Dimensions:  53” x 53” 

Techniques: Machine piecing, hand papercut appliqué, machine quilting, hand beading

Fruitful is a blend of piecing and appliqué. Four patchwork “Bowl of Fruit” blocks were adapted to frame a centre fruit bowl medallion, which is depicted in an original papercut appliqué design. In addition to the theme fabric, eleven different types of fruit are represented in the quilt.

Fruit is also a metaphor for the positive end result or reward of our labour. Sometimes, like the appliquéd centrepiece, our fruit is showy and conspicuous and receives plenty of attention and recognition.  Other times, our fruit may be somewhat routine, like patchwork. Our fruit may be like quilting stitches: working in the background and noticeable only upon careful inspection. At times, we may have to be patient as we wait for our fruit to mature on the vine. Or we may only plant the seeds, as the beads would suggest, and never see the fruit of our labour. We may even choose to get rid of those things, like the brown leaf, that do not bear fruit.

We will be known by our fruit. May our lives be fruitful, bearing much good fruit.

Awards:
Honourable Mention, Large Traditional Wall Quilts, 2005 Canadian Quilters Association National Juried Show