First - I made this for my husband for our 10 year wedding anniversary! I thought of it, and started it in February and I feel really lucky that I finished it in time! So, here it is - I call it "If".
My husband's all time favorite poem is "If" by Rudyard Kipling. It is a wonderful poem, with a lot of personal significance to him. So, I got a rather hair-brained idea to applique the entire poem onto a quilt. So I did. And yes, I cut out every. single. letter. Yes - I am crazy. No, I do not recommend doing this! :)
There were a few moments when it nearly got thrown in the trash. During the second stanza, I was feeling particularly frustrated by how the letters kept NOT being straight. But then I realized something important. I was making this as a token of my love for the greatest man I know. My beloved. And HE would appreciate the effort that was put in, even if it wasn't perfect. And you know, when all was said and done, I was very proud of how it came out.
The other elements also have significance.
The tree
Well, trees have all sorts of symbolism - strength, firm foundation...etc. Take your pick. I put it on there because we love trees. Seriously. They're all over our walls. :) The funnest part of the tree is the quilting. I FMQed it to look like tree bark. I LOVE how it came out!
The bird.
For a love quilt - the obvious choice would have been a dove, right? Well... that's not how I roll! lol! This is a Falcon. I did a lot of research into the symbolism of birds and the Falcon really spoke to me. The Falcon symbolizes "A light Shining in the Darkness." Also, "The light that gives your life purpose." I love that. It really is exactly how I feel toward my husband. The Falcon also represents wisdom, rising above, Keen intellect, success, loyalty, and fierce guardianship. All describe my husband perfectly.
I am so pleased with the final outcome of this quilt. My husband was deeply touched by it, and I am so glad I had the patience (and the insanity) to make this for him!
I have been told by a few people to link this up to the Blogger's Quilt Festival, and I think I will!! :)
