Back when I was just a mother of one, I embarked upon trying to learn quilting. I came across an excellent free online course through Craftsy, Block of the Month 2012, where each month you receive both written and video tutorials and complete two blocks using a new technique. Techniques included slashed blocks, paper piecing, foundation piecing, appliqué, half square triangles, curved piecing and more, with some traditional patterns like Dresden Plate and other more modern designs.

I set myself the challenge of only using fabric I already had in my collection, mostly stuff picked up secondhand including old sheets and scraps. I picked brown and pink as my main colours as I wanted to achieve a folksy Laura Ingalls Wilder look (alas there is not more gingham!)

I completed the blocks in 2014 during Asher’s nap times, and then went on to use one of the block designs, a variation on Drunkard’s Path, to make a full-scale quilt for my Mum’s 60th birthday. In my Mum’s quilt I did purchase a few new fabrics, and stole some from her collection which had special meaning for her, such as fabrics used in clothes she made for herself in the 70s or that she has used in quilts herself being the accomplished quilter that she is. I wanted to achieve a 1930s look hence the use of yellow!

In the meantime those original blocks have sat in a stack, undergoing multiple house and location changes. Finally this year I sewed them all together, and then stitched-in-the-ditch to hold the layers together. A Shed Quilt is born! I hope by bringing something handmade and soft to our new shed, it comforts Asher and Annika when they are feeling cold, tired, or overwhelmed by their farm experience, and adds some specialness to time spent here.