When I opened the envelope from Jen six weeks ago, I was thrilled to see the word bloom. The first thing that came to mind was the saying, "Bloom where you are planted." And I knew exactly how I wanted to proceed even though I wasn’t sure how it would all come together.
Although wordplay is a collaboration with Tracy and Emily, I wanted this project to go further. I imagined a wider collaboration, something that I could make with bits and pieces given to me from different people. I was thinking about flowers and gardens and how so often people dig plants up and divide them between neighbors and friends. That’s what I wanted: a community garden of fabric. And so, I asked for vintage sheet scraps and boy, oh boy, did you guys come
through for me! Seventeen of you to be exact. There are just so
many good floral prints in a wonderful color palette in those old
linens. I wanted a large variety and small bits. You all had the best stash of scraps a girl could wish for. And you were willing to share – for that, I thank you.
I found this aqua linen on clearance and thought it would be a perfect background for the various colors in the sheet scraps. I began by cutting out concentric circles from different prints – just eyeing them and cutting, no tracing was done here. Once I had a decent stack of "blooms", I started laying them out on the fabric to see what I had. I cut some more flowers until I had a random scattering around the perimeter. I had planned on embroidering the saying by hand in the middle somehow, but felt I needed something to signify myself to anchor it so I cut the one large bloom for that space.
I appliqued the individual flowers to the quilt top by stitching three straight lines across each one. My original plan was to tie the center of the flowers using embroidery floss, but once I had the quilt sandwiched, I realized that I would need more quilting to hold it nicely together. I improvised by quilting three circles around one flower. Initially, I wasn’t looking for the wavy lines that I got, but when I stood back to look at it, it was perfect. It reminded me of my favorite flowers and I smiled.
I had so many scraps to choose from that I ended up using some for a strip of patchwork on the back. I sewed a label on there, too. It got quilted over and I really like how it made it blend in a bit more. The quilting on the back is my favorite part. Even if the words read backwards, I like it.
I think "bloom" and "Bloom where you are planted" are about finding your hidden potential no matter what your circumstances are at the moment. I know that if you had asked me nine years ago where I would be in 2008, I would have never imagined that my life as I know it. I would not be living in this town. I would have more children. I would not be sewing as much as I do and certainly not quilting. I might be knitting. I would not be writing and designing. And I most certainly would not have this group of peers, people that I have never met in person, that support, encourage and inspire me. But I do! What a great surprise! And I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing talent. I have planted myself in this blogging community and in turn, you have planted seeds of inspiration in me. With a little of my own creativity and time, I am growing in directions I had never imagined.
I had fun making this quilt. I haven’t made anything for myself in a long time and I plan on keeping this one. It measures 45" x 51" – a perfect summer-nap-in-the-chair size. Thanks, Jen, for a great word to get me started and thanks, too, Emily and Tracy for playing along.
Life is about the now, not the past or the future. And if you are successful in living in the moment, I think that you have no choice but to bloom.
oh, erin. this couldn’t have turned out more perfectly.
i love the thought process of how you got there. and the outcome is oh so meaningful! beautiful work.
oh gosh erin. this is so amazing and just perfect. i love that saying and i completely agree with the sentiment. and i too believe that we all have the ability to thrive, and bloom, wherever we are. and this quilt, it’s just lovely. and i love how you acquired all of the fabrics. this is really really beautiful. i think you just made my day.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for a reminder to stay present. So much better than dwelling in the past or worrying about the future.
Erin: This is great. And I’m glad that you made something for yourself (although, you could sell the leftover pieces as a kit!!) because so often, as Moms, we don’t do anything for ourselves. I think it’s a good reflection of you! Love it!!!
I love this. Everything about it.
damn, woman. that’s amazing. yay!
Really lovely. Love how you were inspired by one word.
It’s gorgeous is so many ways.
erin, this is beautiful! really, i’m in awe!
