Elaine Keane said.
Pam,
I give you so much credit for taking on a project of this magnitude. I think what you're doing is so great! I can't get over it. I haven't been able to all the way back, so I'd like to ask you what made you decide to do this quilt?
This is part of a paper I gave some years ago….
Lord Tennyson wrote: “The Bayeux Tapestry is extremely interesting. It gives one a feeling of perfect truthfulness”
He transmuted its images into verse in the play “Harold”.
Dickens. however, noted in his diary: “It is indeed the work of very feeble amateurs”
There are two questions that I’m asked often.
How did you decide to make the quilt? and how long will it take?
The answer is simple really, 4th July 2004, I found a throw out book in a bookshop in Denver, it captured my imagination and I sat down in a comfy leather chair in the corner of the store cafe I sipped on coffee, wrote notes and four hours later, I’d bought the book and formulated a plan to re-create the Tapestry as a Quilt. I was captivated by the way the viewer is carried on a journey through history.
I felt comfortable with the colors, and the images are so graphic that they don’t need words to convey the message.
The most unusual thing about the Tapestry is the way in which it presents the history of the conquest.
As for how long will it take?, I have a basic plan. I know exactly how long it takes me to create one panel.
(Originally I made it in 9 ft panels, but it was difficult to get them all the same because the images on each panel are different… so I've begun all over again and I'm making it in one piece now despite the advice of the museum curators)
I know how many bobbins, needles, amounts of thread and fabric I need.
How many hours it will take to complete just one foot, but one ever knows what will happen day to day, so I leave my options open.
Wow!! I can’t believe it took me so long to find you! THANKYOU!
Pam, I am absolutely ENTRALLED to see your progress on the Bayeux. Right after you were at my house, I went out and purchased the Carola Hicks book you recommended. And I’ve gone to our local library and checked out a few more books on the Bayeux.
Best of luck this next year as you spend more time at home, and dedicate your talents to this magnificent piece.
i am going to be so excited to see your progress and cannot wait to check your blog to see new post….you are amazing….peg in ks
Morning Nedra. Even though I am in the second stage of the project, it’s even more exciting than the first.
I hope you enjoyed the book by Carola Hicks.
I think of you guys often and followed you shift to your new house on the blog.
Best wishes for the coming year.
Thanks Peg. I guess I don’t share all, but just a sample until the entire project is finished.
HI Pammy,
Why do I have no doubts that you are going to complete this and do a fantastic job of it?
Because of who you are. I think this is in your destiny. You have this little drummer who beats out a tune just for you and the rest of us sit and watch in wonder.
Honey, you are too kind. I could fail in this. But I get carried away with the passion and having been in Bayeux with me, you know it’s real.
The passion has lasted 7 years so far… I reckon 8.5 years will see it completely done… quilt books and extra projects.
Sorry it’s taken me so long again to come back. Thank you for answering my question! I wish you luck with it and thanks for bringing us on the journey with you.
Eileen, you’re welcome