It was hard to find a time when the three recipients of this year’s Graduation Quilt Project could all be in the same place together to receive their quilts. Between traveling, jobs, and busy schedules, I finally assembled these three amazing young women last week, along with many of the community members who donated their garments for the quilts. It remains one of the most heartwarming moments for me in what has been, and will continue to be, a years-long project.

Anona, Antonia, and Zel are three of the most self-possessed, capable, creative, young women I know, and it was so great to symbolically send them off with a gift from a community who loves them.

First came Anona’s quilt.

I had the pleasure of having Anona’s mom join me in the studio one day to help with the lay out.

I chose a quilting pattern that I thought reflected Anona’s interest in geology and earth sciences.

Anona.

Next came Antonia’s quilt.

Antonia’s grandmother died earlier this year, and the dark blue dragonfly fabric that separates the 6 sections of the quilt was found in her closet and added to the quilt.

Antonia.

Zel’s quilt was the third and final quilt for this year.

Her mom also came and helped with the quilt layout one day and chose the dusty lavender linen for the border.

Zel, opening up her quilt for the first time.

Wishing the three of you much love and all the best!