I am thrilled to say that I finished the Fox Wholecloth Quilt in time yesterday to photograph, wash, and sleep under it last night!
Fox Wholecloth Quilt
This is the orientation the quilt is meant to lay on a bed. The bed that it is intended to be used on will be in our Wabi-Sabi Overland vehicle where the bed is oriented side to side such that the foxes will be viewed “right side up” when you are standing in the kitchen looking back at the bed.
Some quick reminder statistics: the foxes are 47″ wide and 20″ tall at the extremes, the quilt is 67 1/2-inches wide by 92-inches long, and the quilt was made using Kona Cotton in Astral for the front and back, bound using Kona Cotton in Ocean, and I used Quilter’s Dream Dream Green batting.
Fox Wholecloth Quilt
The entire quilt is quilted using Aurifil’s Forty3 thread, which is a three-ply forty weight thread (their normal 40wt is a 2-ply). You can read about my testing and evaluation of the differences on the Auribuzz blog. I used 5 different color threads for the quilting: 2692 (black), 2784 (Dark Navy), 2725 (Light Wedgewood), 2600 (Dove) and 2024 (White). 2725 (Light Wedgewood) blends in beautifully with Kona Astral.
Fox Wholecloth Quilt – My Husband’s Fox
When planning out the quilt, my husband and I immediately felt a strong connection to the fox silhouettes, so each fox represents one of us. The playful, pouncing fox is for my husband and shows his deep connection with nature, and his love for space, the stars, and a certain propensity to be a big picture dreamer.
The only location in the quilt that uses 2692 (black) thread are the pebbles that represent the earth and rocks in the feet of his fox, nestled around the tree roots. I like that the general trend for my husband’s fox is to go from dark to light, dense quilting to less dense quilting.
I hope that the motifs capture not just his personality, likes, and interests, but also a wishful hope for playfulness and the freedom to explore while feeling rooted, grounded, and loved.
Fox Wholecloth Quilt – Detail
When discussing what to include in his fox, my husband requested a tree similar to the style I created in The Giving Tree Mini Quilt, which I was more than happy to re-create for him. For the tree trunk and branches, I used 2784 (Dark Navy). For the “leaves”, I started with 2725 (Light Wedgewood), then 2600 (Dove) and 2024 (White). These are tiny pebbles, probably about 1/8-inch in diameter at largest.
Fox Wholecloth Quilt – My Fox
The largest feature on my fox is the quilted Mariner’s compass. I have a very strong internal compass that I try to use and live by. Most of the time I just call it “the vibe” and I am eternally grateful to those times it has steered me in the right direction.
The next thing I knew that I wanted for my fox was some dense quilting in each of the legs, this time using 2784 (Dark Navy) to create a realistic looking effect for a typical red fox coloration. Note that each of the foxes also employs the characteristic white tipped fox tail for the same reason.
After that, I was a lot more stumped about what to do for my fox. When my husband suggested that I think about looking at maps to relate to the compass, we hit on the perfect solution: mountains, towns, forests, and rivers inspired by the map illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkein in his book, The Hobbit.
I won’t say that I am a reluctant traveler, but my husband knows that I take a while to warm up to his travel ideas. I never regret any of the adventures that we have undertaken, but my natural inclination at the proposal of a new idea is much like that of a hobbit: to stay cozy at home and (in my case) quilt. So I hope that the quilting in my fox also reminds me of the second title of The Hobbit: There and Back Again. Of course, it helps knowing that in our upcoming travels, we will be taking home with us everywhere we go.
To read more about the Fox Wholeloth Quilt progress, visit my previous posts:
- Fox Wholecloth Quilt Progres
- Fox Wholecloth Quilt – Background Quilting
- Fox Wholecloth Quilt – Bound but Not Finished
Linking up with Beauties Pageant 14 and TGIFF.
The whole quilt is gorgeous, but your fox quilting takes it to the next level… l don’t know what’s beyond gorgeous but those beautiful foxes are it! We have always camped since both Tommy and I were children, we grew up 3 miles away from each other and camped about 10-15 miles away and never knew it we have always taken our homes with us when we go (our campers were always ready to roll onto the next adventure even if they were on a seasonal site, and our BFFs have a camper thst is always ready to go and we can tow the Harley’s so we can explore) so I understand that home component. I hope you enjoy your trip and use Wabi-Sabi often!
