Pelican Quilts

Artist, Writer, Quilter

A Psychoanalysis of Quilts

My name is Sarah Gagnon and I live in Madison, Wisconsin. Each of my quilts is based on a traditional design or methods, but is my own composition. My process is slow - I create my own colors on linen with natural dyes, then hand stitch them together with sashiko thread.

In my writing I focus on bringing together my interest in what it means to be human and an artist. I call this writing project, a Psychoanalysis of Quilts - or - The Quilt on the Couch. I explore how we get so much joy from this frenetic activity, the repetition of forms and the piecing together of these puzzles. What does this craft says about us, and what we can learn from the craft about our humanity?

Want to make a quilt?

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View fullsize Stitching Antigone: Lace, Texture, and Composition. The Antigone quilt is deep in the quilting phase—where flat cloth becomes texture, depth, and movement. I’m stitching three distinct patterns across the background, hair, and face zone
View fullsize Easter is over. I did nothing this year. I sat alone in my house, resting, healing. She will be risen soon enough. Today was the last day of my antibiotics and I surely am healing, if not more slowly than I hope. On easter I love a few very simple th
View fullsize She has been my best friend lately while I’ve been laid up with pneumonia. I’m three weeks into this illness and expect about a week to 3 weeks before I’m fully recovered. I’m so glad to have her.
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View fullsize Figure if a boy covered in quilts and surrounded by dogs. These moments are favorites. He loves cozy spaces and is still always building forts for himself.
View fullsize A handful of little illustrations for the zine. I really need to stop adding and start finishing :)
View fullsize Progress report on the Antigone quilt. I can’t make a decision in whether to include the warm tones or not. What do you think?
View fullsize I want to do a full overhaul of my studio but I don’t have the motivation. What motivates you?
View fullsize Do you ever wonder if the investment into making your home beautiful is a waste of time? I used to feel guilty about it but honestly, it’s one of the greatest joys to make this life so meaningful. I hope to inspire you to do the same with fabri

Hand Stitched & Naturally Dyed

Quilting is the stitching that binds layers of fabrics together to create a quilt. I love the repetitive, frenetic, constant movement of my hands. My work is composed on 100% linen colored with natural dyes.