The Gawthorpe Hall collection ~ the reveal ~ The Soldier’s Quilt Cushion

044cushion

I am so excited to reveal this design. You might remember me telling you about a blissful day spent at Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire last October. The curators of the textile collection had invited a number of designers to create new patterns inspired by the wonderful textile collection.

gaw2

I immediately honed in on one of the most striking pieces on display, the wonderfully emotive Soldiers Quilt. I can’t deny that the colour combinations really appealed to me, but following years of caring for military museum collections, I am fully aware of the significance of recycled red tunic. The stitches are so small, and the thickness of the material means that each square is slightly raised.

gaw3

I knew that I wanted to replicate this geometric pattern, but each square should have the raised texture of the quilt. When you look at this quilt there were lots of little sections I could have extracted. I chose to pick out a vintage pastel centre, mirroring a faded charm. I do hope you like it.

gaw1

I must admit that I was rather daunted by the thought that this actual cushion will now be accessioned into a museum collection. I was a very ‘good’ girl with my finishing. I can’t bear the thought of curators from the future, shaking their heads with shoddy sewing. In honour of my friend Debbie Bliss I chose the classic Debbie Bliss Rialto DK for my yarn.

054kn-case

The other designers have made some fantastic creations. Debbie Bliss created this lovely needle case inspired by a ticking embroidery sampler. So pretty.

071hat+gloves

Jane Ellison did the most amazing job of decoding ancient knitting patterns to create these wonderful accessories.

030cape

If you are a crochet fan and a reader of Inside Crochet Magazine then you will be thrilled to see the beautiful artistry of the editor, Claire Montgomerie, this girl has skills! Look at this fine, fine crochet work in her caplet. I am in awe.

020tam

There is so much love for Kate Davies design. I love it. Please do go across to her blog to discover the inspiration behind this Tam.

I adored every moment of this project. I was honoured to be asked to add to the collection. I am delighted Gawthorpe Hall Textile collection can now sell these patterns and the proceeds will be used to ensure that this most unique collection will be cared for in the future. If you would like to purchase any of these patterns please visit the Ravelry site.

Meeting the astonishing team at Gawthorpe was a thrill, and sitting in the presence of some of my yarn heroes was just the cherry on the top.

dbss14

If you would like to read more about this project I have an article about our design journey published in the new Debbie Bliss magazine – it is a gem of an issue.

8 thoughts on “The Gawthorpe Hall collection ~ the reveal ~ The Soldier’s Quilt Cushion”

  1. What a beautiful cushion and great work by some talented British designers! Lucky you to have been asked, but I’m not surprised as you are so multi-talented!

  2. hello, nice to meet you. i have arrived from kate davies blog after seeing your lively soldiers cushion, such a good idea !
    off now to have a good read of your old posts and gaze at your lovely photographs.

  3. Wow – I love the raised nature of these little squares, it gives the cushion something really special. Congratulations on creating something which will become part of the exhibition and all for such a good cause.

  4. How beautiful Emma – although it’s a pity they haven’t designed some means of being able to make two lovely cushions at exactly the same time. I can only imagine that as much as it’s a joy to give part of you must want to archive your creations in the crooks and crannies of your home.

    Still love checking in on your blog – when there’s something new it really makes my day!

    Love Jude

    PS You would be proud of me – just about to x stitch a little something! Not so proud of me – it’s for tomorrow and I haven’t started. Enough said – better get started.

  5. Pingback: Fancy designing? – Yarn Stories Design Competition

  6. Pingback: Fancy designing? – Yarn Stories Design Competition – Emma Varnam’s blog

  7. Pingback: Bohemian Blanket – and the magazine rescue – Emma Varnam’s blog

Comments are closed.