African Mama Quilt

Well, the long awaited completion of this quilt is over. It's amazing how much you forget about something you were so passionate about, once you stuff it in the box - to be opened later when your life changes for the better (or when you'll have more time). But, when you actually happen to stop by and open the box to find your forgotten treasures, you heart starts racing again. And that's what happened here. I got my passion back and the reward is this beautiful piece of art that I will treasure for a really long time.

outdoor shots for good natural light and tall enough somebody holding the quilt

This was my last made quilt in 2002 just as we were about ready to move from RSA. Made with 100% cotton African fabrics (same fabrics used in Malawi Quilt) using inspiration from this book. It measures 63 by 48 inches long and each square is about 14 by 13.5 inches long. It was all machine sewn and appliqued on my first sewing machine. I used scrap fabrics for the appliques and borders. The binding is from this fabric. The batting is 100% cotton. The machine quilting was done beautifully by a friend of mine (she has one of those big quilting machines) last year.

I called my quilt "African Mama's" because I wanted to tell the story of the daily life of African women and mothers. Each square represents the different roles (not all) they play in caring for the families everyday. From top left to right: Cooking meal on firewood and clay pot:: Pounding maize (corn) is such a labourous job (I used to do it):: Going to the garden (or farm) with a hoe at early hours of the morning:: Carrying water from the well:: Walking with kids from the market:: Balancing 2 kids with a load on her head:: Collecting firewood:: Cooking again:: Hand washing clothes:: Relaxing with friends at sunset:: Dancing to traditional music at night and finally, kids playing under a tree.

Since it's been a long time since I quilted, I made a couple mistakes sewing the binding (I forgot how to do the mitered corners). Thanks to Quilting for Dummies instructions. After ripping and sewing  a couple times, it was correctly done. Then, I hand sewed the binding after attaching it to the quilt with a blind hem. The binding was doubled because I wanted it nice and thick. 

I want to hang it on the wall but until I find the right  hardware to hang it, I will keep the quilt in a safe box with the other finished quilts. Am so happy and relieved that it's finally completed. We all just love it!

Check for more pictures here.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

This is amazing and gorgeous!! I just watched "Craft in America" a couple weeks ago and it reminds me of this quilt here
http://www.craftinamerica.org/artists_fiber/story_179.php:

that tells the quilters story.

If you haven't seen this video or mini-series, you might really enjoy it.

[Vera]

It's sooooooo nice ! I wish I could have one like that .... congratulations, you did a really good work !

[Annie]

What an incredible quilt. You've presented the story of motherhood in an exceptionally beautiful way. You should consider submitting this for publication in a quilting magazine. Truly a remarkable accomplishment!

[beki]

That truly is an incredible piece of art! You should be so proud!! I really am astounded. I hope you find the right wall becasue something so beautiful should be displayed.

[Marsha]

Absolutely stunning!

[Cheryl]

This is really incredible piece! I love the stories of everyday life that you incorporated and are passing down. It must feel so wonderful to see it finished.
I need to go and look at it some more!

[Elli]

Beautiful! I love it.

[leslie]

Lucy, my mouth hangs open looking at this unbelievable piece of art! I just love it sooo much....and I love the story it tells....the roles we fill as mothers are so important.........Your quilt says it all....a prominent place on the wall is a lovely idea!