Redacted was designed during the early days of Trump’s second presidency—a time marked by the rapid dismantling of long-standing governmental systems and protections. I didn’t set out to make a political quilt, but I was literally designing while listening to the news. As I worked, I began experimenting with the deconstruction of my original block design, and found myself drawing parallels between the evolving composition and what was unfolding in the world.
The repeated block pattern begins with order, then breaks down—revealing gaps and voids. These missing pieces speak to the erosion of systems we rely on for stability, equity, and collective well-being.
The purely aesthetic beauty of Redacted is purposeful. I hoped it would invite you in with its repetition, balance, and a shape reminiscent of a water lily. But beneath that surface is negative space that is more than visual; it’s conceptual. It marks what has been lost or stripped away.
The word redacted generally refers to omitted or censored text. I feel like deconstruction is a way to represent that visually.
This quilt is foundation paper pieced using an original block design. It measured 58” x 72” prior to quilting with vertical lines of stitching on my domestic machine. The quilting includes sections of ¼” spacing and ½” spacing in measured intervals, creating a secondary pattern. I used a 50 weight Aurifil thread that matched the background fabric. I used Anna Maria Parry’s Indelible Peony wideback for the backing fabric. I handstitched the binding down with a bouquet of peonies next to me…perfect timing!
This quilt was started in my home sewing room and my first finish at the new studio.
19 Comments on “Redacted Quilt”
I Absoultely could not love this more! Anxiously awaiting the pattern! I understand your feelings that went into this quilt and as a side note I personally love the idea of the water lily which reminds me of a lotus as it’s a symbol of my daughter’s birth heritage from Kalmykia, Russia.
Thank you Laurie! I am not making a pattern for this quilt–it was a personal project. The water lily like shape could just as easily be lotus like for sure!
Just stunning!!!
Beautiful Quilt! I got all excited thinking great new pattern love to do this then I read your response to a person’s comment. All and all I would keep it as a personal quilt myself.
This spoke to me as soon as I saw it and then read your description. struck a chord. Love, love it. Thank you for sharing with us. Good luck on your opening.
Your quilt is fascinating, and the description of what you were doing as you designed it made me smile – how you
could take a a set of brain bending occurrences and turn them int art and beauty…
i love the concept as much as i love the quilt. the binding and the backing are perfect.
Beautiful!!! I love the story behind the quilt!!! So Accurate!
This is an amazing quilt-love it!
Wishing you all the best in opening your new space! So very exciting!
What a fabulous quilt & in my colours.
What a gift to be able to turn the turmoil into such a beautiful and meaningful work of art! I appreciate your sharing this quilt and your process with your readers.
All the best on your opening weekend. I’d be there if I could!
I love this quilt, Amy! And while all quilts remind of us where we were in time while making, I think this one has an even deeper meaning – for you and for so many of us! Thank you for sharing the backstory!
You’re a woman after my heart. I totally agree with your sentiments regarding our current society and how it feels to live in it. The quilt couldn’t be more beautiful or more timely. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
This is a very beautiful quilt. see you on July 13, Jackie
What fabrics did you use for the blue and the white portion of your quilt?
I love the quilt. Beautiful!
Congratulations on the opening of your new studio! How exciting especially knowing how you created, and recreated part of it after it crashed! Too bad I’m in Central Ohio. Enjoy!
This is a fascinating quilt – both visually and the backstory of it. I actually was hoping there might be a pattern or some general guidelines for it, but I see now that that is not in the future cards for the rest of us. The inspiration behind it – I believe is well reflected in the construction of your beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing Amy.
We all hope you change your mind on a patten. Lol. Just beautiful.
I love your work and just bought the Petal + Stem book, but
Yes, leaving politics out of it would be much better.
Everyone’s sentiments are not the same.
Love this quilt and always love a good protest quilt! Thank you for sharing your process and your work here!