Your quilt is amazing! I’m in awe of the workmanship, and the meaning behind the fox quilting design truly takes the quilt to a different level. Sounds like it’s been a fun project! I’m like you, I always prefer home, but once I push myself to travel, I’m always happy I did.
Outstanding! Gorgeous! I like how each fox has it’s on personality and character added with the different quilting designs.
Just amazing, Yvonne! Love the detail, and the thoughtfulness that went into each fox. I would never have thought you were hobbitt-like. I can certainly relate to that! Great finish – one step closer to enjoying that Wabi Sabi!
Oh, Yvonne, this is jaw-dropping gorgeous! Such an awesome quilt filled with meaning, just wonderful! I hope you plan to enter this in a few shows, as it is a show-stopper!!
I love how personal you’ve made the quilt. The quilting, of course, is outstanding and I really enjoyed reading about your representative foxes! I hope the vibe continues to guide you well in 2019!
My first thought was Holy Crap, that’s some serious quilting. I am amazed, blown away, speechless. You have knocked this out of the park, Yvonne. Well done.
Wow – this is just so beautiful! I love all the meaning in each of the designs – I love that the foxes represent you. Congratulations on another stunning finish!
How cool that you both have your own foxes representing each of your personalities ! The quilting on the foxes is outstanding! Coming up with the ideas to showcase as you said was the hard part, but the ability to quilt them like you did is amazing. I love your compass, its’ beautiful.
Wow!!!
Beautiful job, Yvonne!
The detail in the quilting is just awesome! So well done!
I hope you enjoy it and your travels! God bless you!
Love, love, love! I am in awe of your creativity and your talent. I admire that you live your life with such integrity. So inspirational on so many levels. Thank you for sharing.
Perfection! It is truly gorgeous and the symbolism you created in each fox makes this so much more personal. You will love having it with you on your journeys. I love the way your husband is so supportive and participates in the creative process. What a wonderful quilt – although I don’t know if I could wait until WabiSabi is on the road to use it.
Oh, this turned out amaizingly, Yvonne!! It’s gorgeous and revealing, tells a lovely story. Happy trails!
Magnificent! And very personal. Thanks for sharing the stories of the foxes. I’m looking forward to your stories of your travel adventures.
You are so creative. Thank you for sharing your beautiful quilt.
Your foxes are absolutely amazing! I feel like they need to be in a quilting category unto themselves! This project sounds like it is so meaningful to both you and your husband. I hope it keeps you warm inside and out for many, many nights.
I’ll just ‘ditto’ what Kathleen said! I love the thought that went into the symbolism of your quilting designs, as well as the stance of the foxes. What a keepsake for you!
HOLY WOW! It was immensely clever to put a detail like the foxes in the middle of the field. The effect is stunningly beautiful.
This is just stunning, Yvonne. Really, there’s no other word for it. I thought it was lovely when the foxes were just outlines, but the quilting takes it to a much higher level. Congratulations on a fantastic finish.
I knew you’d come up with something stunning for the quilt and you certainly didn’t disappoint me! I couldn’t wait to see it! I love that you used the silhouettes and filled them with meaningful designs. It’s truly a unique, thought filled beautiful quilt Yvonne! I have a feeling it will carry you through all your journeys. I don’t know what else to say except your artistry is second to none!
This quilt is fabulous! I love the thought you have put into each of the foxes. You are so talented!!!
Wow, wow, wow! When I hear of wholecloth, this is not what I think of, and I just LOVE yours, it’s so modern and so amazing looking! I love the details in the fox, especially the mariner’s compass. It is just stunning, and so meaningful!
The details in each fox are really amazing Yvonne. I look forward to hearing about your travels once you take off.
I just love the fox quilt! So awesome. Thank you so much for sharing the process in making the quilt. Have a great day!
One: Your design and the quilting itself is just so beautifully done. Two: Your thoughtfulness about every detail is just inspiring and lovely. This whole quilt idea and execution is unique and personal and that makes it really really special.
Wow! The quilting is spectacular in both foxes! It’s gorgeous.
