The eye appears in Jewish art, especially Jewish folk art, going back centuries. It suggests the eye of God that is always watching over the world, and represents divine protection. Fish, with their eyes that never close, also represent divine protection. Hamsa designs often incorporate eyes. I like the idea of combining folk symbols of divine protection with Jewish symbols of peace to evoke blessings for a happy home.

This eye detail is from the Shalom Shadow Box Mini Quilt Pattern.

Maria Bywater is the author of Sew Jewish: The 18 Projects You Need for Jewish Holidays, Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations, and Home, available in paperback from Amazon and, for printable versions of the patterns, as a PDF from Sew Jewish.