Grandmother's Quilt

 

Unboxed and spread out on the floor.  It was basted to all the layers and didn't lay flat.  The backing extended 6-8 inches all around.

A friend of mine of nearly 30 years asked me to help her with a quilt her Grandmother started. Of course I accepted even though we are a couple thousand miles apart.  When it arrived, it was basted to the batting and backing and had a wide solid red border all around the edges.  She had someone baste the top to the batting and backing which was clumped, gathered and bubbly in places.  That was the first thing I took apart and asked her if it was OK to remove all the basting and layers so I could lay it flat and see what was going on with the top.  She assured me that it was OK and anything I did would be acceptable as she trusts me to do what is right for it.  The top had strips and squares haphazardly spread around with many different fabric weights and compositions.  There were old sheets cut into strips and squares, home dec fabric that were possibly drapes, some polyester squares that could have been trousers, polyester knit backed pieces that may have been clothing or a blanket.  It was a collage of so many pieces of her family history.  Over time, the pieces wore holes through in places even though it was only a top and not a finished quilt.  My friend cleverly patched these areas with applique's.  A group of birds here and some leaves there.  One large applique was the Hello Kitty face, so cute and recognizable.  It was an ecclectic mix of texture and color with deep meaning for her.  I asked her questions like, "are there any sacred pieces that I should not alter?"  She only mentioned one specific piece that contained barnyard chickens, so I took note of that and made sure I didn't alter that square.  The top was a massive 120"X120+".  "Will it go on a king size bed?", I asked.  She responded, "I think it's too big, so cut it to fit a queen size".  I cut off the red borders except the wonkiest edge to tackle that later.  One step at a time was how I worked on it.  Section by section.  In the places with excess bubbles that didn't lay flat, I made small pleats near the seams to be less conspicious.  I hand sewed the pleats down. 

 When the entire top laid flat with minimal bubbles, I had to consider the different weights of the pieces and decided to reinforce the reverse side of the lightweight sheeting with fusible interfacing.  All the outer edges needed the interfacing. But, this gave a lot of body to the edges which will help extend the life of the quilt and make the quilt stitches stand out.  The block with the applique bunny was a thick polyester woven blanket fabric, so I also fused interfacing to the reverse side of that block.  

Next, it was time to consider the edges.  One edge was particularly wonky.  Knowing that a straight edge wasn't going to look good, I had to think what would make it look less obvious.  

In the next communication with her, I asked if she was opposed to a scalloped edge to try and hide some troubled areas.  She thought that was a stellar idea.  Making a paper template, I cut the edges into a wave instead of a scallop.  Matching the top and bottom waves.  Then, matching the left and right side waves together.  It wasn't square, so I wanted it to appear even all the way around. 

When it came time to do the quilting stitches, I suggested an all over pattern.  So, I did a large free motion meander stitch pattern from edge to edge.  It was amazing that there were only 2 places where a fold could not avoided.  I know where those area are, but it's completely inconspicious. 

With the red border gone, the quilt had a more grown-up vibe, so I didn't reuse the red for the binding.  Instead, I suggested a pretty blue solid.  She approved of that, so I cut bias strips and finished the edges off with binding.  It was so satisfying to see this quilt now finished after being put aside for so long.  

Quilting stitches done, added the wavy edge binding and finished the binding by hand to the reverse side.  So large it doesn't fit on my domestic machine sewing table so I crumpled it for the photo to show binding edge. 

Finished quilt on Queen size blow up bed.  Finished size is roughly 100"X95"

I carefully folded and placed it in her garment bag and boxed it up to be sent overseas.  It was a long couple weeks in transit, worrying about it all the while.  When she received it, I got a message from her with complete joy over the work I did.  She expressed how she will cherish it now as a colaborative quilt made by her Grandmother, herself, and her friend (me).  I'm so thrilled that she loves it and trusted me to carefully finish the quilt it was meant to be.   Later she asked how to care for it.  I expressed to her that minimal cleaning is best and not to wash it in a washer or drying it in a dryer.  Dry cleaning would be the best way to freshen and spot clean it.  I've had success using Woolite home dry cleaning products in a very low heat dryer.  Sometimes just airing out a quilt to freshen it is enough.  A couple hours in the sunshine is OK.  

