Special Correspondence

Dear Eleanor,

Long time ago I had a book, and I lent it out. And I never saw it again.

I don't know if it was your book. But I have a strong suspicion it might have been.

Before lending it out, I had the presence of mind to quickly photocopy the one quilt that had inspired me to buy the book in the first place.
After a few years and as a celebration of the arrival of our adopted sons I embarked to make and hand-quilt this quilt for my bed. It is my most beloved quilt, and it has now spent several winters on our King-size bed.

I just photographed it a few weeks ago as it was time to wash it and put it away until next Fall.
I would like to show it to my blogging friends, but before I do I wanted to show it to you, if in fact this is your quilt.
Thank you for the inspiration and thank you for having your email available so I could contact you.
With warm regards,
Valentina

Dear Valentina,

So lovely to receive your e-mail, and pictures of your quilt.
Yes, it is one that was in the WI book, one I must have made in about 1980(!) a long time ago.

So much has happened since then, and no doubt similarly for you.

Quilts are like stepping stones in our lives, linking us back to times passed.

Now I am no longer making quilts but my daughter is, and they are beautiful,
she lives in Somerset in the west of England.
It is nice to know that my quilt was part of a new journey for you.
Thank you very much for contacting me.
Best Wishes
Eleanor

ps you might like to see what I am doing now,

- very different www.eleanor.allitt@btinternet.com

I cannot express fully what receiving this email meant to me.

You know how we often mention that thread that unites us as Quilters through time and space?

Thank you, Eleonor, words cannot fully express the thrill and the honour to have you enjoy my version of your quilt.

This is a very special quilt for me. It is the first time I completely figured out the pattern from just studying a picture. And it is the first time that I hand-quilted free hand.

I knew this quilt needed a vine in the border, but I wasn't finding the right one. When I finally settled on one, I couldn't mark it because my chalk pencils would not show on the print of the green border fabric. So, after getting over my frustration I just started quilting, and I love how each flower looks different and exactly where I wanted to it to be.

I have been a lot more 'irreverent' in my quilting since, and enjoying myself so much more.

Trusting my own likes and dislikes and making my quilts my way.

As you can see, I wanted the chose to do a simple quilt in the ditch to show off Eleonor's geometric brilliance of her design.

I hope you like it, too.