Several weeks ago, Sujata shared on Instagram
that she would be hosting an online Zoom class
named Stories in Stitches
on the making of a Siddi quilt.
I enrolled right away even though
I knew it involved hand stitching
rather than machine piecing.
Step one was to buy a set of No. 8 Perle cotton threads
and select scraps from the stash in related colors.
Step two was to prepare the foundation.
(laying underneath the colorful boxes)
As Sujata guided us through the process,
I started stitching down my outer row of scraps.
Since she will likely be teaching
more classes like this one
I will not be sharing the "how to" here
other than sharing my process photos.
The folded raw-edge triangle at each corner
is called a FULA and Siddi quilts are considered
naked without these bits of ornamentation.
The pink floral patch pinned in place
is called a TIKLI - another form of embellishment
that Sujata suggested was akin to adding sequins.
The Siddi quilt makers in India do not use pins.
As a beginner, I did.
I also learned that if I make another
it will be made using lighter weight fabrics.
Quilting cottons are a bit too "thick" for my hands.
(the Kaffe collective fabrics were easier to needle)
I managed a few rounds of stitching each day
but was careful not to stitch too long at one sitting
so the arthritis in my thumbs wouldn't flare up.
Another big change I would make on a next one
would be to use one color of thread throughout
(even though I love the look of multiple colors)
to reduce the knot-off-and-begin-again starts/stops.
This is my finished quilt.
14.5" wide x 18" long
This is the back.
I named my little quilt RAME which means
"something that is chaotic yet joyful at the same time"
* * *
Thank you, Sujata - it was a wonderful class.
Quiltdivajulie
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“I'm a very strong believer in listening and learning from others.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg