Set in the Republic of Gilead, a theocratic regime that has overthrown the U.S. government, the story follows Offred, a woman forced to serve as a “Handmaid.” In Gilead, environmental disasters and plummeting birth rates have led to the enslavement of fertile women, who are ritually raped by high-ranking men (Commanders) to produce children for the elite.

Offred—named for “Of-Fred,” the Commander she is assigned to—narrates her life under this brutal regime, sharing memories of her past: her husband, her daughter, and the freedom she once had. The novel explores how power, control, and patriarchy operate through language, religion, and fear.

The book Handmaid’s Tale inspired my quilt Never a Handmaid created in response to a call issued by the Atlanta Quilt Festival for its exhibit Freedom to Read What I Want. The exhibit showcases quilts that depict banned books or the quilter’s thoughts about banned books in general.

Never a Handmaid measures 48 X 58 inches. It was created using fused applique to closely resemble the book cover. Words were added to convey the quilter’s conviction about handmaids. The flying geese blocks symbolize escape and freedom.

There is a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display and a label that documents the quilt.

On the front, I added a signature label and a charm that says ” Live Free.”

Never a Handmaid will premier at the 2025 Atlanta Quilt Festival in an exhibit entitled Freedom to Read what I Want. The exhibit will be housed at the Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, South Fulton, GA August 1 - September 6th. Viewing hours are Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.