This post contains affiliate links for which I receive compensation

Cold Comfort

by Lesley Thomas
(Co. Sligo, Ireland)

Cold Comfort

Cold Comfort

I was inspired by a wall hanging in Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine in late 1998 or 1999. It had three snowflakes that I adapted, and I enjoyed making them so much, I kept going, designing all the rest myself (a total of 42) The blocks are 12 in. finished, I tacked/basted all around each snowflake, needle turned them onto the background, then hand quilted around each one at the end, so I have been round each one three times!

I machine pieced the blocks and borders together but all the applique is hand done, as is all the quilting. I was averaging one block a week during the last few months of 1999, and then my marriage broke up (That is where the name of the quilt comes from), and I moved from the UK to Ireland. I kept going with the blocks, managed to make all the icicles for the border, but then got stalled with the quilting.

I had intended to machine quilt, and started with an all over design, but didn't like it, so I unpicked it all, and began to hand quilt. Between those two versions of quilting were a few years as I lost heart in it for a while. Once I made the decision to unpick the machine quilting, work went better, and I finished it about 7 years after I began.

Julie Baird
Julie says...

If you've enjoyed this quilt...
Do let the quilter know!

To share your comments...
Just use the link below!

Comments for Cold Comfort

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 06, 2012
 COLD COMFORT
by: DIANNE

This quilt took my breath away. You are way beyond me, I hope you continue to make new and exciting quilts.
Feb 11, 2012
 Inspiring
by: Michele

Truly a beautiful work of art. I love the uniqueness of each snowflake. Simply beautiful.
Dec 28, 2011
 lovely snowflakes
by: Deba

My favorite niece loves snow as I do, especially when we are nice and warm. I might just have to try a hand at this. Thanks for the details of it.
May you find someone new to snuggle up warm with!
Dec 09, 2011
 beautiful
by: delia

I love your beautiful quilt...what a creation and so much hard work.
Nov 09, 2011
 Cold Comfort
by: Rose

Wow, that is a beautiful quilt. I can just sit and look into each snowflake. It is just great.
Rose
Jan 23, 2011
 Beautiful!
by: k3n

I thought I recognized this quilt, then I saw the name! I still love it Lesley!
Dec 26, 2010
 magnificent!!
by: jennifer

Now that's what I call persistence!! What a marathon effort and what a stunning quilt! Magnificent!
Dec 14, 2010
 I am Inspired by Cold Comfort.
by: Sherry A. Byrd

I am indeed inspired by this beautiful work of art. For many months now I have been looking for fabric that uses snowflakes in the design. I was going to cut the designs out like they used to do on penny rugs and applique them on my upcoming story quilt...but now seeing this wonderful, amazing work maybe I'll just follow your lead and create my own hand made designs to applique on the story quilt. Would you share instructions on how to make snowflakes? I would love to try my hand at the process.

With True Admiration:
Sherry Ann
Nov 17, 2010
 oh my gosh!
by: gmajoolie

Wow!!!

This is a stupendous effort and absolutely beautiful. A masterpiece and totally glorious to see. Thanks for sharing with us!
Oct 23, 2010
 Wonderful
by: Lintlady

Hi there,
I really like this quilt. It brings together all the nice and happy feelings about the winter and the holiday season.

I am touched by this.

Doris from Germany
Jul 11, 2010
 beautiful
by: Anonymous

I've never commented before, but this has won my heart, just makes me think of the first fallen snow in winter. You outdid yourself.
Jun 30, 2010
 No Two Snowflakes Alike
by: Linda

No two snowflakes were alike, as you said. I enjoyed seeing how you accomplished that and made so many beautiful snowflakes.

It was hard to tell in the picture if the background was a solid blue, or if it had some variation to it. Either way, it is great.

Did you make a pattern for each of the snowflakes, or did you just design each as you went?
Jun 20, 2010
 WOW!
by: Cathy L.

Your quilt is such an inspiration and incredible piece of work! I wish I could see it in person.

I'm glad you shared your story because it's a reminder that sometimes pouring our hearts and hands into a project takes much longer than we could ever expect. It's the journey, determination and persistence that lead to a stunning quilt at the end. I can't wait to see what you are working on next! ;)
~Cathy

Click here to add your own comments

Click here to return to Your Show and Tell.


This article was printed from Generations-Quilt-Patterns.com

Print Article

Share Us

Follow Us