business, Custom Quilting, Beryl takes on many a commission, and with every quilt,
there is story. In this issue, the Storytelling Quilt of the National Museum of Ireland. Recently, we spoke with Beryl on what it was like to create such an important quilt whose making and destination becomes such an integral part of the museum in Dublin.
How does it feel to have such a creative part in our history? I’m very proud to be involved in such a unique project. I was thrilled to have been offered the commission, but was also aware of the difficulties of working on such a large quilt.
How did you determine design--it has such historical reference? Te two larger motifs [in the quilt] were designed by Andrew Clancy of Clancy Moore Architects. Initially, three designs were submitted, however, it was decided to proceed with two of the large motifs. I incorporated a smaller Celtic design in the diamond spaces to create a secondary design.
What was the most important process of it for you? For me, the most important process was the discussions held with Andrew, Lorraine and Siobhan [the clients]. I had the task of
interpreting their final vision of what they wanted in the Storytelling Quilt. Our final meeting sorted out the detail of thread colour and placement of design and gave me the confidence to proceed with the quilt knowing that we all had an understanding of the expectations of the finished quilt.
What was the most challenging aspect in making the quilt? Making sure that the motifs would be straight and the spacing symmetrical. As this was a whole cloth of pale fabric I could not use any of the usual marking tools in the body of the quilt. I did mark a reference line across the top and down the left hand side outside the actual quilt area as a guide. I was concerned about this aspect as fabric does shift and has a mind of its own at times! I had to be very careful to keep the top fabric and the backing fabric lined up. I started with 130” square of top fabric and 134” square of backing fabric.
What would surprise us and nonquilters in the making of this quilt? For a professional quilter, often the hardest part is the interpretation of your client’s requirements. We shared many emails and a final face-to-face meeting, along with samples before I was comfortable to proceed with the making of the quilt knowing that I would be able to satisfy the vision and expectations of Lorraine and the National Museum.
What your finishing thoughts on the quilt? Well, I am very pleased and proud of the finished Storytelling Quilt. It was not an easy commission and I am chuffed that the clients are happy. I, too, am happy with the finished quilt.
National Museum of Ireland-Archaeology
The Museum of Archaeology has a rich collection of Irish and non-Irish archaeological artifacts ranging from 7000BC to the late medieval period and beyond. These collections include prehistoric gold objects, Viking artifacts, ecclesiastical objects and collections of Egyptian and Cypriot material.
National Museum Of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Open to Public : Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 2-5pm. Telephone +353 (0) 1 6777444 Email: marketing@museum.iewww.museum.ie