The Petrikor Quilt
A few months ago the fine people of Everett were graced with a new, finely curated, home and garden goods store that focuses on thoughtfully made and sustainable products (I mean what more could one ask for?). It also just so happens to be right next to the climbing gym I frequent (recipe for disaster? yet to be seen).
Somehow, out of all of the quilters in the area, the owners found me on the inter-webs and asked if I would make a quilt for the shop. I made it clear I had no idea what I was doing when it came to making anything to sell but they made my first go at it pretty painless.
After showing me a few ideas I took the creative reigns so to speak and went for it. I ended up with a mash up of the classic saw tooth star block and the oh so trendy checkered board but BIG. Simple but not boring. Classic but not stale.
Colors are sometimes difficult for me to choose because there are so many good combinations to decide from. Luckily, Petrikor’s instagram made it a little easier for me. I used their pre-opening posts as inspiration and got the dual green and warm yellow combo (see below). There also happens to be that dark green and curry-yellow in our living room so that might have also unintentionally contributed to my choices as well.
Being scared of my quilting frame, I opted for straight line quilting on the diagonal and I personally think it was the right choice. I think it looks good at least. Hopefully other people do as well… If not I would gladly buy it back (nervous laugh).
Going through the process of making a quilt for a specific purpose and clientele was pretty similar to making quilts for specific people (read babies) in my family but it was also very VERY different considering this will more likely than not be scrutinized and, fingers crossed, purchased by adults. Yes. The baby quilts I’ve made are technically mostly appreciated by the babies’ parents who are adults as well but they don’t really have a choice… they are getting the quilt. The people who end up with this quilt will choose to have it. Which is also kind of nice to think about.
This process has made me question whether making pieces to sell is really for me. I have a full-time job and quilting/embroidery are some of my hobbies outside of that and that time usually feels like a respite from everything else and is just for me. Do I want to taint that time with work-like productivity needs? I’m not sure. I think this will be an ongoing question. The answer will probably change depending on the day but for now I think I am ready for a just for me project again.