little jack

I'm chugging away on larger quilt projects a few blocks at a time. It's nice to make progress, but gives me no fodder for the blog. I've been fiddling with miniatures too. Luckily, they offer a little more in the way of eye candy.






I've been folding mini fat quarters and building mini spaces. And, of course, sewing miniature things. The Union Jack pillow could fill a post of it's own.

I've spent hours researching the flag of the UK. I'm due to make a larger block next month for Ringo Pie based on the Union Jack theme. So I decided to invest some time in learning about it's history and evolution. Every flag has a story. I got lost in tales of kings and rules of heraldry. I think when you're asked to make something, it helps to understand it. For me, it brings just a little more passion to my work. Hours later, I'm far from an expert; but far less naive.

I've learned about it's subtle nuances. I've learned about it's shape and form. Did you know that it isn't symmetric? Did you know that it's sometimes flown upside down? What's that you say?! There's an upside down to a Union Jack? Yes. Yes there is.

Living in Australia, I should know these things. After all the Union Jack appears in the canton on our flag. Looking at me throwing around big terms. I learned about cantons this week too. Hours, I tell ya!

Then my mind drifted with daydreams of Union Jacks made in Liberty of London reds and blue - a big quilt project for another day. Wanting something more immediate and tangible, I set to work on a mini version for Smith. And the fabric I chose? American Jane, of course.


Today's really big useless word: vexillologist - someone who studies flags. Go ahead and try to work that into a conversation tomorrow, I dare you.