Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Quilting Frenzy

Really I don't dislike to cook, but what you
cook is eaten so quickly. When you sew,
you have something that will last to
show for your efforts. ~ Elizabeth Travis Johnson



I have been a quilting fool these last 36 hours! But I'm happy to say that I have only one block to tackle today and then I'll be ready for class tomorrow night.

We're making a sampler quilt, which means that each of the 20 blocks are a different traditional quilt pattern. They all use the same eight fabrics, however. This week, we'll pick out the sashing -- the fabric strips that will go in between all the blocks, which will unify the whole project.

The block above took almost all day yesterday to do. It's a take-off of the traditional Drunkard's Path pattern. Can I just tell you that all those curves were HUGE challenge for this fairly new quilter? I thought I'd never finish! But I'm pleased with how it turned out.



This block is called Flower Garden, and is all hand-stitched. Each little hexagon is stitched individually, then they're all hand-sewn together then appliquéd onto the background fabric. I don't care for appliqué (simply because I'm not very good at it yet) but I loved creating this block.


This pattern is called 54-40 or Fight. I'm very pleased with the outcome, although the upper left corner looks a little wonky. Not sure what I did there, but I guess that's why I'm a beginning quilter, eh?

The name of that block comes from a territory dispute between the US and Britain over the boundary of Canada and the Oregon Territory. For me, this is an added bonus of quilting: I'm a history buff, and there are such rich stories behind these traditional blocks. For instance, the Drunkard's Path pattern was a symbol of support for the temperance movement of the early 20th century. I enjoy learning about that piece of quilting.

Hopefully at some point in the next few months, I'll be able to post a photo of the completed quilt. Stay tuned!


Until next time...

11 comments:

Grumpy Chair said...

Keep your hands busy and out of the cookie jar! Enjoy your quilting.

RunningNan said...

I love that first one! The red and white is just gorgeous! Way to go!

Terry said...

I really like your quilt blocks. The red and white look so good together. Enjoy your meeting. Terry

Diana Swallow said...

Just beautiful!! I'm laughing at GC's comment about it keeping your hands out of the cookie jar...so true, you wouldn't want to get anything on those beautiful works of art!

Lora said...

Your quilting is so lovely! There is nothing more special than something hand made...and you're right. Your work on these will be around for a long, long time. What a legacy!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

These are gorgeous! I have about a dozen quilts my grandmother made for me, including one that she pieced while she was pregnant with my mother and then my great-grandmother quilted it. That one's extra special.:)

I love that you piece by hand! And if you don't mind, I'll share that with my Memaw, because she's convinced no one pieces by hand anymore. :)

Have a lovely day and enjoy your class!

Erin said...

Absolutley beautiful. I want to teach myself to make a quilt, but i suspect it's a bit difficult. Your blocks look great!

Felicia said...

WOW those turned out beautiful!! You have such talent!! I cant even sew a button on lol. Cant wait to see what you make next!

*huggles*
=0)

Kathy said...

Loved the quote! And your squares are gorgeous. I tried quilting but never got the hang of using a thimble and my finger tips were raw! I definitely appreciate a good quilt.

Needled Mom said...

Wonderful blocks. I love the Drunkards Path pattern with all the different settings for it. The QN magazine this month has a delightful new approach to it. I'll have to bring it to share with you.

The very first quilt that I remember falling in love with was a Grandmother's Flower Garden. That pattern has always held a spot in my heart.

Have you fallen in love with that red perfect pineapple quilt at the Quilter's Studio? It is to die for!

You are doing a great job with your wuilting. Keep it up.

Debra said...

Your quilt blocks are pretty!

I wish I could quilt...I remember my Mom and grandmother would quilt by hand.