“In the Beginning”

This quilt was commissioned for someone preparing to welcome a new baby. The request was to sew this pattern specifically, and while I explained that I don’t follow quilt patterns exactly, I was delighted to make a piece inspired by it in my own way.

The palette was to be gender‑neutral, using modern primary colors. Every fabric in this quilt is either hand‑dyed or undyed natural linen. The blues on the quilt top come from Japanese Buaisou indigo, while the warmer tones are sourced from Cherrywood Fabrics. Most of the backing is a hand‑woven textile from Ethiopia—beautifully soft and an absolute pleasure to sew with.

This was my first time incorporating an inset circle into a quilt, as well as my first experience constructing a quilt almost entirely from long seams. Both techniques stretched me in new ways, and I’m grateful for the challenge and the learning they brought.

I find this quilt to be truly soothing. Its simplicity feels intentional and calming, and bringing together these hand‑dyed materials to create something meaningful was a joy. I call it “In the Beginning,” thinking about starting with basic skills, Earthly materials, and the constant of the sunrise that humans have seen since the beginning. This quilt signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the new parents.

The binding is hand-stitched.

This quilt measures 45.5 × 51.