Do you remember when you were little, how you used to have 'best' things? Not best as in 'Sunday best' or 'best shoes', but as in 'best' doll, 'best' troll, 'best' sweet, 'best' colouring pencil. In other words, the one you liked most, the one that felt special and had to be kept in a safe place. The Hydrangea Quilt is still one of my 'best' quilts and I keep in a cupboard, though goodness why. When I got it out yesterday to photograph it on the autumnal afternoon sun, I realised that the problem with anything 'bes't, is that you tend not to enjoy it as much as you should because you are so worried about spoiling it.
This is the quilt on the front cover of The Gentle Art of Quilt-Making. It was inspired by the colours of hydrangeas - all shades of pink and plum and turquoise and inky blue - as seen in profusion in Normandy and Brittany, and in single specimens in suburban gardens in the UK.
It was a chance to play with a different colour scheme and to use some Japanese fabrics which were just outside the usual shades of blue. I also used some very large designs which cut up brilliantly; one Philip Jacobs' floral design gave three different types of squares when cut fussily.
I'm delighted that the quilt is featured in issue 7 of the incredibly successful Mollie Makes magazine in a photo I took at the amazing location we used for many of the quilts in the book. I am so impressed with this publication; it would definitely have been my 'best' magazine (on a par with Jackie and later Petticoat) if only it had been out in those days.
So the quilt is now out of the the cupboard, and is staying out where I can see it. After all, it's the only superstar cover and magazine model quilt we have, so I might as well flaunt it. And it won't be used just for 'best'.
Amazing location - it seemed vaguely familiar when I saw it in your book, and having looked at the website now I know why. Much better to use the nice things everyday - I take that view with cashmere cardis - they do me no good at all hidden away in a drawer so I wear them for dog walking as much as for best!
Pomona x
Posted by: Pomona | October 17, 2011 at 10:55
Beautiful - and a timely reminder that I wanted to add a hydrangea to my wishlist for the garden.
Not keeping things for best is a new year's resolution I stole some years ago from a friend. I renew it each year and enjoy seeing my 'best' china and glass out and in our hands. Maybe this is a quilt for honoured guests?
Posted by: oxslip | October 17, 2011 at 11:01
The best things should definitely see the most use. I too love Mollie Makes - especially the cover kits.
Posted by: Carie | October 17, 2011 at 11:35
I totally agree with you. We use crystal wine glasses that were a wedding present as our every-glass-of-red glasses, I eat my toast on fine bone china and I don't have any precious quilts - life is short..we should all use and enjoy what we love.
Posted by: Nell Ward | October 17, 2011 at 12:41
Congratulations on having it featured in Mollie Makes! I love that magazine.
Posted by: Katherine of Kitten's Lost Her Mittens | October 17, 2011 at 13:11
I love that quilt so much! It has a real vintage-y feel to it .... and Mollie Makes is good too!
Posted by: mrsbris | October 17, 2011 at 14:55
Yes, I know that feeling too. Especially with fabrics; I put it aside for something very special and one day, I don't really like it so much anymore. Silly really. Love the hydrangeas quilt too and have made it several times already.
Posted by: Vreni | October 17, 2011 at 15:13
Out into the light of day, where it belongs! Your quilts are all so fabulous.
Posted by: Lisa G. | October 17, 2011 at 15:30
The cover quilt is my favourite one too! So inspired I searched out fat quarters of some of the yummy fabrics to make 'vintage style' quilts for my teenage daughters bed!
Posted by: jill ballard | October 17, 2011 at 17:16
Surely everyday is a day for your 'best' stuff? (I only came round to this idea when during the clear out of my Grandmother's house we found a drawer of 'best stuff' that was carefully wrapped in tissue paper-unused & by then she couldn't use it...) Get it out & enjoy it!
Posted by: Thrifty Household | October 17, 2011 at 17:34
This so gorgeous Jane, and I will look for Molly Makes so I can see the article!
I made the decision when I started quilting that my quilts were going to be made to be used and loved! And they are!! Thanks for inspiring me to get started :)
Posted by: debbie @ happy little cottage | October 17, 2011 at 17:50
Hi Jane,
That quilt would be my 'best' as well! Wonderful colours.
I bought the first issue of Molly Makes from W.H Smith and was hooked and I am now a subscriber as I don't want to miss any issues.
xoxo Ingrid
Posted by: Ingrid | October 17, 2011 at 18:31
I love Mollie Makes too, and have bought each edition. I have a small pretty collection of vintage china from which to drink tea and eat dinner, pudding and cake; hear hear Nell. I do have, though, a collection of 'best' fabrics which I just look at and sigh - I really need to turn turn them into something which befits their loveliness!
Posted by: geraldine | October 17, 2011 at 20:01
What a beautiful quilt! And what excellent advice to use things that sometimes hide away in cupboards and trunks for 'best'. And finally thank you for reminding me about trolls, Petticoat and Jackie magazines! They brought back some happy memories.
Posted by: Jacky | October 17, 2011 at 21:38
Trying to use my best teacup for everyday. Funny, another blog had the same message today.
http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2011/10/some-nice-things-that-i-have-want-to-have.html
Posted by: LoriAngela | October 18, 2011 at 02:36
Beautiful Jane!!!!!
Posted by: Jacky | October 18, 2011 at 09:40
I agree about taking 'best' things out of their cupboards and using them. I am in the process of decluttering my house in preparation for moving abroad. There are things I never knew I had, and now will never use. If I had a quilt like yours it would be on my bed straight away!
Posted by: Lynne Kovan | October 18, 2011 at 10:09
Two things come to mind; my eightyeight year old mother still keeping back two wardrobes full of clothes 'for best', and the ancient mosaic floor of a cathedral - although which one escapes me - that can only be seen as a foot square panel through glass. It may last forever and a day but will never be seen as it should be seen. Use it up, wear it out I say - then bring on the new!
Posted by: Georgina | October 18, 2011 at 13:25
My daughter and I are agreed that we are far too likely to keep "best" things stored away rather than using them -- often to the extent that they go bad (soap doesn't keep forever) or ... are no longer to our taste, once we stop hiding them away.
Working on getting "best" things out where they can be appreciated and loved to death, rather than languishing somewhere, in the dark.....
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | October 18, 2011 at 16:19
I love the quilt! Beautiful!
I had several "bests" when I was younger, too.
Posted by: Beth | October 20, 2011 at 11:56
It's a stunner Jane!
Posted by: Purthknitwitch | October 24, 2011 at 11:37
This is my favorite quilt in the book and I hope to make one someday.
Posted by: Wendy | October 28, 2011 at 16:35