Portagioie

Janet Swigler

Machine pieced and quilted cotton fabric

“Portagioie ” is a small, abstract quilt that was improvised during its creation and was cut freehand without a pattern. Subtle gradations within a color family were used to enhance the interactions between the colors. It is constructed in the manner of a traditional quilt with a pieced top, batting, and backing all sandwiched together by quilting stitches that add another dimension to the quilt’s surface.

“Portagioie” is an Italian word with dual definitions – one meaning is a jewelry box and the other is a threshold or entryway to a place of joy.  My life is filled with both beauty and joy. This piece was created to express my gratitude.