July 8, 2014 – Quilt Groups & Guilds

Quilting bees historically provided women the opportunity to socialize, learn and finish several quilts in a day instead of weeks or months. In isolated regions gathering women in the area together helped overcome the loneliness that so many pioneer women experienced. Other times the goal of a quilting bee was mainly social and beginners were welcomed along with the experienced. During the 1800s in many parts of the country there was a custom that a young girl make a baker’s dozen of quilt tops before she became engaged. This collection consisted of 12 utility quilts and one big quilt for her bridal bed. After her engagement, she would take final steps to turn her tops into finished quilts. Oftentimes, young women would gather to help a bride-to-be finish her quilts before she married. Many other quilts finished during quilting bees were made for grandchildren, newborns, new neighbors, pastors, etc. (more…)

June 30, 2014 – Patriotic Quilts

Patriotic Quilt 1

Patriotic Quilt 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individual quilters typically have a color palette they prefer; however, nothing stirs patriotism like a red, white and blue quilt.  There are countless patterns available, and these projects lend themselves to various personalized quilting designs. (more…)

June 18, 2014 – Wedding Gift Quilts

Wedding Quilt pink and blue

Wedding Quilt Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s no secret that June is a very popular month for weddings. A quilt is a very special wedding gift. Not only is it handmade, but often times the quilt incorporates personal characteristics or preferences of the recipients. This quilt was machine pieced and long-arm quilted by two aunts of the bride, whose favorite colors are pink and blue (the backing is blue). The quilt pattern is Miss Lillian by Perkins Dry Goods and it was quilted using dark pink rose thread and the Let’s Learn Leaves pattern by Sue Schmieden. The quilt label provided the names of the bride and groom, date of the wedding, and the names of the aunts who pieced and quilted the project.

June 3, 2014 – Pieced Backing

Crazy Quilt Front

Crazy Quilt Front

Crazy Quilt Back

Crazy Quilt Back

Crazy Quilt Quilting

Vogue Quilting Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You have several options in preparing the back for a quilt.  The first option is using one solid piece of fabric.  Many fabrics are now available in 90-120″ widths and can accommodate up to a king size quilt.   (more…)

May 23, 2014 – Memorial Day / Quilts of Valor

Memorial Day American Flag

Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.  Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. (more…)