So what happens to all these quilts that we make? Some might wind up in a cupboard, but most go to a new home to spread the quilting joy. A few, however, stay home and brighten up bathrooms (Yes!), bedrooms and other spaces. Are they carefully curated? Or do they stay because no one else seems to love them?
We have a fair amount of art on the walls, but a few spots are reserved for my quilts. Here are the quilts currently hanging on our walls and how they got there.
Lily Rose
Lily Rose is a favorite pattern by Esther Aliu. I have made three to-date, in two different sizes. The full size (38″ x 43″) one hangs in our entryway, mounted on a curtain rod. (I love the curtain rod mount!). I use this as a seasonal hanging spot and switch it out twice a year (easy to do with the curtain rod) with another favorite pattern, On My Window Flowers Bloom.
This is the rare one that I made, loved and kept. If someone else wants my “best” quilts, I nearly always give them away. But I claimed this one and stuck to it!
And yes, there is a Lily Rose in the main floor bathroom. Sharing space with her is a panel quilt.
I like the contrast between the ornate, metallic encrusted Lily Rose and the home spun Lily Rose. It is always fascinating to switch up fabrics and thread for a spectacularly different look.
On My Window Flowers Bloom
On My Window Flowers Bloom, also an Esther Aliu pattern, is done in Northcott Stonehenge fabrics that I found on a trip to Binghamton, NY. It is hard to find Stonehenge here on the west coast, but apparently the east coast is a treasure trove of Stonehenge! I love all the color gradations in this fabric line and the texture and depth it gives appliqué projects. This was my second Esther project and the first time that I used metallic threads for appliqué and FMQ.
Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Maine
The upstairs guest bath features the Cape Neddick Lighthouse. This was made in 2017, the year before I realized my love of appliqué. (It might have been the spark!)
We drove cross country to Maine from western Washington, covering 7800 miles in a month. This was furthest point north east that we reached. I had a photo of the lighthouse and turned it into a wall hanging to celebrate our trip. Made on a vintage Bernina, I had no blanket stitch available, but muddled through with satin stitches.
Red Delicious (Deliciously Blue)
This is a variation of Esther Aliu’s Red Delicious, done in blues, which I call Deliciously Blue. I made it specifically for our new home in 2021 and it hangs in our bedroom. I look at her each night and each morning and sometimes stop to pet her. Occasionally I talk to her! And I also look at the FMQ for inspiration when pondering the quilting for a new project.
These are my “keeper” wall pieces to date. I do have a couple stairways that could support some additional ones if I get the urge to hang onto another one or two.
Happy quilting all! What’s on your wall?
Lennea
Handmade by Lennea 