Labeling Quilts

 

It's sometimes an afterthought to add the label after completing the quilt.  Most times, sadly, it's never added and the information about the quilt's maker is lost.  Like my last blog post about quilts telling stories, does every quilt need a label?   Afterall, I make quilts to satisfy me need to create and I assume when I leave my earthly home, they will go to my DS to do whatever he wants with them.  I am OK with that.  They served their purpose by my creating them and I don't expect anyone else to like them or use them.  So, do these have to be labelled?  My time is precious and short, so do I need to spend an extra few hours creating the label?   My short answer to this long question is....YES!

What's the point of labeling?  The information added to the quilt is vital to future generations to know about the maker, who the maker is/was, where the maker is/was from, why it was made, when is was made or finished.  It's not a guarantee that the quilts will survive you.  That will depend on the quality of materials, construction, environment conditions, etc...but most likely, the quilts will last for many generations to come if taken care of.   It could be sold or given to someone who never knew you or your family.  I've seen plenty of quilts in garage sales, antique shops, thrift stores, auctions, and sadly, some are thrown away or retired to a dog pen. 

When I add labels, I make it relevant to the quilt.  It's not just a scrap off the floor and stuck in the bottom back corner of the quilt.  Making it relate to the quilt makes a statement that the information is important, attaching it in a prominent area on the backside of the quilt and stitching through the label as a permanent patch.  

There are hi-tech options to add like tagging.  If you submit the quilt to national shows and it's out of your hands and control for periods of time, I could see this expense as a kind of insurance.  Speaking of insurance, this is a good idea when you enter shows.  I've heard so many horror stories of loss and damage to quilts.   

Documenting quilts can go further than just placing a label on the backside at completion.  Maintaining a spreadsheet or journaling all your quilts with information like who it was gifted or sold to can help relatives know where all your quilts went and who may own them, what year they were made, why it was made, if the quilt is no longer/cut up for other things, etc...and all that can be documented in a spreadsheet or word file which makes updating easy.   Keep these important details with all your other important documents so that your survivors will be able to locate it.   Make notations of where you want your quilts to go if you haven't gifted them to who they are intended for already.  You may have an antique quilt in your collection that a local quilt museum would like to have if it's not intended for anyone else in the family.  Sometimes professional quilters have passed away leaving quilts to family, but they don't want them, or they have simply kept their favorite works you've made and cannot keep them all.  Spelling out details in a will might be what you need to do.  

When I see a quilt with a label, the information contained is appreciated and important.  It could also add to the value and importance of the quilt.  A quilt made by a nationally known artist will be more desirable and worth more.  Like all forms of art, an accomplished artists' work carries a price relevant to their expertise.  It's also important to state whether the quilter's maker is a professional, has a quilt business, website, etc...as that will tell about them which reflects their style, history, experience, and ability.

I've heard the saying, " it's not a quilt until it's quilted".   To me, "a quilt's not completed until the label is attached".   

Quilts tell Stories?

 Stories behind the Quilts.  Does every single quilt made have a story?  Or warrant a need for a story?  I used to believe that they may not.  I never thought that anyone, even family, would want me to document my story about each quilt.  Or keep my quilts.  Or care to hear of my struggles over making any of my quilts.  Do I find it necessary to explain some of my quilts and the inspiration behind making them?  Well....and keep in mind, this is only my opinion.  

