Akayi

I was asked to create this almost 12’ by 12’ quilt for the Montgomery, Alabama Interfaith Nativity Exhibit. Traditional quilt block patterns were used to represent the figures of the Nativity and other events from the Savior's life (See Below for details). If I couldn't find one I liked then I designed my own.* Many of these sampler blocks were completed by my friends in the Sisters of the Cloth Quilt Guild. I designed and paper-pieced the figures of the Holy Family and then machine appliqued them in a quilt-as-you-go fashion. The star was paper-pieced before being sewn into the background. Including design and construction, this quilt took about 6 months to complete. It's large size required that it be assembled in pieces. The center panel (up to the red print border) was constructed in one piece. The sampler blocks were pieced separately and then sewn into border strips which were quilted before being attached. The center panel is actually a finished quilt and was even bound before the sampler blocks were sewn on. It was designed such that after the exhibit the border could be detached and the center used on a queen-size bed. I planned to construct a second queen-sized quilt out of the sampler blocks from the border, but we haven’t had the heart to take it all apart yet. (Completed, June 2014) The size and scope of this quilt are far outside my level of expertise. I really feel like I was guided from above in the design and completion of this project. If you’re interested, the blocks are each listed below with their symbolism and a corresponding scripture. Center Panel Border: Flying [Doves] (Holy Ghost) - John 16:13; Encircled in His Love*(God, the Father) - John 3:16. Sampler Border (Clockwise): Cross and Crown – Rev. 2:10; Shepherd’s Star* - Luke 2:20; [Angels] in the Air - John 2:13-14; Children of Israel - Exodus 13:21; Blindman’s Fancy (Miracles) - John 9:25; Hosanna - John 12:13; Maiden’s Delight (Mary) - Luke 1:46-47; Star of Bethlehem (Prophesy Fulfilled) - Micah 5:2; The Cornerstone - Ephesians 2:20-21; Star of the Magi - Matthew 2:1-2; New Star in the Heavens - Matthew 2:9-10; Golgotha - Matthew 20:28; The Mountain Peak (Sermon on the Mount/Teachings) - Matthew 5:1-2; Milky Way (Creator of the World) - Acts 14:15; Sunshine (Light of the World) - John 8:12; Carpenter’s Wheel (Joseph) - Matthew 1:19-20. Four Corner Blocks: He Lives!* (Based on New York Beauty, Symbolizes 3 days in the tomb and the promise to return as “King of Kings.”) - Luke 24:5-6. Merry Christmas!