This says it all!!! What amazing quilting, and the story within. It will be well loved and travelled. I, too,prefer to be at home and struggle with going away,However when we get there, I do enjoy different places. Now, the tent, caravan, or the ute ( a long time ag o) have been swapped for more comfortable beds, motels or cabins seem more suitable now. You have the best, a home on wheels, and wherever you are, can be sure of a roof over your heads at night.And a quilt to enjoy as well.
I read your whole post, then all the comments. So much of what I would say has already been expressed, but truly, this is a masterpiece, coupled with your narrative and your thoughts. What a satisfying read, illuminating, really, and it’s genius how your foxes really express through visuals what you have described.
I really appreciate your ideas about There and Back Again, for in travel we seek to discover new horizons, new ideas, see new things. But if there isn’t a place to anchor ourselves, it’s more difficult to internalize all this. I’m thinking your WabiSabi will serve as your Hobbit’s cottage as you travel…but just on wheels, instead of dug into the side of a mountain!
The others have covered it Yvonne. Really stunning, very meaningful, perfectly executed. Love the story behind the motifs within the foxes outlines. I just love it. Great idea to set up the orientation so it shows best inside the Wabi-Sabi. I bet you are (rightfully) thrilled with this finish!!
Hello Yvonne, Absolutely Stunning! I enjoyed every moment of reading this post and discovering so many things about the two of you. Thank you for sharing this spectacular part of your journey together with us. Have a fantastic day!
This is spectacular! You did such an amazing job!
Oh, Yvonne, the quilting in the foxes is magnificent. I love how the elements are tied to things that have meaning to the person they represent. Each element is so well executed no one would believe you were stumped at any point in the quilt. I can imagine how much joy you will get every time you look over at the quilt and see those foxes playing. I’m not one who likes change a lot and I certainly like to have my comforts around me. So I can understand how it would take time to come to an acceptance of the long trip. I hope you will be able to blog about your adventures as you travel.
This is just stunning Yvonne. Your quilting of the foxes is amazing. At first I was stumped by the orientation of the foxes but then I remembered your comment about orientation of the quilt in your home on wheels and then of course you explained that again. It’s so beautiful and the symbolism in the foxes will help to keep you grounded in your travels.
What a wonderful, personal treasure to take on the road with you. I think you’re the bravest hobbit in the Shire for embracing every adventure your husband dreams up!
I am in total awe. Generally, I prefer minimalistic quilting, but all the quilting on this Fox quilt makes sense and has meaning for you and your husband. I truly hope I get to see it in person someday. Take care, Mary.
Stunning quilting, Yvonne! I love all the thoughtful symbolism. As a full time traveler myself, I can tell you that being cozy and home in your moving house is the very best of both worlds. There’s nothing like quilting in your own tiny studio with an ever-changing view out the window. Bliss!
Yvonne, It such a beautiful and deeply personal quilt. I love that you do such beautiful work and put so much meaning into everything you make.
Yvonne, WOW! This quilt is gorgeous.
Being honest, I was not so sure about the quilt-in-the-foxes-idea. Still not, after I looked up the sketches again. But wow! This is amazing. They look gorgeous – and the story for each fox?! So special! What an inspiration. xo Melanie
Excellent, beautiful, very meaningful quilt, Yvonne! I lived in Iowa growing up and there were families there with your last name and they pronounced it Fox so I was fascinated with how you would design the quilt…you exceeded my expectations totally!
I concur with the HOLY WOW comment! Thanks for taking us along on the creative process for this wonderful quilt.
Wow indeed. This is not just a quilt, but so many things embodied into it. I love that you both love Tolkein. I love Oxford, where he lived, though I probably prefer CS Lewis, who was his friend. I did enjoy the concept of the Hobbit , my sons loved those books, but I got rather left behind with them. My son’s favourite joke is, Last night I thought I was in the Hobbit, but then I realised I was just Tolkein in my sleep! Boom boom. I feel quite excited for you at your impending adventures. It will be so much fun.
The foxes are amazing and the amount of thought and detail you put into them is very evident. I can absolutely see the Hobbit influence. You captured it quite nicely. A gorgeous finish that will look great in your new digs.
This is so beautiful and so full of meaning and personal references; it is a true treasure. I have always loved Tolkein’s maps too, so am very excited to see a quilty version.
What a beautiful finish, the detail on the foxes is excellent and I love how the longer you look at them, the most different details you notice.