Chantal Guillermet – Time #3
René 1895–1957
René was my great-uncle and the eldest child of Etienne and Aline. He left Brittany at age 15 to follow his parents, who emigrated to Tunisia. After studying agriculture, he was drafted in 1914; he wasn’t even 19 yet… He fought in the Balkans and at the Dardanelles, then took part in the Eastern Campaign, from Port Said to Beirut, traversing villages and deserts on foot or on horseback.
He would not return home until late 1919… he was only 23.
He recorded his war memories in a journal that has survived to this day. Drawing inspiration from his memories, I pay tribute to him with this quilt, whose colors represent the ever-blue sky, the sun, the sea, and the red and ochre lands he traversed.
The silhouette and ruins are created using needle painting; I incorporated fragments of his diary by making document transfers onto organza.
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
A story well conveyed wi. your design, choice of colours and stitching. An enjoyable story quilt
What a touching background story – and what a treasure you have in those diaries. I am filled with great sadness at the thought of how young many of the men in the war are. Barely adults.
Beautifully precise sewing – all in all a moving piece that makes a strong impression.
I especially love the needle painting , which is so precise and tells the story on the colorful background that depicts the places where Rene was in the battles.The story is very interesting and it is fortunate that it was written and remains to this day.
Unmistakably Chantal! The colors are truly yours. I love how you included the fabric with handwriting and, of course, the thread painting is the best part of this piece. Bravo!
ignSuch an interesting history of your great uncle and how well the colours you have chosen reflect the scenery which he recorded. I like that you have incorporated the diary entry into your design. Lovely work
A very moving story beautifully depicted in your quilt. The colours work well and the stitching really makes the piece. Nice work!
A great way to remember this brave young man. The colours are perfect for the countries he passed through and the stitching provides detail. I particularly like the camel.