Zoe's Quilt

I recently received an email via Quilt Club Australia about a competition for quilters under the age of 35. I happened to read it out loud and Zoe immediately began asking questions. The competition theme is How Does Your Garden Grow! and has categories for primary and secondary students, as well as older age groups. Four days before the deadline Zoe decided she would like to enter. This didn't give her much time, as the quilt also had to be sent to NSW which would take a whole day even if it was express posted.

Zoe at the sewing machine

Using a disappearing nine patch pattern with two Hoopla charm packs Zoe then added two side panels in a tone on tone purple fabric from my stash. The same purple fabric was used for the backing, and Zoe chose Vintage Modern jelly roll strips for the binding (very wise I thought - no cutting!). I marvelled at Zoe's vision of the quilt she wanted to make - right down to the spiral she quilted right in the middle of the disappearing nine patch panel!

Zoe's 'Hoopla' centre panel

Zoe is 8 years old. Making her quilt was an experience that required great patience, determination and persistence. The quilt making did not go smoothly - two broken needles and a blown sewing machine light globe were just two of the challenges to be contended with - yet Zoe stuck to her goal and finished her creation. I am very proud of her. She now has a beautiful quilt and has experienced that wonderful feeling of creating something despite the challenges.

The finished quilt and a very happy (and tired!) Zoe