Two college sophomores huddled under blankets at our desks, listening to Italian and art history. We were so cold that we took turns holding a nalgene filled with boiling water. I wish I still had the sketch she drew of a nalgene sitting in a pot accompanied by the question, “can you boil a nalgene?”
Clearly the cold and Italian and art was taking a toll on our brain functioning.
Conveniently, she was right handed and I, left, so we shared one pair of gloves–this is what friends do when living abroad in a convent. Then, when the hand we were writing with became too numb, we would pass the nalgene, whose water had now become luke warm, back and forth.
This memory is one that I will not forgot shortly — it is accompanied by so many ridiculous others that Joan Bea’s momma and I made during our time in Orvieto, Italy while we were in college. We almost missed our flight to Frankfurt, because we were, of course, discussing our grandiose plans for our time there. I should add–and really, this could be an entire post–we lived in a small hill city, in a convent, and we had no internet. We truly had no idea what we were about to experience as we chatted in the Chicago airport, waiting to board our flight.
When Rachael and I first became moms, I found myself always so encouraged by her intentional ease by which she parented. She doesn’t sweat about the small stuff, but is ernest in seeking wisdom for the big. She is one I love going to with embarrassing stories of my mom-days, because she will laugh and then say something that makes me feel somewhat normal once again.
When her second daughter, Joan Bea, arrived I knew I wanted to make something for her. I had seen some quilts on pinterest — this one and these ones in particular! I had a giant scrap of the same print!
I wanted something small. Rachael and her husband, Joe, and their daughters, Lux and Joan, live in Boston. She walks everywhere and inspires me to get out more. I wanted something that would be too bulky for trips to the park.
I wanted something feminine, but not frilly. I love Rachael’s classic style and fashion forward eye. I can always look to her for trends that are up and coming — she knows what those Europeans are scheming, I tell you.
I wanted something that looked like art. I’ve been playing with more piecing recently, but my heart still is happiest when I just “paint” with the fabrics, mixing and matching sizes and patterns.
The leather label and the pink binding are two of my favorites aspects of the quilt — I love how it turned out. What do you think?
{photo of Joan and her quilt — courtesy of Rachael}
Isn’t Joan just the cutest?
xo.
The quilt is perfect! Your so good with the details and I love the fabric choices. You must be a perfectionist at heart because your work is flawless. Love seeing what you have been making. Especially loved those felt stockings your made last year!
AW! Thank you!!! I’m planning on putting the template for the stockings up this year!! They are really so simple!! And I love how timeless they turned out!
can’t wait to snuggle that sweet baby of yours!!!
xo!
OH this post! The sweetest thing. What good storytelling! I’m so glad you posted more photos because I’ve seen that one photo that I posted on many “modern quilting” Pinterest pins. It’s always one of the first things that gets compliments when people come to visit. And I think it’s the pink binding that catches my eye too! We love it and will have it forever. xoxo.
love you, rach! I’m sitting here FREEZING – refusing to turn on the heat…I need a nalgene. And a north face glove, please! :)
Super cute, girl! Love it!
thank you, Vanessa!! See you next weekend!! :)
First of all that quilt is GORGEOUS. But that leather name tag sends me over the edge. I die! Also I must know more about your time in Italy – I had no idea!
you are too kind to me, ari. Love you!! and THANK YOU!
ART is right! I love this, Kac. It’s gorgeous!
thank you, Rae! Quilting weekend soon!?
Kacia your quilts are beautiful!
I have been wanting to try quilting and I think you may have inspired me enough to get started. Mine won’t be nearly as beautiful as yours though :)
YES!!! DO it!!! call me!! And I’ll help you!! i’m planning on doing a quilt-a long after the holidays!! I am working on a design that will be pretty simple, but fun to see how we all individualize it!!
I love you leather label! Did you make it also?