I'm feeling like in a stage showing my quilt to all of you: lovely quilters and people with the same crafty interest. I'm thrilled about Amy's quilt festival because it's not just about showing a beautiful finished quilt but also about sharing the story behind it. And although most of us go around blogs looking for our daily eye candy fix, this is a good opportunity to share a bit more than that.
Long ago I used to work in my art studio as a painter and printmaker, I really loved being an artist. In my mid twenties I fell in love with the idea of having babies and becoming a mom. My idea of motherhood was so lightly taken at the time... After my first baby girl my husband and I decided to have more children. To make this story short: in four years I gave birth to three girls. I know it's not unusual but you get the idea of how much work it takes. I gave myself totally into the task of raising my girls; literally in body and soul without noticing that I was loosing my individuality as a person. By the time little Isabel was twelve months I had no idea where I was standing as an individual. My whole self was overflowing with obligations and endless lists of things to do in which I never found time for myself.
Don't take me wrong, I love every day with my family but sometimes I felt like there was something I was lacking. At that time I met a girl who moved into town, a great friendship was born. She's an amazing quilter, not only talented but also a generous person. She convinced me that I have to make time for myself , and with that idea in mind she taught me the art of quilting. With her help and my new found love for quilts I learned to find time for myself, I regained my sanity, and I started a creative process without end. And of course I found an amazing friend that I will treasure forever.
This is the sampler quilt we made together two years ago, it's full of memories, endless conversations, laughter, and a few tears. I could go on and on talking about how meaningful this quilt is to me ...but I think you get me, right?? I think I'll never stop in this my 'creative journey' again, not only because it makes me a better person but because it also makes me a better mom.
Thank you for stopping by, and to Amy for such a wonderful idea. Now I'm off to visit this parkcitygirl to sign up in the Mr. Linky, and them to visit all of you! XX
Wow! Each of those squares is lovely...and combined as a whole create such a beautiful quilt! All of your work is just lovely!
Posted by: Aunt Spicy | April 17, 2009 at 12:02 PM
wonderful quilt!!!
Posted by: rachel | April 17, 2009 at 12:55 PM
What a fabulous story and a great "first" quilt!
Posted by: Doris | April 17, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Love your blog. Isn't it neat to be able to visit new blog friends via this Bloggers Quilt Festival?? You did a great job on the quilt.
Posted by: Jocelyn | April 17, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Wow! I love it. I love quilts that bring back memories.
Posted by: Zonnah | April 17, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Wonderful quilt!
Posted by: Heather | April 17, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Great story and a lovely quilt. Nothing like memories made with a true friend.
Posted by: Melody | April 17, 2009 at 07:54 PM
I have to say the story of your quilt is wonderful. I feel the same, my quilting gives me time for myself, to create, without it being about the children (although many of them are for the children). You have a great friend :-) Oh, I do think the quilt is just beautiful as well, just was distracted at the story behind it. The border fabric is so stunning, really helps to highlight the blocks.
Posted by: Viv | April 17, 2009 at 09:17 PM
What a wonderful story. Glad you found 'yourself' again.
I agree that it makes you a better parent if you can regain a sense of self.
Posted by: andi | April 17, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Wow! Love the different blocks! Looks like a TON of work!
Posted by: Leisel | April 18, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Love the quilt and I can totally relate about quilting being a great way to maintain something of yourself with small children.
Posted by: Natasha | April 18, 2009 at 07:13 AM
What a wonderful memory the quilt will always be. Quilting friends are the best!
Posted by: Terri | April 18, 2009 at 07:57 AM
That's an awesome quilt and a great story to share! I love all the blocks they look like colored class windows. I wish you would go back to some print making, I bet it would be awesome. Go girl and hand print some fabric :)
Posted by: Miss Behave | April 18, 2009 at 11:02 AM
A beautiful quilt. My best friend loves purple and i imagine her curled in front of the fireplace with this lovely quilt.
Posted by: Penny G | April 18, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Paloma - I love your quilt and your story, mine is very similar - 3 kids in 3 1/2 years - creative therapy is needed!!
Your quilt is beautiful and I'm so glad that we have "met" here in blogland :)
Posted by: . | April 18, 2009 at 02:15 PM
That was me - sorry!
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | April 18, 2009 at 02:16 PM
I had 3 kids in 3 years..LOL. I know exactly where you come from. I'm so glad you found quilting. It's way of reminding myself that I too have a place.
Posted by: Bethany Frerichs | April 18, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Its a beautiful quilt that celebrates a wonderful friendship between your friend and yourself. What a lovely story-
Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Anna
Posted by: Anna | April 19, 2009 at 01:48 AM
This is a lovely quilt and I love what it has done for you. Quilting has done a lot for the "me" that moms (like myself) sometimes lose. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Peg | April 19, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Great quilt, and great story. your friend is so right you can have time to be the most fantastic mother and know where you stand.
Posted by: Tamara Lund | April 19, 2009 at 10:58 AM
your quilt is lovely.
Posted by: Heather | April 20, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Lovely story. Quilting is about so much more than just quilting, isn't it?
I love the quilt.
Posted by: anina | April 20, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Thank you everybody for stopping by and for your kind comments. XX
Posted by: Paloma | April 20, 2009 at 09:38 PM
What a great tribute to friendship! And a lovely first quilt to boot! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Posted by: Stephanie | April 21, 2009 at 07:47 AM
I love your sampler quilt, it's so modern! I'm making similar quilts for my daughters at the mo, so I know how much work goes into each of those blockies!!! Well done!!!!
Posted by: aneela | April 22, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Wonderful bright colors. I love it.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | April 22, 2009 at 07:36 PM
I love the quilt. It's beautiful. I wasn't able to join the quilt festival this time. Maybe there will be another in summer I hope. :)
Posted by: *Staci * | April 23, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Thank you for sharing a story that many of us can relate to! The quilt is beautiful.
Posted by: Christa | April 24, 2009 at 07:42 PM
Absolutely beautiful. Very creative. Great use of color and design. Thank you for sharing.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sew Cal Gal | April 25, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Lovely quilt, and a wonderful story! It looks like you learned so many great techniques with all those sampler blocks too. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Nadine | May 01, 2009 at 07:59 AM