Introducing Take the First Step

Take the First Step, 60 x72 traditional red and white quilt by O.V. Brantley 2021. Pattern by Sarah Bond. Machine quilted by Maxine Moore.

“You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr., August 4, 2012.

That quote is the inspiration for the name of my quilt Take the First Step.

Graduation photo of the Sarah Bond class at the Atlanta Quilt Festival

I started this quilt in a class at the 2021 Atlanta Quilt Festival taught by Sarah Bond. Her quilt was name Diamond Stair Step. Actually Take the First Step is half as large as Sarah’s quilt. Once I sewed all the blocks together, it did not come together as perfectly as I wanted. A simple solution was to only use the part of the quilt I considered perfect. I added borders and Voila! Take the First Step was born.

Quilting detail of Take the First Step

My friend Maxine Moore quilted Take the First Step on her long arm. It was her idea to use the wavy pattern and I love it. I also love the African border.

ME! In class taking the first step on my new quilt.

This quilt will become part of my ever -growing red and white quilt collection. More importantly it is a reminder to step out on faith as we say in the Baptist Church. Take the first step, with the faith that the rest of the staircase is there, and that you will be able to get to your destination, if you keep taking step after step.

Label and back detail of Take the First Step