Every Quilt Deserves A Label

When you first start quilting, people will tell you to label your quilt. But that little voice in your head whispers, "Labels are for master quilters. Mine isn't good enough." Your seams aren't perfectly straight. Your points don't quite meet. There are a few puckers in the quilting. Surely you need to wait until you make a really good quilt before putting your name on it? I used to think exactly the same way.

My perspective changed when I interviewed textile historian Joanna Dermenjian. During our conversation, we talked about the more than 400,000 quilts that Canadian women made and sent to Britain during the Second World War. Almost none of them were labeled.

Think about that for a moment. Who stitched those quilts? Where did they live? What inspired their fabric choices? How many evenings did they spend sewing by hand? We'll never know, because they left no record behind.

Those quilts gave warmth and comfort, but the stories of the women who made them have largely been lost. That conversation convinced me that every quilt deserves a label—not because it's perfect, but because every quilt has a story.

Over the years, my labels have evolved. I started with hand-printed labels, experimented with embroidery, and now I print them on my inkjet printer. Each one usually includes a little sentiment, the date, and a bit of the quilt's origin story. It's a simple way to personalize a gift and leave a small piece of yourself behind.

This past month has been especially difficult. Between personal challenges, and helping my parents clear out their home, life has felt overwhelming. In the middle of it all, my uncle—my father's brother—passed away, and our family traveled to Arnprior for his funeral.

When we arrived, I was surprised to see the quilt I had made for him displayed among his favourite possessions. Then I noticed something that caught my breath.

Someone had carefully folded back one corner so the label was visible.

It wasn't just the quilt they wanted people to see—it was the story behind it. Even now, remembering that moment brings tears to my eyes. A small piece of fabric with a few printed words had become part of his story and part of our family's memories.

That is why I encourage every quilter, whether you've made one quilt or one hundred, to add a label.

Not because your quilt is perfect.

Because someday, someone will treasure knowing who made it.

A Happy Update

The story of those Canadian wartime quilts isn't over.

Jo Andrews of Haptic & Hue has been working tirelessly to bring the surviving quilts back home to Canada. They have now been carefully packed and are ready to make the journey. The final hurdle is raising the funds needed to cover the shipping costs.

After all these years, it would be wonderful to see these remarkable pieces of Canadian quilting history return home—and perhaps inspire a new generation of quilters to make sure their own stories are never lost.

Karen's Quilt Circle

Speaking of keeping our stories alive, I have interviewed so many interesting people on Karen's Quilt Circle. I'll link below both my interview with Joanna, and my interview with Jo Andrews. Click on either picture to watch the podcast.

Listen to any of my Karen's Quilt Circle podcasts on the YouTube Music app here. 

Traveling with Karen

Have you seen the Odyessy? Suddenly all eyes are focused on the islands of Greece. Join me, RGE Travels and K&B Sewing for an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure filled with breathtaking destinations, rich history, incredible cuisine, and the warmth of traveling with friends. Our journey begins in beautiful Italy, where we'll board the luxurious Celebrity Ascent for an unforgettable 11-night cruise. Together, we'll explore the timeless beauty of Italy, Greece, Turkey and experience the charm of the island nation of Malta. Click here for more info

Karen's Quilt Crew

Join us for comradery and great conversation. If you are a member of my channel you can find the zoom link on my community page. (scroll down past the member's only videos to find the posts)

Today is my first pain free day in a long time. I am hoping that it is truly in the past. and I can get back to doing what I love best. See you soon in the next Q&A.

Take care,

Karen

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