Erin: Your quilt is absolutely beautiful. My little ones loved to look at the pictures. The insights and the inspiration of this quilt are my today lesson, and inspiration point.
Paloma
Erin, this is so beautiful and inspiring. I REALLY love the back! How lovely it all is.
What a beautiful quilt… and an inspiring post! I’m praying for a little growth in my life.
I think of all the things you have made this year, this is my favorite. Definitely.
love everything about it.
I’ve never heard that expression before, but I just love it! The quilt is just lovely, as usual. Thanks so much for sharing not only the pictures but also the thought processes behind it.
i love it in so many ways erin.
That is absolutely perfect. In every way.
This is astoundingly beautiful! Love. It.
every bit of it sweet, erin. your kind, beautiful words, and a remarkable piece of artistry. i believe it must mirror your loveliness.
erin. i love it. and love how inspiring it is. in so many ways.
oh! that stack of vintage sheets is making my head buzz!
you work is beautiful- everything about it is thoughtful and lovely. the colors, the fabrics, the stitching…so cool.
Erin,
I really love this quilt! Makes me want to bust out the sewing machine instead of just hand quilt hexagons for the rest of my life 🙂
That is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen! Thank you for the inspiring words this beautiful morning, “Bloom where you are planted” is so timely for me right now, I’ll probably be saying this over and over in my head for days to come.
Oh my GOSH that’s awesome!!
WOW – it’s really great. It’s always fun to see an idea coming together so well.
…wanna make another one? I would sooo buy one of these from you.
oh my god. this is stunning. I love the concept of the fabric scraps from everyone. That is great. And the stacked up wonky circles, just, dude, wow. The back is so great, too.
I just really really love this. And I want one. hahaha
Your post was like a poem. Very inspiring in itself. Everything about it was just beautiful. Thank you.
just gorgeous erin!
erin, this is so lovely. What a wonderful thing to keep for yourself. you are always an inspiration!
This is beautiful Erin. The end-product and the sentiment both.
very sweet, erin!
WOW! I love it!
Lovely–love the quilting!
Beautiful work, Erin. And inspiring in so many ways.
it’s lovely, erin.
such a beautiful sentiment.
we all must keep it in our hearts.
I dont know if I could love that quilt more! I love the use of vintage sheets, the colors, the saying, the design, umm…the colors! Its absolutly beautiful!
Beautiful… thoughts and actions.
Very Cool!
I totally made the camera strap but haven’t figured out how to take a picture of it yet! (my little pointNshoot is on the fritz)
What a wonderful quilt you’ve made!
just brilliant.
I LOVE that!!
wow that came out wonderfully and I love the saying. That will inspire me all day!
Your words and projects are always such an inspiration. Thank you for planting yourself and blooming here in the blogging community. We’re all better for it!
Oh wow Erin! Jane is right. Mrs. Thornewill would love to have that quilt! But she loves it more that you are keeping some of your amazing work for yourself.
This post was really lovely – both the photos of the gorgeous quilt and your thoughtful words. Thanks for brightening my day and providing some inspiration.
amazing! your work is amazing!!!!
erin! really, i don’t know what to say. the whole thing is extraordinary. i love how you built off of the phrase. how you collected scraps from around the “neighborhood.” i LOVE how they are stitched onto the quilt – those lines running through and around the concentric circles are exquisite. and the back, oh my. and, too, your words – about planting yourself in this community, about blooming where you are planted – they’re touching and moving and they gave me goosebumps. i’m so proud to be in this – this community and this project – with you. xxxooo.
It’s stunning…a wonderful piece of “artwork” in every way. I’m blown away.
Eri, that is one of my favorite sayings! I repeat it to myself often (especially when I’m frustrated about circumstances). This project is wonderful – Bravo!!
I too love this saying. Gorgeous quilt–gorgeous colors, beautiful design, and wonderful story.
Wow, it’s stunning!
beautiful work!