Collaged from an image

Quoth the Raven - donation mini quilt

Quilts made from patterns may not need a story as it is just bascially reproducing someone's pattern in a favorite color scheme.  But, when I see an art quilt, I feel the need to know more about it.   Search more meaning behind it. What or who inspired it.  Just like paintings and sculptures, textiles also need the story told.   When I see old quilts made with feed sacks and old ties, those are wonderful in their own right.  Using what was at hand was what quilt making was all about long ago and in times of great need with little to no resources.  Furnishing a quilt to every member of the family to use on a daily basis was the point of all that tedius work and struggle.

Today, though, I make for the sake of creating.  I will still make quilts to use, but more often creating something small to satisfy a need to express a thought, technique, emotion, or an object or nature.  Mini quilts are a great size to try out a technique or color scheme without investing a lot of time and materials in an idea.   Ten to 30 inches square. This is my favorite size for art quilts.  They don't have to be massive 5+ foot wall quilts.   

My designs are not always carefully planned out.  Most times a rough sketch is all I need to get going on a new piece.  Sometimes just a poem, saying, or image is all I need.   Don't get me wrong, I still make quilts from patterns and throw those on my bed to use.  They are beautiful to sew up and don't take a lot of time planning as that work is done for you if you stick to the pattern of choice.  But, there's something fascinating about art quilts.  Being able to express yourself from an image or drawing is very appealing to me.  

The Raven - for my son

When displaying and attending shows, I gloss over all the quilts made from patterns.  Yes, they're beautifully executed by the sewist and or quilter, but for me the truly fascinating quilts are the ones fully conceived and executed by the quilter.  Sorry to those that send off your tops to longarmers.  I understand, and sometimes I too send off my tops.  But, for a spectacular piece of art, I choose to do the entire piece myself.  Only I know what I want it to look like.  And I want it completely done by my hand.  All free hand free motion quilted.  No measuring, no rulers, no computer pantographs, etc... Also, sorry to those quilt judges and quilt police alike.  I will never enter another quilt in a show.  Judges do not know my intentions of the quilt created.  They simply read (or not) a little blurb about it on a card that just states name, place and inspiration.  But, cannot know what else went into the creation of the piece. Like paintings, some quilts bring out emotions, societal issues, politics, life journeys, health struggles, etc... Judges are only concerned with construction like points meeting and squaring up corners, filling the binding, etc...and yes, they're perfectly square, perfectly symetrical, perfectly longarm ruler computer assisted quilted.  Great.  Good to know something can be perfect in an imperfect world.  But....ugh.  Where are the art quilts?  I am more excited to see those than to care who or what took first place.  

In my Sewing Room art quilt

In a nutshell, I make quilts to satisfy a need to create whatever the topic.   Crafting, crocheting, baking, and zentangling also satisfies my need to create and keep my hands busy.  This is really all that's needed in explaining my story behind  a quilt, or baking a loaf of bread, or crocheting the 10th scarf.  By the way, here in South Carolina, I've only worn a scarf twice in the dead of winter.  The need to create outweighs the need to use it.  Is that the artist inside me? 

 If I didn't have something to create I would be very unhappy, that's for sure.  I like to gift things I make to people I love.   One example is; a friend I see in person rarely I've gifted a quilt to... she hugs me and tells me how much she uses it and appreciates it.   That means a lot to me...and her.  This is a way better story to tell than what, where, when, or how I made a quilt.  It's the WHY.  WHY did I spend months making a quilt?   To show my love of creating to the people I love or to keep for myself.  Being an introvert, it's sometimes hard to tell or show people what I love to do.  I stay in my corner until it's safe to come out bearing a gift and hoping it will be well received.  The synic in me assumes people will only scoff and say I am showing off or trying to buy friendship.  This couldn't be further from the truth if it was on the planet Pluto (yes, I'm old, Pluto is a planet last I learned in school).  I digress.  

Tim and Anita's quilt - William Morris fabrics

Enough rambling.  It's time to create something today.  :o)   

Catherine's Wheel

 I posted December 17, 2020 about making an ornament which is called prairie wheel (USA) or Catherine's Wheel (UK).  The latter being of more historical significance.  It is named for the patron saint Catherine from the 4th century who was tortured for not renouncing her Christian religion.  She is the patron saint for students, preachers, philosophers, as well as single women.  I digress.

