I’m not very good at sewing – too impatient, I think – but I have always loved textiles, which makes for a somewhat frustrating state of affairs. Over the years I have amassed a stash of lovely fabric in the hope that one day I will feel confident enough to do something with it all. In my mind’s eye I can see quilts, cushions and clothes, whilst my real eyes rest on neat stacks of untouched chintz and ticking. Unlike knitting, which can always be unravelled or ripped back, you reach the point of no return with sewing the minute you get going with the scissors, or at least that is how it feels and it leaves me in a state of creative paralysis.
Two months ago these Kantha quilts were part of that guilty stash. I bought them on a whim, seduced by their colours – the contrast between the faded fronts and electric backs – by the charming wood block designs and most of all by the characteristic rows and rows of running stitch. Once home I tried to convince myself that I had a plan for them – cushions, perhaps – but I quickly realised that I really couldn’t face cutting into them. They were too special. So I draped them around the place instead, slightly regretting my hasty purchase. And then I had one of those lightbulb moments: with only the tiniest bit of entirely reversible sewing, my quilts could become a pair of mis-matched bedroom curtains.
A quick rifle through the rest of the stash threw up some faded velvet which I used to lengthen the quilts by creating a deep hem at the bottom. At the top I used discreet metal curtain clips in order to attach them to traditional curtain rings. It took a morning.
Every day I admire the miles and miles of tiny stitches, and every evening when I close the curtains I enjoy the quirkiness of their not matching. I often wonder how long it took to create each quilt, and although I know that running stitch is not exactly difficult, the overall effect of those tiny stitches suggests a very complex piece of work. The sort of thing I’d usually file under ‘impossible’. So it will come as no surprise to learn that I had never thought about having a go at Kantha embroidery myself. Until last week that is…
when I got my hands on Jane Brocket’s latest book The Gentle Art of Stitching, which includes two very lovely Kantha projects – both quilts, but small’ish, one for summer and a blanket-backed version for winter. I immediately saw possibilities for my stash, but without the back-breaking cutting that a patchwork quilt entails (this one was fun to make, but the cutting part drove me slightly demented).
I must also add that I was further inspired by Jane Brocket in person when I went to hear her talk at the Malago WI (I’m not a member, but outsiders are welcome and I would recommend an evening in their company which included Champagne and cake).
Having heard Jane’s entertaining and fantastically straightforward account of how she came to create each of the 40-odd projects in The Gentle Art of Stitching, I came home convinced that I am not lost to sewing. And more specifically, that even someone with skills as limited as mine might just be able to attempt Kantha. Watch this space.
NB I meant to add that quilts like this are widely available online. As a general rule prices vary from quite pricey (but affordable if you compare against a pair of readymade fully lined curtains), to really very expensive depending on the age of the pieces and the quality of the work, though I imagine you can pick up a bargain on ebay if you are lucky. Mine came from La Belle Boutique on Picton Street in Montpelier, and they are pretty old, with lots of lovely patches here and there, though probably not strictly antique.
I’m really forward to seeing what you create! (Gorgeous quilty curtains…)
Don’t hold your breath! I am very, very slow when it comes to sewing.
ooh I have such curtain envy.
I know exactly what you mean about sewing. I get very excited by the pattern and very excited by the fabric then slightly less excited about cutting the garment out then totally unable to plug the machine in to make the thing. BUT I do know from past experience that on a dull cold day and with radio 4 on a garment can eventually come together. And it especially helps if it was already cut out and ready to go.
But you are brilliant at sewing, always whipping up wonderful garments. What hope is there for me if even you find patterns a pain! More reason, I suppose to master running stitch!
Hi Charlotte. I’ve been following your blog for a while now, but never commented. However, those curtains are so lovely I had to comment. Now I have to find myself some quilts for my windows. Especially now that fall temperatures are starting to bite here in Canada.
That’s a genius adaptation with the quilts into curtains. I’m making a kantha scarf at the moment and can confirm that the running stitch is quite time-consuming (and just a little bit boring) so it’s taken me several months so far because I always have some other project on the go as well. (We don’t always drink fizz at Malago WI. At our normal venue, which is a Methodist church hall, alcohol is not permitted. But there is always cake.)
Should have added: it was lovely to meet you; I’m so pleased you recognised me!
It was lovely to meet you too! I’m still trying to work out how to create separate link categories…but I’m putting a general link in for now.
I so enjoy your blog. I did not know what kantha was until today, but I have always loved it. Just didn’t know the word for it. Your use of the fabric for curtains is just lovely. I also have a copy of Jane’s book on order from AmazonUK. It is due by the end of the week. I can’t wait! Thank you for your lovely pictures and ideas.
I love fabric, I’m always buying odd pieces, I have a drawer full of them, but I never get around to making anything with them. One day perhaps. I love your curtains
I’m glad I’m not alone! I have occasional bursts of activity, I once made a lot of really simple bags and a couple of aprons, after which the machine sat silent for a couple of years.
What an original idea.
I’m sorry I didn’t spot you at WI the other evening. Moira was pleased to have made contact.
Jane is such a multi-talented woman that it’s difficult not to sink under the weight of my own inadequacies. I’m glad you’re made of stronger stuff.
I’m sorry not to have found you in the crowd either. Perhaps we need to arrange a bristol bloggers evening.
I’m not sure that I’m made of stronger stuff exactly, I think its the shame of my ever-increasing stash that spurs me on!
Funnily enough I was only recently thinking that a Bristol blogger get together would be a good idea.
Hi Charlotte,
Lovely to meet you last week, and I’m very impressed by your curtain brainwave – they look lovely.
Do come again to Malago WI!
Lottie
Thank you so much.
It was lovely to meet you too, so nice to put a face to a name and a blog, and it was a really lovely evening – not sure who made them but the rock bun I had was delicious. I will certainly try to visit again.
Do be careful that the sun doesn’t bleach the colours from your curtains as they are so beautiful.
I know I was worried about that at first, but fortunately the windows on this side of the house face north, so there is no direct sunlight, and we also have a blind which is often half down.
What a brilliant idea. I love kantha quilts too – that heavy stitching is so wonderfully evocative for some reason. Thanks for the book recommendation too, one for the wishlist.