My hero has a book that came out June 1, 2014. I read
everything this person writes as it all contains great heart, a quirky way of
looking at the world and thought provoking tidbits that I chew on for the rest
of the day. Our Modern Quilt Guild was asked to review this book and I put my
name forward. Heart + Love Quilts by Mary Fons. I, however, could not wait and
down loaded it as an ebook this morning. OOOOOhhhhhhh, I am in heaven. Should I
flip right through it and get to the gorgeous pictures? No, It was with great
anticipation I read the dedication, the acknowledgements, the introduction, the
notes on this book, and a brief history of quiltmaking. I wanted to be in the
correct space to see the quilts. Did I say I love everything Mary writes? She
may not know it but I feel we are on a first name basis. She invited me to her
book opening! Well me and everyone who reads her column. I thought about using
my aeroplan points to go.
My favourite quilt is in the book. The one that is on all
the ads, My Dear, the nine patch with the wonderful row of rolling stone
blocks. Oh and I want to make the 25 square block, Hello, There, and the flying
geese quilt, Northbound, that is on the cover. And because I was reading and
savouring every word I am not even through the book yet. Oh, I can go home and
look at more!!!!
Okay the nitty gritty. I am following the pattern for My
Dear. I am making a quilt for my cousin with leftover fabrics from her mom. Her
mom was a quilter; she made a quilt for my daughter when she was born. Our
grandmother also quilted. See Mary and I have a lot in common; we come from a
family of quilters. I am hopeful this pattern will work with various sized
scraps. Not too much commitment from any piece of fabric. Just need a minimum
of 4 squares.
I read all Mary’s suggestions for choosing fabrics and
paired down my original selection. I kept with the blue and red material. I may
branch out if I run short. Not sure what colours I will make the rolling stone
blocks.
Here are my sample blocks. I am in love with this quilt. The
instructions are clear, if Mary has suggested a way to do something she always
references back to the instruction and page number, and the numbers are
correct, love that. I am enthused! Cut all the fabric!
I am pairing down the size of the quilt for my cousin, most
of the quilts in this book are queen or king size. As Mary says these quilts
are a commitment and you will not be able to finish them in a weekend. That is
okay! I am savouring the journey. Each step of the process is to be celebrated
and enjoyed. “Quilters are impatient people” but we do love each part of the
quilt making process. As I sew up this quilt I remember the strong wonderful
women in my family, the pioneer women who created quilts that were utilitarian
and beautiful, and the new generation of quilters starting out. My cousin will
be able to wrap herself in this quilt and feel all the love I have for her.
Mary Katherine Fons “Quilt + Love”, yes it is in every stitch, a complete gift,
and a beautiful and thought provoking book.