In this post, I am revisiting the Catherine's wheel and how to make the ornaments. First thing to do is decide on the color scheme you want.  It can look scrappy, or use one color, two colors...whatever you have on hand is fine.  The middle of the wheel is a small pillow that measures 3" in diameter and will be entirely covered, so it will not matter what fabric or color you use for this.  Muslin works great and is easy to sew through.  You will need:

12 - 2.5" squares of prints, solids, or combo of both

2 - 3" circles of muslin, or a center pillow

Poly-fil or scraps of batting for pillow stuffing

Strong thread (I use button thread)

Buttons, beads, or trims for the centers of each wheel

DMC floss or Perle cotton for a hanger

Hot glue and glue gun (optional)

Size 6 or 7 sharps needle, small scissors, thimble, sewing machine (optional)

Sew the circles together using a 1/4" seam allowance and a long thread (about 30").  Make a small slit through one of the center circles, turn and stuff.  Stitch the opening closed make a couple stitched through the pillow and make a knot but do not cut off.  

Fold one 2.5" square at a time.  Fold in half on the diagonal, then again on the diagonal, and once again on the diagonal.  All the raw edges should be aligned on one edge. 

Straddle the resulting triangle over the edge of the center pillow and draw the thread through the points that come together in the center on the front and back.  Do not cut the thread.  Continue with the next spoke in the same way.  Mix or match your color choices as you go around the wheel.  Gently tug and separate each spoke as you go making a tacking stitch through the center.  When you come to the end you can do one of two things.  Make a secure knot and cut the thread or sew on your embellishment, then tie off.  If you cut the thread before embellishing, this is where you will glue on your buttons, beads or trims.  You can also use a tiny bit of glue inside the spoke to secure it to the top inside of the pillow.  In a couple places, this can be quite effective in keeping its integrity. 

 The final thing to do is to add a thread or ribbon trim to hang it from.

Viola!  You're done.  Honestly, I do this while watching TV and can make several in an hours time, and what a great project to use up those scraps or strays from jelly rolls.  :o)  Happy Sewing!

  

Preoccupied

Looking back on this year, I can say a lot of work has been started and some has been completed.  Some of it was easy breezy and some was lost in a fog of proccupation of one thing or another.  Resulting in UFO's, starts and stops, and downright bin fodder.   Not complaining here, just simply remarking of the processes in growth and development of the art form.  Sometimes being preoccupied and diverted is a very positive thing.  

Note:  the top portion of this post was drafted at the end of 2023, many months ago, and I never finished it.  More preoccupation.  But, now being September 2024, I look back on this year and am happy with the progress made.  I will always have some UFO's that linger for months or even years.  Motivation and interest has to keep me going.  Letting go of things I don't even like anymore is important for me to grasp.   Inspiration is, luckily, something I think I may always have.  So many topics and techniques to explore. 

For now, back to sewing...

More stitching

 

Long stitched concentric circles on rough 4-patch squares.  Hand stitching is very satisfying and therapeutic.  My mind is fixed on doing one motion, one direction, and no crossed lines.  Small scraps are transformed into interesting blocks.   Easily tucked in my bag for on-the-go stitching I can take anywhere.   When I get enough of them, I'll stitch them together.   For now, I'm enjoying the process of choosing scraps from my overflowing bag.  I also have a rainbow of threads to choose from to either contrast or match.  Lastly, the buttons.  Lots and lots of buttons.  

