason is quite straight-forward – I had a single charm pack of Winter’s Lane fabric left from my patchwork door curtain and the colours worked perfectly with my snowflakes.  The sashing is actually an old cotton tablecloth I discovered in a local charity shop.

And the final reason for the name?  A quote from Edith Sitwell – an early 20th century poet – which I love …..

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.”

But I can’t finish this post without showing you why I’m actually not very comfortable right now as I type!  This is because my two canine “helpers” are determined to be as close as possible to me …. 

Which means there is no room whatsoever for my feet and legs under the table, so I’m having to sit with them tucked beneath me as I type.  Not the best – and I’m getting pins and needles!  Still, I’m sure if I mention the word “T-E-A” then they’ll move pretty quickly!