The elements come together

The International Space Station (ISS)

Today's post, I want to explain a little about the idea behind the quilt, hopefully giving a greater understanding of the design. The idea is about Man's driving need to explore their universe and to question their place within it. 

We have come a long way from thinking the Earth being the centre of the universe and the Sun and all the planets revolving around it. Before the mid 15th century, it was heresy to think otherwise and astronomer and mathematician, Copernicus daren't publish his findings until just before his death in 1543. I chose Copernicus' map as a defining moment of the setting aside religion and superstition and using science and mathematics to explain the nature of the universe.  

On each corner of the quilt, there are two definative symbols of modern space exploration, the Voyager probe and the International Space Station. I chose to incorporate them in a flat simplistic way like an old tapestry. Those hours spent in the V&A museum looking at old tapestries have not gone to waste! They were made using felt and machine embroidery.

The planets were also made from felt and are all decorated with hand stitching in silken threads. In the picture below, you can see all the elements coming together, the fine cording used for the planet ellipses and many hand drawn stars. Yes, (all done by hand!) giving it a naive printed look.

Next to do is the border around the quilt and the quilt the whole thing. The end is near!

All coming together at last.