I blogged some time ago about my button box.  I actually have more than one button box, more than 3, no I have 5 tin button boxes.  Not tiny ones, those big ones that cookies or other goodies once held.    Maybe I will make a dent if I keep making these squares. Hearts, ornaments, and whatnot called for some buttons, but, I've also been incorporating buttons and beads in some of the landscape art quilts I made like this one.  My DS shot some videos while he was traveling in Amsterdam.  My interpretation depicts the amazing acres and acres of fields of tulips and wildflowers he saw.   It's an awe-inspiring sight.  

Round 5 of NQM/BOM

 The National Quilt Museum (NQM) Facebook page has put out the BOM round 5 which started in May and will go until December.  I really debated whether to participate or not.  I've never been a real fan of sampler quilts and all the rounds except for one have been samplers.  But, it is a great way to learn something new and see what other members are doing.   In this round, the size has been changed to 12.5" X 25", and were instructed to orientate it as we want, either horizontally or vertically.  I want to do both vertical and horizontal, so I will plan as I go.  

I am using some of the ice-dyed pieces I made previously for this round and will incorporate commercially dyed fabrics that match when or if needed.

May's block was a good start and not too challenging.  

It took me all of June to come up with the second block, finishing it up a couple days before the 30th.  I was put off by the blocky style of it.  My DH thought it looked pixelated.   So, I interpreted it as a river with rocks, nearby trees, and fireflies dancing in the moonlight and instead of making the pieced leaves as they did, I appliqued my own.  

Here we are in July already.   As soon as it was released, my DH said that the block reminds him of the old Trivial Pursuit game that comes with pie pieces and fits into a circle.  He does not like pie charts, so I wasn't keen on making the block as the pattern showed.  I wanted the block to represent something personal.  

This is what I came up with for my July block.  It's whimsical and fun, so I hope I can stay on this track for the remainder of the months.   

I have a feeling I will run out of the dark background fabric before finishing the final block.  I bought it a few years ago when it was on sale and maybe it's not available any longer.  But, I'll search for it.  If I have no luck, the alternative plan is to find something similar in my stash and make it blend in enough to not take much notice.  

Now I can sit back and wait for the August block to be released.  It's fun to imagine what might come next. 

Maybe that's part of the allure to make the NQM Block of the Month project as they are always released on the first and you have no idea what will come next.   

 

Diary of a quilt

 Dear Diary, 

Remember those 5-year diaries from years ago?  Writing entries as if the diary itself is somehow a sentient being with thoughts and possible answers.    Instead of the archaic term "diary", I refer more to journaling these days, with thoughts, doodles, drawings, ideas, or even poems.  Journaling has less to do with personal struggles and more to do with my life journey, artistically.  This is National Quilting Month.  I have been re-evaluating myself and what I want to achieve on my quilting journey.  I went to Quilt Con in Atlanta in February.  It was a good show, but a little disjointed in presentation.   After seeing all the quilts, attending 2 of my 3 classes, sitting in on a couple presentations, and purchasing too much, I've come to a couple realizations.  

  Number 1,  I need to be more prepared and make a checklist of items or products I want to purchase.  I was completely prepared for my classes, but less prepared for the weather, packing light, walking long distances, and time management.   

  Number 2,  Bring extra memory cards.  My camera ran out of space, so I switched to my phone's camera.  This was my only option, but not a good one. 

  Number 3,  take notes, and bring a journal.  Not only in the classes but if an idea sparks, I want to notate it before it escapes me.   Make a sketch, jot down an address, and so on. 

Being National Quilting month, I tried to search my UFOs to find the oldest and get at least some progress on it.  I found one from 2012.  It was an idea with materials and embellishments attached.  I vowed to dive in and finish it by the end of this month.  Well, this mental push worked in a way.  The piece is nearing completion, but will not be "finished" by 31 March.  It's OK, though.  I'm good with that.  Knowing that I can push all other things aside and prioritize to meet a deadline is important and I'm so thrilled with my accomplishment so far.  

