The Eddie Quilt

The awe-inspiring nature of postage stamp quilts results from a combination of characteristics. The visual appeal of the sheer quantity of pattern and color, arranged in neat rows, has a delightfully dizzying effect. For quilt and fabric lovers the reaction is similar to the “candy shop” effect.

There is also the undeniable pull of seeing an object and knowing without a doubt that it was created over many hours with slow intentional effort. Thousands of one-inch squares do not just join themselves, after all, nor do they collect themselves over any number of short hours. These quilts, like all quilts, speak loudly of the labor involved.

Lest we forget texture, it is a grand thing to hold a quilt comprised of thousands of tiny one-inch squares of fabric all held together with careful hand stitching. There is a lovely sensory appeal.

Two thousand two hundred and two patches. That is the number of patches in the Eddie Quilt. Yet among all of those little dazzling squares there is one square with a little secret…