This is a very special quilt, one which was made to honour and celebrate family. A true heirloom piece in every sense of the word, it is infused with meaning on so many different levels.
We each of us have our own idea of what constitutes an heirloom, and how this can best be expressed. An heirloom being defined as an item, usually of value – either materially or sentimentally – which is passed down from generation to generation. For each person or family that will mean something different. This beautiful quilt was designed to pay tribute to India overall, and… to the women of one particular family spanning across three generations. In truth, it’s not so much my story, but rather Tejan’s tale to tell.
Tejan, a young mother, had recently earned her degree in accounting from Babson College. There was a wall-hanging in the lobby where she now worked which acknowledged and celebrated the African culture. Tejan wanted to know if we could try to do something similar with her own home country of India.
And so, working together and bouncing ideas off each other, this wall-hanging came together one square at a time. It was a challenge, but also great fun, as new ways and ideas of expression were explored. It became not only a very colourful piece, but also one of contrasting textures. Together they combine to help make this a one-of-a-kind tapestry quilt
It began with Tejan’s saris. Over the years she had saved, and set aside, many of her favourite ones. And this included the beautiful sari that she was married in. These fabrics are very light in texture, in addition to their bright and varied colours. The materials they were sewn from were very delicate in nature. In other words, you couldn’t just cut a square here or there and then stitch them together. They were too fragile for that and simply wouldn’t hold. So….
Using a large piece of black velour fabric as the background, the quilt was pieced in applique work one block at a time. The weight of the velour helped to counterbalance the fragility of the sari fabrics, serving as an anchor to both hold and frame the delicate materials. This made for a delightful contrast of opposites in both texture and colour which adds to the uniqueness of the piece.
A number of different squares, each measuring 5 x 6” were cut from the various saris. They were then backed with a ‘stabilizer’ and sewn on to the background using monofilament thread. This is a clear nylon thread – sort of like very small fishing line. It’s about the thickness of a strand of hair… now there’s a challenge to work with!! But if I can’t see it underneath the closeness of a sewing machine – neither can anyone else viewing the quilt from even just a few steps away. This gives a lot of latitude here which is very helpful.
There are 32 squares overall and each one has its own special meaning; whether it be of India itself or of family.
A beautiful and delicate, blue floral arrangement makes up the centerpiece of the quilt. This was designed and painted by Tejan’s mother, who is a talented artist herself.
There are also two squares on the lower right of the piece which were done by Tejan’s daughter Tina. One of which was made by simply tracing the outline of her hand onto a piece of fabric. This was then cut out, and satin-stitched onto a sari square using a shiny metallic thread. Thereby becoming yet another integral part of this family heirloom tapestry.
There is a 3-dimensional figure of an Indian woman in traditional dress, satin-stitched across four squares; the upper right one of which was embroidered with a small path, and patches of grass, to denote direction and purpose. Sequins, and gold embroidered trim from another one of Tejan’s saris make up the dress here; in representation of Tejan herself. The entire motif was stitched with metallic threads which sparkle and glow in the light.
A teapot with a lotus flower pattern, gives the impression of fine china. It pours 3-dimensional, iridescent pearls into a tea cup and saucer placed in the square diagonally below.
Both the teapot, as well as cup and saucer are highlighted with satin-stitching, again using metallic threads. This adds to the overall sheen of the quilt itself, and helps provide greater contrast to the heavier, and darker velour background fabric.
And yes, that is a real peacock feather hand-sewn with monofilament thread onto a sari square in a contrasting colour. It is the national bird of India, symbolizing beauty, grace and immortality.
Hands, folded in the traditional Indian mode of greeting, are appliqued on to another square. The hands are situated beneath a heavy brass, heart-shaped button which has been etched with a floral design
Sometimes it takes two squares to make a complete design presentation, as in the sunflower shown here. Some of the flower petals are sewn down, some are simply tacked on one end and then curled in 3-D fashion on the other end. Adding a depth of dimension to help maintain a balance with other design features, i.e. teapot pouring tea.
India’s national flower, the lotus, is also depicted here. It symbolizes divine beauty and purity. A button in the shape of a dragonfly was added for a little touch of whimsey. No detail is too small or insignificant if it adds to the loveliness and design of this piece.
And of course, there is the Ohm symbol. This represents what is considered a sacred sound, one which embodies the essence of the universe. It also depicts the inter-connectedness of all things and the unity within creation.
The border adds further meaning to this quilt, taking it to a whole new level. It was done in a dark-green velour material, which was embedded with pieces cut from Tejan’s wedding dress. This was a very heavily jeweled sari done in a gorgeous silver embroidery design. And was absolutely striking in both its depiction and presentation. (camera flash reflects it as gold)
Shortly after this wall-hanging was made, Tejan’s husband passed away unexpectedly. Still young and in his prime, it was a shock to the family. Hence, this tapestry piece became even more precious in its depiction and memories of their love and life together.
The entire quilt is one of glimmer and light, with many 3-dimensional accents, ranging from colored-faceted jewels and pearls, to tiny organza flowers. Appliques, and whimsical buttons; such as a bumble bee, frog on a lily pad, and hummingbird, beckon the eye for a closer look. There is always some new and unusual detail to see.
Words simply cannot express the color and exuberance of this beautiful, one-of-a kind piece, wherein the spirit that is India comes alive in love… for culture and family.
I appreciated the many different ways and means afforded to express colour and design. A challenge to make, but so very enjoyable. Working with Tejan was a delight and lots of fun.
And although this is me, telling the story … it is in fact, Tejan’s tale that is told here.
