This post is part of the 2019 Gypsy Wife Quilt-Along! See all posts.

Why do we make quilts? Is it the destination or the journey?

This journey was rich, color-focused, slow and meandering. I used my full cadre of Anna Maria Horner fabrics, sparing none, enjoying all. Even the quilting was leisurely. I custom quilted all of the main blocks and many of the filler blocks, then filled in the rest bit-by-bit with sections of diamond wave quilting.

I can see why quilters are drawn to Jen Kingwell designs, such as this Gypsy Wife quilt pattern. Her patterns are brimming with journey. So many decisions await, so many pleasant turns. With such a quilt, it’s inevitable that sometimes you’ll look back and realize you took the less-desirable path. Yes, there will be things you would do differently next time. But, push away that regret. Instead, accept the invitation to continue your maker-journey.

But also the destination - the destination is joy! The destination is soft, crinkly cotton that wants to be used as much as admired. I love seeing the colors I choose and the fabrics take their shape in actual squares, rectangles and triangles. There’s something so satisfying in beholding a rainbow you captured yourself or the block quilted just so.

My journey becomes something so lovely, and yet so casually practical. The destination sings!

I quilt for both the journey and the destination. I’m happiest when it all flows along with a momentum that feels alive. I love most every step of the process and the finish too! And then onto the next one, hurrah. So I count myself very, very lucky indeed that this quilt-making is such a big part of my life.

I’ll be keeping my Freespirit Gypsy Wife quilt, so named for the manufacturer of Anna Maria Horner fabrics and Designer Essential Solids. So named, as well, for the frolicking blocks and vibrant color scheme. It all feels so joyously free, don’t you think?

My quilt is backed with Big Love from Anna Maria’s Loominous collection. I love this fabric so much that I’m cooking up a plan for the scraps!

Thanks to all who have sewn-along with @ScrappyViolet and I in the 2019 Gypsy Wife Quilt-along. It’s been a blast. And thanks to FreeSpirit for sending me some of the fabrics for this quilt. I so appreciate your support!

xo,

Rachel Hauser