This paper pieced quilt, inspired by the gorgeous stained glass designs throughout the country, depicts the moment of Jesus washing Peter’s feet. This iconic moment, shared between the two on the night of the Last Supper, shares the true meaning of servant leadership.
In designing this quilt, I wanted to share the moment after Jesus and Peter had their memorable yet short discussion (John 13:1-17):
“He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
I love how this quilt turned out! Both Jesus and Peter have a quiet, pensive look…yet Jesus’s mouth ever so slightly turns up at the corners in a smile. I sometimes imagine this moment, thinking of what Peter must have been wondering as he looked down to see his leader offering up such a humble, intimate act.
We’ve seen so many gorgeous stained glass windows on our journey, and I really wanted to capture the look and feel of the windows in this quilt pattern. I will say, though, that when I make this quilt again I will make the floor a bit more of a gray tone…I don’t love how it blends closely to both the skin tones on Jesus and Peter. I *was* so excited, though, to find this gorgeous blue water print! Since the water, and the act being performed, is the focal point, I chose to carry the same blue water from the foot washing bin in the sashing around the quilt.
Dimensions: The paper pieced design finishes at 30″ x 36″, making a large lap-sized quilt. Borders and sashing can be added to enhance the design, and printing the pattern at a larger (or smaller) scale give you limitless flexibility in making the design exactly the size you want.
Level: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate. Assumes basic knowledge of paper piecing techniques.
