A much loved Afghani quilt

Val has a long history as an award winning quilter and teacher, and a very valued founding member and a Life Member of Fairholme. Currently she is decluttering and tidying in her sewing room. Some things are being dispersed (including some generous donations to our community quilts collection), but some are definitely staying put. This quilt is a keeper.  It was bought as an authentic vintage textile work hand made by Afghani women, several years ago at the now closed Afghan Interiors in Newtown that Val and Roslyn liked to check in on from time to time. Val recently brought it in for us all to see - it is spectacular, and very large!

The top was complete right to its finished edge, but had no
backing or batting. Its original purpose is not known.
The block fabrics are silks and velvets, and the patterns
are realised through both patchwork and embroidery.

Val added batting and a complementary cotton backing,
and hand quilted it, echoing the block designs.
 The hand quilting was a major undertaking for such a large, 
quite heavy quilt, but honours its hand-made construction.

Some of the silk patches are showing a little wear,
 but it is still a much loved quilt that decorates a
favourite chair and is regularly  used.

Some of the tiny triangle block borders are pieced,
others are embroidered. The tiny nine patches are
embroidered in braid-like strips.

The little stars are embroidered.

The quilted motifs on the wide red borders were chosen
from reference works on traditional Afghan designs.