Handmade with Love.

 

Anchor Me

As you know, I made and took two very large quilts with me on our trip — one in my case and one in Tony’s. You know the stories behind them, but a quick recap won’t hurt.

The idea for the first quilt came about as a wedding gift for Jiffy (Jonathan) and his intended Josie. I wanted something that spoke of the sea, as Jiffy is a fisherman and spends a lot of time on the water. Josie’s favourite colour is green, so that had to be incorporated too. Jiffy, of course, would be happy with anything his mum made and sent with love.

I showed them a few ideas and an anchor quilt was selected. I didn’t promise an exact copy, but something in that direction.

I pulled greeny-blue batiks from my collection, and in April of last year, while we were in Australia for Scrub Stitchin’, Janice kindly took me to an amazing shop with a wonderful collection of batiks. A large selection of fat quarters was added to the project that day. LOL

Over the following months I was often asked if I had started yet. When I finally did make a start, I kept you all updated on the blog and you all cheered me along.

Eventually I had a quilt top — but it still needed an anchor, and things stalled a little.

Then one day it all just happened. I played with pencil and paper, made a template I liked, and cut the fabric. An anchor was born.

I wanted to keep the quilting simple and watery — which I did.

And here it is: 

Anchor Me. 

Josie particularly loved the idea of “being anchored together” when we were planning it.

As you know, when we arrived on the island, Jiffy was away sailing with my dad, so we had to wait a whole week for his return. When they finally came back, we were on the harbourside waiting for them — I already shared that moment with you. Josie was there too, waiting.

The very next day we returned to Ramsey with the quilt. I had put Tony in charge of taking pictures… please… so he made a video! 

Sigh!  

He did eventually pick out a couple of good still shots from it yesterday.

I think they both like their new quilt. And I do hope it anchors them together, happily, for the rest of their lives.

I thought when I left the island 12 years ago that Jiffy would be the child I would have to worry about. But just as we were planning to leave, he introduced me to Josie. I felt good about her — something told me he would be okay with her at his side.

And he has been.

They are good together, and they now have two beautiful children.

∘◦❀◦∘

Fynoderee's Fields

The other quilt, as you know, was also made using batiks. I told you the story behind Fynoderee's Fields in an earlier post.

Look here for a reminder.

Kaiy had left the island before we did and was living in Birmingham with her husband. They were planning to return to the Isle of Man for the wedding, so I thought it would be lovely to make a new quilt for her as well.

Life, as it often does, had become rather complicated for Kaiy in the weeks leading up to our trip. I'll leave that story for another day. This post is about quilts and smiles.

Kaiy arrived back on the island a few days after her brother returned. Tony and I also got to meet Faith again. The last time we'd seen her she was just nine months old, so that was rather special.

A few days later we finally managed to arrange a time to meet up and hand over the quilt.

I don't think I need many words here.

I think the smiles say it all.

∘◦❀◦∘

Every stitch in these quilts was sewn with love, every fabric carefully chosen, every hour happily spent thinking about the people who would one day wrap themselves in them.

The journey from my sewing room in Timaru to their new homes on the Isle of Man wasn't without its challenges, but seeing them finally wrapped around the people I love made every moment worthwhile.