finished size: 96" × 96" finished blocks: 8 (32") BLOCKS
PAR ADIS E AMO N G T H E TR EE S inspired by Alias Grace designed and made by NICOLE BROOKS
I
was watching the Netflix mini-series Alias Grace. It is based on the book by the same name written
by Margaret Atwood. The main character Grace, an avid quilter, names Tree of Paradise as one of the quilts a lady must complete by the time she marries.
I wanted to take this traditional large half-square triangle intensive quilt and modernize it. I saw the traditional quilt with two different color triangles as two families coming together in marriage. However, marriages are more than just two people coming together. Often kids, grandparents, dogs, cats, ex-spouses, and numerous other people all come together to create the family dynamic. It is this extensive family dynamic from both sides which is united through marriage. The numerous trees in my quilt represent all these people that form a family. It also shows that there is not just one paradise tree. Of note: The book was set in the 1800s in Canada. Grace was accused and convicted of murder. But throughout the series, it appears she may be innocent.
Nicole QUILTINGDAILY.COM
April/May 2021
Fons & Porter’s Quick + Easy Quilts | 49
