Custom Quilts...
The Dragonslayer Sword Tapestry
This particular piece was designed to celebrate the publication of author, Resa Nelson's new novel The Dragonslayer's Sword. The book, being published in early 2008. tells the story of Astrid, a blacksmith in a village routinely threatened by migrating dragons. Astrid has already lost her lover DiStephan, who has mysteriously vanished, and she is left wondering if dragons are behind his untimely disappearance. As a blacksmith, Astrid is behind the forging of a sword that her heart believes will end the terror visited upon her village by these dragons.
This Sword Tapestry honors Astrid's belief in her handiwork.
The sword rests on a background of mottled hunter green fabric. It is then encased within a border of cherry vine fusion, wherein the lighter-coloured vines offer the impression of flames of dragon fire, scattered throughout the quilt. In the upper right corner, a silver rhinestone dragon spreads its wings, raining down fire upon the sword, which stands the test of Astrid's belief. Quilting lines of gold metallic thread mark the flames of the dragon's fire. Seven tongues of flame sear the sword, as seven is a number of mystery and magic.
A closer look at the upper right corner again, shows the cherry border torn into shards where the dragon has broken through. Thus, representing those villages destroyed by the ravages of the migrating dragons, and the dangers they pose to Astrid and her people.
An intricate Trinity Knot design plays across the outer border of hunter green. The Trinity Knot is an ancient Celtic depiction representing Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. It is regularly found across the Celtic lands in archeological remnants, such as pottery, jewelry, and standing crosses to name a few.
The sword depicted in this piece is done to scale, in that it is 2-3" wide at the base, tapering to its point, and measures 35" in length. It is crafted from silver tissue-paper lame fabric, which then lies on a base of batting to give it a 3-dimensional effect. The hilt of the sword is embellished with braid, to give the impression of raised silverwork, which was a device which allowed for a surer grip during battle. Below, the pommel of the sword carries three red jewels in a triangular fashion, three being considered a sacred number. The red gems here, echo in the eye of the dragon above.
The Tapestry measures approximately 32" by 52". It is machine pieced and appliqued, and completely hand quilted.
Another version of the above Sword Tapestry was designed exclusively for author Resa Nelson. The colours were reversed, using a marbled burgundy for the background or main colour, and a moss green, vine fusion for the border.
The biggest difference between the two pieces is in the depiction of the dragon. Here, the dragon has been attached to a contrasting piece of fabric, which is then appliqued onto the background, and stuffed with polyfill to give it an outstanding 3-dimensional look.
Adding to the dramatic presentation of jeweled dragon, is the top-stitching of yellow thread in a jagged-line design. This is done to further emphasize the flames of fire emanating from the dragon.
The borders are still 'broken' in this version to signify the damage done to the villages and surrounding countryside, ravaged by the dragons fury. In this, and all other aspects of stitching and design, the quilts remain the same. And this includes the silver braid work on the sword hilt, as well as the triune jewels which match the dragon's eye.
The top-stitching and hand-quilting on the front of the piece is mirrored on the back of the Tapestry piece, an echo of design. A sleeve stitched onto the back of the quilt facilitates a dowel for ease in hanging.
This Dragon Tapestry can be done in any colour scheme of your choice. For example, picture the silver sword on a background of deep purple with a sky blue or turquoise border. Perhaps a background of royal navy and a border of light pink or peach engages the eye. Whatever your mind can imagine has the possibility of being translated here into a unique Tapestry design....a reflection of your own personal taste.
To celebrate publication of The Dragonslayer's Sword, Custom Quilts has offered to recreate a limited number of these Sword Tapestries, done in a similar manner, or to your own individual colour specification. The total cost of this quilt is $300, plus shipping. If you have any questions, please contact us at Custom Quilts.
The price is $100 to reserve. To complete $200, plus $20 shipping. Or make one total payment of $320.
The Sword Tapestry was 2007's Grand Prize in "The Count Down to Publication Contest" for The Dragonslayer's Sword. And congratulations go to D. Koebel of Kentucky, who won the drawing for the Tapestry!
Publication date for the book is scheduled for early 2008. For more information, or to enter other monthly contests, please go to Resa Nelson's Website....learn more about Resa's work, and the exciting world of Science Fantasy!