Aapay and Her Fish Wool Appliqué Kit
Designed by Lydia Middaugh
This design holds a special place in my heart. Decades ago, during a trip to Ottawa, I came across the work of artist Dorothy Francis. Her tender drawings of children from the Alaskan bush stayed with me long after the trip ended—and nearly 40 years later, they became the inspiration for Aapay and Her Fish.
The 18" block captures a quiet moment in the snowy wild: a warmly bundled child pulling a wooden sled, holding up the day's catch with mittened hands, pausing to greet a loyal dog. In the distance, a plume of smoke rises from a cozy cabin nestled between evergreens, with fish hanging to dry on a wooden rack. Hand-dyed wool, textured stitching, and dimensional details bring the wintery landscape to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Each kit includes: hand-dyed felted wool for the appliqué, a richly hued flannel background, and cotton fabrics for added texture and contrast. You’ll also receive a printed pattern, silver fish charms, and a laser-cut wooden dog button—each element chosen to add character and depth to the scene.
Whether finished as a wall hanging or incorporated into a larger quilt, Aapay and Her Fish is a tribute to childhood, resilience, and the quiet magic of winter in the far north.
Aapay and Her Fish Wool Appliqué Kit
Designed by Lydia Middaugh
This design holds a special place in my heart. Decades ago, during a trip to Ottawa, I came across the work of artist Dorothy Francis. Her tender drawings of children from the Alaskan bush stayed with me long after the trip ended—and nearly 40 years later, they became the inspiration for Aapay and Her Fish.
The 18" block captures a quiet moment in the snowy wild: a warmly bundled child pulling a wooden sled, holding up the day's catch with mittened hands, pausing to greet a loyal dog. In the distance, a plume of smoke rises from a cozy cabin nestled between evergreens, with fish hanging to dry on a wooden rack. Hand-dyed wool, textured stitching, and dimensional details bring the wintery landscape to life in a way that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Each kit includes: hand-dyed felted wool for the appliqué, a richly hued flannel background, and cotton fabrics for added texture and contrast. You’ll also receive a printed pattern, silver fish charms, and a laser-cut wooden dog button—each element chosen to add character and depth to the scene.
Whether finished as a wall hanging or incorporated into a larger quilt, Aapay and Her Fish is a tribute to childhood, resilience, and the quiet magic of winter in the far north.