Erin, I am totally beside myself. This is an AMAZING interpretation of “bloom,” and I’m so impressed with the beautifully creative quilting. Wow.
Oooohh!! I am THRILLED that that’s what the scrap was for – I love that in some little way, I got to be part of Wordplay 🙂 That’s so beautiful – everything from concept to finished object.
YAY! I see some of the scraps I sent you in there. I sent you a piece from every vintage sheet stash I have on-hand.
It’s absolutely beautiful. Blue is my favorite color too.
Lovely Erin, just lovely!
This is stunning. I am speechless. I am in love with this quilt. You are amazing! I do not even know where to begin gushing over this project. Just know this woman Jessica out here in California, she is in awe of your colors, talent, vision and skill with fabric.
Perfect! I love what you did here. And the sentiment behind it. Amen, sister.
so beautiful! I love how the blossoms just work – so glad you are keeping it 🙂
My jaw literally dropped when I saw those pictures! I’ve never seen a more beautiful quilt! Well done. Wow.
Wow Erin! This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in a very long time. All I can say is Wow!
The quilt, embroidery, sentiment–all of it, is just gorgeous! I especially like how the flowers look like the tissue paper ones that kids make. There is a beautiful sketchy quality (in a good way) to the embroidery. Great job!
Wow. That’s just incredible. And an excellent reminder to me as well. Thank you.
That’s wonderful Erin – a message we need to hear shouted from the rooftops. Bloom!
Extraordinary.
Wow. I absolutely love this. This is inspiring on so many different levels. Great job, Erin!
You are a true inspiration!
So amazing! God your talented girl!
such a wonderful concept and beautiful execution! i love this!
That is so lovely, Erin. Really beautiful. I’m in town dropping off Lindsay at the airport and getting my 20 minutes of internet service, but I had to stop by and check it out after I spied it on Flickr. Love it!!
This is just beautiful! The quilt is beautiful and the words you used to write about it are too!
so good!
That’s one of the most absolutely beautiful quilts I’ve ever seen!
It’s fabulous! Thank-you so much for sharing your thought process on making this quilt. I love the flower stitching, so cute!
you are truly blooming erin!
SO creative and beautiful! :)K
Beautiful quilt and beautiful sentiment!
This wonderful post exemplifies why I have selected you as one of the fabulous 5 to give an award to on my blog today. Please drop by and I hope that you will accept it!
I just adore this quilt!!! My mom made an embroidery with the very same quote – such a nice one. I am so inspired by your fabulous collaborative efforts and your own incredible creativity!!! Thank you for sharing this marvelous creation.
~Emily
That quilt is wonderful! I love your thought process into it as well. Very inspiring. Your creativity continues to amaze me! 🙂
what a FABULOUS quilt!!!
Nice work, E! It’s lovely! And so summery 🙂
erin! this is so great. I love it so much!
I would expect nothing less than perfection from you, and you deliver!! I love that saying and this cute quilt is wonderful! What an inspiration you are! I’ll bet those sheets are so soft too. Great job!
Erin, this quilt is so awesome it makes me want to swear. DAMN!
That is a gorgeous quilt!
All I can say is, Wow! Erin, it is so beautiful and inspirational.
Thank you for sharing the gorgeous quilt, and teaching me a new saying. What a lovely sentiment, and your beautiful design certainly captures the spirit!
Erin, this is beautiful! Your freemotion quilting is very whimsical and fun. I like the meaning that this quilt has to you. Very well put.
Wow Erin it looks great and I am very pleased I was able to contribute in a small way by sending some fabric. May we all continue to bloom with new found friends
erin, this is fabulous! I love the story behind the quilt…and the quilt itself.
I love, love, love this! It’s really beautiful. I’ve always liked that saying, too.
I love checking in on what you are doing and this time your words hit home. I just started a blog and feel a bit intimidated, and very inspired, by all the amazing things people are doing. What a work of art your quilt is and thank you for sharing, it was very encouraging to me.
