Wayfinder Quilt - Original Version
It is the same with me as it is with you, my friend. I am not going anywhere. I am only on the way.
— Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
Design Inspiration
While in the bit of a “life re-examination” I’ll call it (though, it appears - for me at least - that this process is never-ending), I picked up Siddhartha and began re-reading this book I’m sure I’d been assigned back in high school. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this book, which is no doubt why it is such a classic, but one passage resonated with me so deeply. It was clearly something I needed to understand at that particular time. “Siddhartha says: ‘It is the same with me as it is with you, my friend. I am not going anywhere. I am only on the way.’” Something immediately clicked for me. Many of us - myself most certainly included - have been so conditioned to be constantly pursuing and grasping for what’s ahead, expecting the reward of satisfaction once we’ve reached that next summit. It was burning me out and making me miserable.
Wayfinding is the orientation toward and navigation from place to place, with signs and experiences along the way. I imagined a new perspective where instead of high-speed highways to major destinations, there were scenic backroads and points of interest along the way. Road closures become fascinating detours. The Wayfinder design, with its wandering dotted paths, is about that all-too-trite sentiment of “enjoying the journey.” It turns out this advice has been a key for my finding contentment and joy in life because the hedonic treadmill will keep running so long as a myopic focus stays on the next big thing - whether that be related to wealth, status, love, pleasure, or anything else that we think will, once achieved, suddenly solve our problems or make us happy. Ambition is, of course, a wonderful thing - it’s just when I forget to smell the proverbial roses and fully appreciate what’s lovely about the current path that I find life gets heavy. A reminder that there really is no “destination” - except that, morbid as it is, our time on this planet eventually ends - helps to lighten things up a bit. If we never, in the ultimate sense, actually “arrive,” why not enjoy wherever we are along our path?
Details & Techniques
The Wayfinder Quilt is packed with customizable options, making it easy to create a version that fits your style. It’s available in 6 sizes, from Mini to King, and includes two distinct design styles: a mirrored, graphic Mid-Mod layout (like this version!) and a rotating Starburst layout. Whether you are looking for a more consistent look, or using up fat quarters, there’s options for multiple color variations! The pattern uses traditional piecing techniques and Half Rectangle Triangles (HRTs) to build bold, modern designs with striking visual impact.
Fabrics
This version of the Wayfinder quilt features a 5-color fabric selection, creating a warm, mid-century-inspired feel with subtle contrast and earthy balance.
The quilt top is all Art Gallery Fabrics:
Color 1: AGF Linen Blend in Soft Sand (note: AGF Gentle Feather is a great sub)
Color 2: AGF Pure Solids Asparagus
Color 3: AGF Pure Solids Garden Fern
Color 4: AGF Pure Solids Georgia Peach
Color 5: AGF Pure Solids Aurus
The backing is AGF Parallel Thoughts 108 edition wideback
Binding is AGF Pure Solids Gentle Feather
A similar version is available as a kit from Global Fiber Shop!
Be sure to check out the Funhouse and Something Blue versions of this pattern for more inspiration!
Want to color your own version? Create your own mockups of the Wayfinder quilt on PreQuilt!
Quilting
This quilt was longarmed by Wild Phil Quilting using the Retro Lines #1 panto by Kristin Hoftyzer. Mindy chose this pantograph, and I was thrilled to see how well the quilting design even further enhances the mid-century modern feel of the overall quilt.
Tools Used
Machine: Bernina 475QE
Piecing thread: Gutermann Sew All thread
Batting: Pellon White Cotton with scrim
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter & rotary mat
Adobe Illustrator for trusty mockups