Every quilt has a story, so I'm told.  I look at my work and think, "what is my story".  I'm not sure there is one.  All I do and have done, I've done because I want to learn or try out a technique.  Beg the question, "what if..." I change things, add things and sometimes never revisit things.  I find out what I love, what I hate, or what I can tolerate.  If I had just made everything using one technique like paper foundation piecing...how boring would that be?   For me...devastating. 

I believe all artists have to grow and expand their work, and their knowledge moving on to better things.  Discovering their own style along the way.  Is this discovery ever finished?  I believe...no.  

Big Stitch along

 Stitching a line of running stitches can be relaxing and calming in a frazzled non-stop world.  To start a big stitch project let's gather some materials and tools and get started.  There are not many and this project can be a compact work that you can take anywhere. 

I have chosen a square from my scrap bag that's been discharge dyed on black grunge fabric.  It measures about 12" square.  Cut a batting and backing square the same size.

Next, I chose threads of various thicknesses in blues, grays, and black.  Some of them are variegated colors.  Most are DMC embroidery floss and some perle cotton by Wonderfil. 

The tools we will use are embroidery scissors, basting needle/straw needle, size 24 Chenille needle or embroidery needles, and a thimble.  No ruler or hoop is needed.  

Layer the top, batting, and backing like a quilt sandwich.  Baste the layers together using a very large stitch (these will be removed as you go).  

Use 3 strands of DMC/embroidery floss, if using, cut it to about 14" length.  Just enough to go the width of your square in one direction.   You will be using a running stitch across the length, making one line and tying off, then starting a next line with a different color or thickness of thread.  It is your choice.  

Put on some music and relax.  Lay down as many lines of running stitches as you would like.  Space them out at first and fill in later as you would like.  I put about 1-2 inches between the lines and filled in.   

Your stitches should be big in your perception.  Not like hand quilting stitches, where you try to get 10-12 stitches per inch.  However, you do not want too big of a stitch like basting stitches.  Keep a comfortable size stitch and don't worry too much about how even they are.  The purpose of the project is to relax and enjoy the process of big stitching.  

This last picture is of the back.  My stitches are not evenly spaced or straight and I'm OK, really OK with that.  I love this handmade look and if I tried to replicate it exactly, it wouldn't look the same and that's what I want.  A natural flowing running stitch that's not measured.  

When you have stitched all the lines you would like, now you can finish off the block as you like.  Turn it into a small pillow or table mat.  Or do a whole bunch of little squares and join them together in a larger quilt-as-you-go quilt.   Finish the edges with binding or a facing and enjoy your little big stitch project.  

Retrospective 2022

I'm a little late in writing this post and reflecting back on the year has me thinking I have actually accomplished a great deal more than I thought I would.  The photo above is Improv curves zoom class given by Cindy Grisdella.   This was finished at Quiltville retreat in July.  

In January, the Hickory Knob retreat was a success as I thread painted and finished a cheater panel as well as working on 2 UFO's and making blocks for a donation quilt. 

Mid-March was the Mystery quilt workshop I attended.  Not liking it or the direction the quilt went in, I abandoned it and will be giving it away.  

We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year, by renewing our vows in Savannah at Forsythe park.  It was a glorious day, despite the weather.  Touring this old historic city was on my bucket list.

DH and I went to Maryland together and while he went to work, I stayed in the hotel room sewing up

blocks like my own private retreat and binge watching Law and Order.  It was fun, away from home, eating take out and sewing.  We even went on a road trip to Annapolis to a quilt shop there.  Antique shopping, having crab cakes and authentic Greek food, and just spending time with people I love made this trip very memorable. 

In October, DH and I went on a road trip to Elijay, Georgia being the apple capital and where the apple festival is held every year.  This was a fun and exciting trip where we visited the town, bought too many apples and stayed at a hotel atop a mountain with a beautiful view of the changing fall colors.  

I made over a dozen ornaments, baked many types of bread, including sourdough breads, collaged and finished a couple before the end of the year, and the best of all of this is that my son came home to visit from Germany over the holidays.   Here's to 2022, cheers!