I don’t know what struck me more, the beautiful and creative quilt or the lovely post about blooming and staying in the moment. Thank you for adding something very special to my day.
bloom…lovely! bravo.
What a beautiful and inspiring process and finished product! I love looking at the things you are making 🙂
What a most gorgeous quilt
I love your intepretation of the word. What a beautiful and very creative piece!
Amazingly beautiful and creative!
That it such a super, unique quilt. So many fun prints with just the right color to anchor. I love it!
oh erin. great post & stunning quilt!!
“finding your hidden potential no matter what your circumstances are at the moment”
love it.
Very nice saying and very nice quilt. I like the sewn lines.
How beautiful!
i’m beyond proud and impressed honey. xo
Really, really beautiful! I love it.
Hi!
I came across your blog almost a year ago and have checked in almost weekly since then (I hope you don’t mind that I use you for crafty inspiration). Today, however, prompted me to leave a note. Your quilt is gorgeous and I hope that I can someday have the same creativity that you do.
Keep on shining!
Claire
I’m just a lurker here, and you clearly already know how much your talent inspires others (or hopefully you do), but I have to tell you how happy your quilt makes me. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you give to the crafty/mommy blogger community. I love my visits here.
Wow, I love this in so many ways. Most of all because of what you’re expressing. Living in the present. Beautiful.
I love it. It’s so simple, yet just stunning. The creativity is just amazing too. You are definitely on to something! Perhaps you can sit with the girls under this?
Also delurking to say how great this quilt –and the story behind it – is. Thanks for sharing…what an inspiration!
Erin—I absolutely LOOOOOVE this!!! You are such an inspiration! 😉
I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!!!
Love the flowers and the quilting, what a wonderful quilt!
What a beautiful quilt – and a great post to go with it!
Kris
I think that is one of the most beautiful quilts I have seen in a long time. Truly a work of art. Thanks for the inspiration. I’m off to find a darning foot….and some sheets.
How wonderful.
I love this Wordplay project!
Each one is more inspirational than the last.
Picture dictionary:
BLOOM: Picture of your quilt!
So, SO beautiful! I love it.
Love this quilt very much!! Good Job! xo LindaSonia
It’s so pretty! And I like the saying. I’m in the midst of making my first quilt and most of the fabric is vintage sheets and pillow cases. My friends and family have donated some and I’ve had fun poking about in thrift stores.
If you’re curious, you can see my test piece (made with the tiny scraps leftover from cutting out my squares) here:
http://allisongryski.blogspot.com/2008/06/scrap-craftiness.html
I plan to just do squares for the actual quilt too since this is my first foray into the quilting world.
Just found you… and love the quilt. Can’t wait to follow more of your word inspirations. Keep it up!
What a beuatifully inspired quilt. Absolutely gorgeous.
Wow! Stumbled across this blog. Guess I’m going to have to break out my grandmother’s aqua sewing machine from circa 1960. (Yep it’s the only one I have. I’m not much of a seamstress.) But I want to spring board from your ideas to make throw pillows for my guest bedroom. Thanks for the inspiration! Keep the ideas coming.
Its stunning! A beautiful piece of work!
What a gorgeous quilt! My girlfriend and I agree that you can NEVER make too many quilts. I love the idea of asking people to donate scraps – the ultimate in recycling. You are an inspiration and I dig it! 🙂
There are no words. YOU ARE BRILLIANT!
I LOVE this!! how wonderfully creative and beautiful. Nicely done!!
I was so inspired by this I had to try something similar!
I did a bath mat: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=257526.msg2878466#msg2878466
and a baby quilt: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=260153.msg2912595#msg2912595
Thanks for the inspiration!
That is soooo beautiful. It’s packed with meaning and gathered history. I love it, and will keep the idea on hand to make one out of saved fabric from my kids clothing, one day. Thank you!