Last April, my friend Sylvia and I visited a lovely quilt shop in Rogers, Minnesota: Quilted Treasures. We spent a happy hour perusing all of the beautiful bolts, kits and quilts on display. I purchased several individual fat quarters by Art Gallery Fabrics, from a handful of their designers’ past collections. I chose from the heart and purchased an eclectic grouping of colors and prints . . . with absolutely no idea what I might sew with them. That pretty bundle sat patiently in my sewing room for a few months until inspiration struck. As summer gave way to fall, I designed this new quilt, which I’m calling Journeys.
When I’m sewing, I reflect a lot . . . on my quilting journey and on my life journey. Sewing seems to bring about that kind of reflection. Do you find that to be true?
During the autumn, I also seem to be more introspective, pondering the paths I’ve taken and the choices I’ve made. And then of course there’s my age. Being 50-something means I’m in a new season of my life . . . with new journeys ahead.
This Journeys quilt feels very special to me. It represents a time in my life when I’m remembering the past with fondness, but also looking ahead and feeling hopeful about the future. And as far as my quilting journey goes, I feel invigorated that this quilt represents fabric selections which aren’t my norm, but at the same time, feel very true to self.
This quilt also holds a special place in my heart because my grown-up son spent a Sunday afternoon with me, travelling local backroads, searching for brilliant fall foliage and serving as quilt holder while I took pictures. It reminded me of times we spent outdoors when he was little . . . doing those simple things that bring happiness, like riding bike, building a fort, or jumping in leaf piles.
Thank you for being a part of my quilting and life journey. I appreciate the time you take to read my blog, and the messages and finished projects you share with me through email or social media. Whatever your season or journey, I hope that Carried Away Quilting is a blessing to you.
~Taunja
Journeys Quilt:
- Finished Size: 69” x 77”
- Feature fabrics: 18 fat quarters from Art Gallery Fabrics, designers included: Sharon Holland, Bonnie Christine, Maureen Cracknell and Amy Sinibaldi. (The backing fabric was from Bonnie Christine’s Open Road collection.
- Background fabric: Moda’s Indigo Chambray
- Quilting: Woods Edge Quilting of Becker, MN
- Pattern release: sometime in 2022
I really really really love this quilt! But anything with Chambray catches my eye since my favorite color is denim. 🙂 Your color choices and combinations are wonderful too. Bookmarking this so I am reminded to make one like it soon. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks so much . . . I think denim is my favorite color too. Blue has always been my favorite color, but I shied away from it in my home for many years. I don’t know why. We should do what we love! Thanks for visiting!!
I do love seeing something new that you’ve made. I always enjoy seeing your color choices. This quilt is just beautiful. I agree with the other commenter—using blue chambray was the perfect touch for your autumn quilt.
Thank you!! I appreciate your sweet comments and the time you’ve taken to visit my blog. Have a great day!
Loved hearing about the Journey that brought you to design this quilt! Yes, I often reflect, where I started and how far I’ve come in quilting – and keep praying my little baby quilts bring comfort and blessings to those who shall receive them. Looking forward to your release of this pattern. With this lovely background – all the different prints just shine. It is a beautiful quilt, Taunja!
Thank you Sigi! You are such a difference maker! Your sewing and quilting is truly a blessing to so many others. I have no doubt that many, many babies and families feel cared for through your quilts! Have a great week and enjoy this nice weather we’re having! 🙂
Wow!! I love everything about this quilt and can hardly wait for your pattern release. In the meantime, would you share the block size of the squares and the multi-colored rectangles between the rows?
Hi Virginia! Please email and we can talk specifics! Thanks so much for your kind words!
I really like the chambray. I’m trying to make some quilts without a white/light background and this would be great.
Thank you Sue! I have really been leaning to the chambray for background lately. It’s a nice change up! I’m sure you’ll like it!
Love the blue background and the stunning Autumn scenery xxx
Thank you Glenis! I hope all is well with you!
Absolutely stunning 😍. I love your insight and the quilt reflects this introspection. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much Libby! I was afraid maybe I got a bit too “rambling” with my thoughts. Have a wonderful week!
This is a beautiful quilt. I like the blue background so much. I really need to get more adventuresome with my backgrounds. Your thoughts reflect so much how I am feeling at this stage of my life. Thank you! I look forward to the release of the pattern.
Thanks so much Jill. I’m glad to hear you connected to my post. And we probably all need to get more adventuresome with a lot of things. ha! Have a wonderful week. Hope you give a colored background a try sometime soon! 🙂
Beautiful quilt! I’ve been searching for a pattern that fits my daughter and I believe this will be it. Thus far she is a world traveler and this will be perfect! I look forward to your pattern release!
Thanks for your kind words! I hope to get to this pattern after the new year! 🙂