Monday, August 20, 2012

The 'Hand' Quilt - Crowding the Back Burner


76" x 89"
I've been busy making progress on that 'list' I shared in my last post but today I want to show you some blocks I've been working on for, let's just say - - - awhile....one of those many projects relegated to the 'back burner'.

My inspiration, once again, came from a vintage quilt. I saw this one in the Utah state book. They call it "The Hand".  It was made in Utah by Harriett Ambrosine Hacking in the late 1800's.

It's a bear paw variation that I find interesting.  The addition of that tiny triangle square at the inner corner of each 'hand' gives it a little spark, I think.



Working it up on graph paper



When using a vintage quilt for inspiration I don't have a pattern so I must draft the design first. I look at the size of the original quilt to estimate the size of the blocks. (one reason I hate it when a photo of a quilt does not include the size!)
Of course, one can make them smaller or bigger than the original but I like to get a feel for the scale of the original and then make my decision.









Here are some of the blocks I've completed. I am not sure if I will follow the original setting exactly or not, nor am I sure what final size I will make but with 10.5" blocks, I know it will be bed size.
In comparing my blocks to the original, I see that I need to make more 'low-contrast' blocks. And I love the two blocks with yellow in them in the original quilt, don't you?






Now that I think of it, I started another Bear's Paw years ago -  many years ago! I dug it out of my UFO bin so you can compare the blocks.

When I started this one I was thinking of a bed quilt for the cabin but now I think I may be happy with a smaller piece for the wall. Sometimes letting projects 'rest' partway through gives you an opportunity to go in a different direction!




Next: Bowtie on the Bed


6 comments:

  1. What fun. Can't wait to get back to some sewing time.

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  2. That is such a cool pattern & your blocks look great!

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  3. I really like what you are doing with this quilt. Now I'll have to go dig out that book and have a better look.
    Yes, more low contrast--more variety in the background. The yellow blocks are wonderful sparklers. : )

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  4. Yes. When I get something like this 'out' again it makes me want to work with it right now - but I have to focus on a couple of other things this month....wish there were more hours in a day!

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  5. Yes, I like the blocks with yellow. Fun to see your progress.

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  6. This is a wonderful antique quilt. I can see why you're making your own version. Wow! The more I look at it, the more I like it.
    I get sidetracked so easily with projects that I'm not in love with. But when I get back to my favorites, then I'm in heaven.

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Thanks for adding your comments!