my brother's quilt...

I do believe that the reason why I like quilts is that they 'talk' to you.  Sometimes the colours and the fabrics do the talking, sometimes the stitching and the constructions, sometimes the patterns used.  Sometimes they tell us about the past, about people.  Sometimes they're well wishes for the future.  Sometimes they're dreams and hopes.

When my little brother asked me for a quilt I knew it had to say something more than 'please snuggle under me' - although that is a perfectly good excuse for a quilt in my books too!

See... he's a monk, a  Franciscan monk, and I wanted to tie together this new life of his to us, his family.  Given that St Francis turned his back to his rich lifestyle and devoted himself to a simple life  I first of all opted for a simple design, then instead of buying lots of new fabric (ah... the temptation I had to resist!!) I used old material cut from shirts and dresses. 

A  linen dress I wore when I went to see him once at college (I had just found out I was pregnant with my first child and I was dying to tell him...),  some  of my dad's shirts, and some of Mr M's ... and fabric left over from the quilts I made for the boys...

I really liked the browns and blues together, but it was too 'serious' and boring.  And my brother is neither of those.  So I took inspiration from a prayer St Francis wrote to jazz up the lot:

Following the prayer the coloured squares represent the sun,

the moon and the stars,

the wind and the water,

the  earth/plant/animals,

and the physical death,

On the reverse is a different story altogether... I made a mosaic of all the bright fabric, so if he wants  he can use it this way up too.  It was hard to combine all the different clothes fabric, they're soft yes, but oh so slippery too!  The quilting is sparse and echoes the seams.

I like the  result.  It'll never win prizes at quilt shows, but it has meaning and it was done with love.  It's simple... and it's not.

And it's the thought that counts, isn't it?

Enjoy it fratellino!

Comments

[Beth]

I love the quilt and I love your explanation of the thinking behind the creation... Quite beautiful.

[Jan]

My favorite kind of quilt...personal and destined to be cherished. Lovely.

[autum]

What a beautiful story and a beautiful quilt.

[Corry]

Such a beautiful story behind a very personal and pretty quilt!!

[Anina]

I hope you're writing this story down so that future generations can understand the thoughts behind this quilt.
It's so beautiful and stirring.

[Heidi]

very touching, great quilt, better than a quiltshow winner without spirit :-)

[Felicia]

I think its simply brilliant! I hope that you will write up this story quilt expanation and include it with this wonderful gift. How wonderful to receive something so meaningful :)

[Ali]

That's beautiful Monica. He's going to treasure it I'm sure.

[Holly]

It's lovely. It's very touching that you put so much thought into it. Incorporating St. Francis' prayer through fabric is both brilliant and heartwarming. And I really love the blue and brown combination. There's something very comforting about those colors together. Beautiful job!

[Sonya]

Monica, this is such a lovely quilt, the memories and meaning, some that might be know to your brother and some only to you. But it is this care and consideration that makes it transcend beyond any quilt show ribbon winner. Beautiful.

[julie]

It's a beautiful and completely unique gift - I love that it's made of fabric that speaks of family history but what makes it so very special is the amount of thought and care you've put into it.

[caroline]

Monica, the quilt is gorgeous and I love the the family history of each piece of fabric and how they also tie into St Francis' prayer. Beautiful - I'm sure he will cherish it.

[Angela]

This is the best kind of quilt. No, not destined for a quilt show, but someplace infinitely more dear. I am sure your brother will love it and the thoughtfulness that went into it.

[Mirre]

I love it, Monica!
Especially all the thinking and love you put into it... wonderful!

[amy h]

I love the thought behind this -- very nice!

[lindiepindie]

I love it - the story, the old shirts, the prayer reflected, and the quilt made in love. You are a thoughtful sister. What a wonderful gift!

[amandajean]

oh, Monica...this is fantastic! I echo everyone else's comments...great story behind the quilt. It is so full of depth. WOW. nicely done!

[Heidi]

How great! I love all the meaning in this quilt. I'm sure your brother will love it.

[Valerie]

I love how thoughtful all this is ! To me the story a quilt tells is more important as a very elaborated pattern. They say "less is more" which could be truer here, it is beautiful.

[Valerie]

oops = couldn't be truer...

[Coryn]

A truly wonderful quilt with a history and a purpose.

It made me think too, that maybe one day we could set up a group swap that we share an item of clothing cut up into however many squares and each create a quilt.

[Jade]

Your brother is very lucky & I'm sure he'll truly appreciate all of your handiwork, as well as the thoughtfulness that went into his quilt....a true gift!

[janet clare]

Lovely quilt and after reading your explanation I'm sure it was received well and that your brother thinks of you and your family everytime he sees it.

[Amanda]

Hi, I've just found your blog and I love the story behind the quilt - so beautiful!

[sarah]

I'd give it a prize, first prize! The story behind this piece is beautiful.

[Sarah]

But your brother is Federico?!?!
I know him!!!! That's why.. Oh men, the world is really little!
I love that quilt, all the staff you make is beautifull, moreover this was made with love.
Ciao
Sarah

[Sarah]

But your brother is Federico?!?!
I know him!!!! That's why.. Oh men, the world is really little!
I love that quilt, all the staff you make is beautifull, moreover this was made with love.
Ciao
Sarah

[Cathy]

The story of the quilt is so much better than some of the perfect show quilts. It speaks it's story very eloquently.

[martina]

What a wonderful quilt. What a wonderful sister. Your brother will cherish it I am sure.

[Louise]

What a gorgeous quilt created with such love and thought. You are so inspiring. Are you doing a label with this beautiful story on it for him? Oh I must get to and finish the one I am working on - it needs to be enjoyed.

[Tiel S-K]

Well it sure speaks wonderful words to me. It is so special Monica. I felt like I wanted to curl under it whilst reading the post. The first picture alone was amazing and it just kept on getting beter as I scrolled down. Belissima. Brava. Now won't he be a stylish monk!

[Christy]

The quilt is beautiful and the story is very touching. Makes me realize that I should put a little more thought into the things I make.

[Megan]

Am on borrowed computer time, am belated with my comment, but want to say what a lovely, lovely, quilt. Really love the sentiments behind it.

[forget me not]

Hi, I'm a friend of Br Freddie's. I love the quilt. He has a great sister!

[Chara Michele]

Such a lovely quilt!

[SweetDaisy!]

I had a such feeling of sentiment as I read the story behind your brother's quilt and it gave me chills as if the gift were from me.

[Tamara]

The colours are sensational - so simple but so striking. This has given me lots on inspiration for a quilt I am doing for our kinder at the moment. I will send you some pics when it is finished. Love your blog

[Brenda@Coffeeteabooksandme]

What a beautiful quilt. I only know your brother from our online friendship (I tell both my grown children they have an Italian Catholic Blog Brother)but it seems to me you have perfectly represented him.

The serious side and the wonderfully zany side. It is obvious from his blog how much he loves his family... oh, the memories that quilt will bring. :)

I used to love making quilts and I still have my "stash" of favorite materials. Perhaps soon I'll get started again.

That is just so creative and beautiful a quilt.