The Ruth Quilt - The Jean Quilt

47" wide x 40" high

In 2013 our Minnesota quilt study group had chosen 'Words or Letters on Quilts' as the topic of one of our quarterly meetings. We  wanted to focus on examples where they are a primary design element as opposed to such things as signature and friendship quilts which we had studied previously.
It was also our chosen 'challenge' that year. Anyone interested in trying techniques or styles we've studied does so and then shares their piece and what they learned through the process at the last meeting of the year.
I like doing the challenges and had been thinking about a few options for my project when this quilt was shown during Show and Tell at the AQSG seminar that fall in New Jersey.

47" wide by 40" high

This close up reveals interesting construction.The white squares and rectangles are hand appliqued to the red background, not pieced! It is knotted/tied with multi-strand cotton thread. The front is brought to the back and hand hemmed









I knew right away that I was going to make my own version for my study piece. When inspired by a vintage quilt I usually personalize it by making a few changes rather than 'copy' it. In this case, of course, I used my own name and as I usually do, I scaled down the size. I chose to do it in blue and cream. I contacted the owner and she generously measured all the dimensions and gave me permission to make and share my version.**

I worked on graph paper following old embroidery cross-stitch charts. I'm guessing that form of needlework was the inspiration for the early quilts with pieced letters.





For practice I made two pot holders for my friend, Gail Bakkom.

vintage example

Even though my name also has four letters, the cross-
stitch "N" takes up more space than the others. I tried various ways to narrow it and but it just didn't work.

Studying old quilts with the pieced alphabet I saw the wide N's W's and M's and decided just to do it that way.

So here's my project....a bit late, yes. But it's done!

21" wide by 19" high

 squares measure 1/2"

Here's a current pattern based on a vintage quilt with pieced alphabet border called  A-is-for-Apple available at the National Quilt Museum shop

Quilts with words and/or letters can be a fascinating topic of study. Some are cross-stitch style lettering as are mine and RUTH's. Many are appliqued.
 Here are a few more:

Bible Verses

Is this MOM? Or turn it upside-down...

WOW!

Made by Gail Bakkom for our challenge

**Thanks to Carolyn Maruggi for permission to share RUTH quilt photos

Whirlwind Seminar - AQSG (Better Late than Never)

In September I attended my seventh AQSG seminar. It was held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey this year. I meant to post about it sooner but ... things sort of got away from me this fall.
I took four study centers and learned alot about regional characteristics in quilts of New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania German bed covers (especially woven coverlets) and crib quilts. Our keynote speaker talked about Japanese quilts. Quite a smorgasbord ...........here's a small taste.

Many applique motifs were inspired by botanical forms and this design, documented almost exclusively from New York, may be related to the sassafras plant.  Notice the tree borders on both which are also associated with New York.

Crib quilts from the 19th century are relatively rare and therefore sought after ( and the market price reflects that scarcity).  These beauties are both c. 1830.These are the earliest examples I have had the opportunity to see.  Crib quilts at that time were made with the same fabrics and in the same style as quilts for larger beds. 

Crib and doll quilts, especially before 1900, are very collectible.

I am especially fond of the blue and white woven coverlets ...

...but who can resist a crib sized example - quite rare according to Trish Herr, the presenter. Multi-colored with eagles, roses and stars it is dated 1834.

Some characteristics of quilts from New Jersey are pieced blocks set on the diagonal with sashing, infrequent use of light background or setting squares and simple quilting. Taught by Rachel Cochran and Barbara Schaffer who were two of the women who wrote New Jersey Quilts 1777 - 1950 they used the term "Dark and Diagonal".

The Pennsylvania German aesthetic is unmistakable.  This table at  the Welcome Reception is a striking example.

A double blue print is used as the background color of the quilt below. Pink, green, red, orange, yellow... a colleague once remarked of the PA 'Dutch' look, "too much is never enough!"

If you are serious about quilt history think about supporting AQSG  by becoming a member and be sure to mark your calendars for Oct 3-7, 2012 for the next seminar to be held in Lincoln, Nebraska, home of the International Quilt Study Center.

You will not regret it!

Tumbler Top

My little Tumbler top is done!
I guess I hadn't trimmed the long edges before I shot this photo.....but quite soon I will show you the completed doll quilt.
I took it along to the AQSG seminar in New Jersey last week and got about halfway through the hand quilting in 'found' moments...it's one of the really nice things about working in this size!

Here's a look at the back side. I do love how nicely the seams work with hand piecing.

And the pressing.....this is my nifty little vintage GE travel iron. You screw the little plastic water bottle onto the side when you want steam. I got this at an antique shop very inexpensively and have seen them quite often. It's a nice size to have on my small pressing pad near the machine. I use a hand towel over the surface of the pad when pressing tops or applique blocks for a nice flat finish.

While I'm thinking of it I must respond publicly to the comment/question my non-quilting friend posted about my Bull's Eye quilt post. She said, "Is this a historic thing? Would all the pioneer women sit around and spend time putting circles together, cutting them apart, and putting them back together??" 
Dearest friend I love your input and I love knowing that a non-quilter (though a friend of over 50 years!) - is interested in my ramblings.

I would say no, of course, to your specific question. But you are not alone in being curious about why quilters cut fabric into small pieces only to sew it back together again in some form or fashion.
Quilting has evolved as have other arts and crafts over time. Today's quilters have many more options and resources. The scope is broadened as the artistic aspects of the art join the desire to make useful bedcovers. People who love textiles can't stop exploring new and exciting ways to be creative within their medium.

One of the research papers just presented at the AQSG seminar included a quote from sociologist Marybeth C. Stalp. She may provide some insight,  "...it is non-quilters who admire and focus solely or primarily on the product - the finished quilt - while quilters give far more emphasis to the process of quilting. The production of a quilt is often as important as, or even more important than, the finished quilt itself." (Uncoverings 2011 p.98)

Most of us have made all the quilts we NEED. The joy can be in the 'doing' - the many components of the process from design to trying new techniques - that gives us pleasure separate from the end product. Maybe that's why some of us can never get enough and why we can't always answer the question "Who is this for?" or "Haven't you made enough quilts?"

Quilters, currently for you.....

  Process or Product ?

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