Heirloom Quilts

A quilt is a perfect symbol of comfort.  It is warm.  It is soft against the skin.  It is lovingly hand  crafted, and a treasure passed from generation to generation.

Quilting has a long history dating back to the time of ancient Egypt and earlier. Quilted clothing has been worn for centuries. Decorative quilted petticoats were worn during the 17th century in Europe, Great Britain, America and beyond.  Today, quilting has reached the level of art. In addition to beautifully hand-sewn traditional patterns, many quilters use their quilts as political or personal statements. Pictorial quilts, abstract quilts, and watercolor quilts have reached a level of sophistication never seen before.

No where is that sophistication and beauty more evident than in the quilts created by Ivy Bakken of Wayward Wind Llamas.  "Three years ago I decided that I wanted a really warm quilt and  we had some llama fiber that I would have said was seconds (not quite as good as the best or prime saddle of the llama but not the belly and leggings) so I had a girlfriend sew a burgundy star quilt for me.  Her mother offered to hand quilt it.  The batt was 100% llama.  So within weeks the proto-type was made."

"I then decided that I wanted to make a quilt myself and as it was Christmas I made a Blue Papa Noel quilt, this quilt was just made and sold twice.  I never even had time to get a picture of the finished product.  Others that we have made are  Two Spring's Promise Quilts -- one in a log cabin barn raising design and one we raffled for the 4-H in a log cabin random design, Autumn Harvest a blend of the greens and gold of fall in a Log Cabin Barn Raising Pattern, this is the quilt we are currently raffling for the 4-H with the draw to to be at Agribition in November, 2003 in Regina Saskatchewan.  We have made two Winning Hand Quilts, one in reds and blues and the other in mauves and yellows with a blue mauve and yellow print, one Irish Chain, in pinks and purples (not pictured) a burgundy and green Log Cabin Star quilt.  Currently we are working on a multi colored Log Cabin Star which incorporates about ten colors.  All of the quilts after the first one are machine quilted by two ladies that are absolutely wonderful at this line of work June and Emily Backstrom.  They will try any variations that you may think of and have many helpful hints to give the aspiring quiltmaker." 

Each quilt is distinctive - the patterns and colours are never repeated, giving an extra special uniqueness to them.  Ivy has displayed her quilts at shows and fairs around the province, and always draws a large crowd of admirers.

From start to finish a quilt will take 6 months.  "They are very labour intensive, but the effort comes through in the finished product," Ivy says.  "These really are heirlooms - they will last many generations with proper care."

The quilts are made to fit a queen size bed, although Ivy will make larger or smaller quilts upon request.  The fabric and pattern can also be custom ordered.  The fill is made of 100% llama fibre.  Llama fiber is lanolin-free, lightweight, warm and luxurious, also very popular with spinners. It has a greater thermal warmth than sheep wool because the fiber is hollow. Many people allergic to wool are not allergic to llama fiber.

A average queen size quilt weighs approximately 12 - 15 pounds.  They are heavier than a store bought cover, but the weight doesn't take anything away.  "If anything it simply adds to the comfort factor," explains Ivy.  "Many people who have slept under my quilts have told me it was one of the most relaxing nights they have spent."

Ivy is about to start work on quilt number ten, and as she also works full time, it is a major undertaking.  Watch here for further details on the newest pattern.