I did not include the disturbing "swastika" block -- a pre-Nazi celebration of the "indian good luck motif" -- how many swastika quilts do you think got destroyed after WWII?
May 30th is Memorial Day this year. Readying floral tributes on May 30, 1899. May 30th was the traditional day for a century or so for what used to be called Decoration Day. Decoration Day began shortly after the Civil War with local ceremonies decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers with spring flowers. Many of the veteran's associations and the ladies' auxiliary associations dedicated themselves to memorializing the war dead with parades, speeches and floral tributes. The GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) was the Union Veteran's Group that did much to promote a national decoration day, North and South. Decoration Day in New York City May 30, 1884 French soldiers joined the Americans so French flags hang from the windows near Union Square. Hanging a flag, 1914. As the generation that fought the Civil War aged, the meaning of the day changed. President William Howard Taft reviewing a parade in the teens. When America entered World War I in 1917 the name Memorial Day came into common use and the May 30th ceremonies honored soldiers who'd fought in any American wars. A poster from the 1930s In 1967 the U.S. Congress changed the official date for the officially named Memorial Day to the last Monday of May. The Uniform Holidays Bill went into effect in 1971. People in different regions celebrate the day in different ways. Many use the day to clean cemeteries, prune plants there and leave memorials to deceased friends and families. Parades and speeches honor soldiers now serving as well as veterans, and those killed in the wars. The United Daughters of the Confederacy at Arlington National Cemetery in 1924 This photo and those above are from the Library of Congress. The postcards are from online auctions.
Do you love learning about history? Are you excited to know more about your favorite craft? If so, be sure to read this article from FaveQuilts on the history of quilting in America. In this article, we trace how quilting traditions have emerged and changed overtime due to economic, social, and political circumstances from eras of the past. Here, you can learn about a brief history of American quilting and how the most beloved traditional quilt patterns came about in four major sections that outline distinct historical periods: Early American and Colonial Quilts, Civil War Quilts, Twentieth Century Quilting, and Modern American Quilting. Within each section we were sure to include vintage quilt patterns inspired by the designs from each distinct time period. Plus, at the end we have included a selection of informative bonus resources for those of you who are excited to learn even more!
Another beautiful day in Oregon to visit the Old Aurora Colony Museum Quilt Show! The show looked a bit different this year, but still enjoyable. I'm going to share some of the colony quilts owned by
By now, you all know that I love teaching Social Studies, so it should come as no surprise that when I am teaching other subjects, I find any way I can to throw a little historical connection in. We are now studying about the 13 colonies. We are also doing both geometry and fractions in math. How on earth do I combine the two??? Colonial Quilts! Gorgeous, eh? I am seriously over the moon about how this project turned out. I can't stop looking at it. (the picture above isn't the 100% final product...those loose ends have since been cut off for the end project) So here is what we did. During our social studies block, we read a bunch of books about colonial times, focusing specifically on daily life. After showing the students a few examples of quilts, we brainstormed the qualities they noticed in the quilts themselves (many of them were symmetrical, bright, had repeating patterns, etc...) I then had the students create a 20 cm x 20 cm square (we have cm graph paper available at school). Choosing either 2, 4, or 5 colors, the students created a square that had at least one triangle, quadrilateral, was bright, and symmetrical. During math, we are focusing on area of quadrilaterals and triangles, as well as fractions, decimals and percents. Since they had this knowledge under their belt, it made the actual math portion of this project a *bit* easier. Don't get me wrong, it was still tricky, but just challenging enough, without being impossible. Depending upon how many colors the students chose, I gave them a recording sheet to do their work. They first needed to count the number of squares that took up each color....a HUGE challenge, since there were 400 squares! The triangles were tricky, but I modeled extensively how to count the portion of the square that took up each color. Once that was done, the students created fractions, simplified them, then figured out the decimal and percent of each individual color that was on the quilt square. Click the picture for recording sheets The students then found the area of one or two of their triangles, followed by the area of one or two of their quadrilaterals. I then laminated the individual squares and put the quilt together using duct tape. I recommend doing this on tile...not wood floors, as the tape will stick to it (I found this out the hard way :( ) Then, pull it up (slowly and carefully), attach it to paper on the back so the tape doesn't stick to anything else, and viola, you have your quilt. So there you have it. A social studies/math connection....that produces and AWESOME final product :) And just in case, here is the duct tape I used. I bought two rolls, which worked out well for the entire quilt of 30 squares.
A new important book about quilts is being published this month, Four Centuries of Quilts: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection. A 368 page book more than 350 photos and illustrations. Keep an eye out for it! Order it now on Amazon!
Purple Reproduction 1830-1875 Windham Quilt Fabric Colonies Collection 100% Cotton 8" x 20" Please Message any questions or concerns Thank you for your interest
Sometimes when I get an obsession is comes out of left field and hits hard. This is the case with my current love affair with antique quilts. I've always liked them, and have a couple of nice examples, but all of a sudden a few days ago I realized I really really want to collect them, in a big way. First, they're very useful- you never know when you'll need an extra blanket. Secondly, they're gorgeous and each one is unique. Finally, how can you deny the amazing craftsmanship and hours upon hours of labor that each one took to make. They're one of the most overlooked areas of folk art. Let's look at some pretty ones now! I'm currently crushing on this one on ebay A cozy little entryway with antique blue and white quilts here I absolutely love this bright stack of beautiful quilts casually leaning on a cheerful floral armchair An outstanding example with all the bells and whistles! Antique stoneware bowls, brightly painted cupboards, and antique quilts- A country dream come true! A spectacular example in greens, and oranges. Look at all that quilting! This little vignette is pretty as can be, but be cautious of displaying your antique textiles near windows. You'd be surprised how fast a little sun can steal away their color forever. A stunning staircase displays an impressive collection of quilts, blue apothecary bottles, and decoys. Utterly charming! This welcoming room, rendered in multiple shades of faded pastel is made all the more lovely with the hanging quilt display on the wall! I would love to display antique quilts on my upstairs bannister except that 1. we still don't have an upstairs bannister, and 2. my cats would consider is a personal invitation to rip them to shreds.
Kids are more likely to be engaged and remember what they've learned when you bring history to life. Making your own quill and homemade ink is perfect for a Colonial America unit or Revolutionary War unit.
Wild Goose Chase May 21, 1933-The Wild Goose Chase block originated in the New England states in early colonial days according to Nancy ...
Quilter’s Name: Katherine Kohler from Western New York Type of Quilt: Bed Quilt Name of Pattern: Original Design Featured Date: 5-17-23 My name is Katherine Kohler and I lived most of my life in New England. Many of my quilts reflect that colonial design and color. Then I met Heidi, who grew up in a missionary...
The patterns in the Isobel collection from Windham Fabrics are inspired from a range of decorative materials in the rich design archive of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The antique design resources include textiles -- resist-printed bed covers, calico clothing, needle-worked counterpanes, and fragments of roller-printed English cottons used in American quilts. They have also drawn from embroidered details on the gown of a New York belle painted in the 1740s and 18th-century block-printed end papers for books. Subtle metallic accents add a little punch to the dreamy indigo palette. The first photo is the fabric in this listing. The second photo is the scaled picture of the print. The third photo shows other fabrics in the collection. And the patterns shown are free patterns available at Windhamfabrics.com Shop the entire collection, bundles, quilt kits and other fabrics at HTTPS://www.Etsy.com/shop/myhollyberrydesigns The fabric is 100 percent cotton, machine washable (cool), tumble dry low/medium, do not bleach, iron on back. Choose the following fabric lengths from the selection. Multiple numbers of the lengths will be cut as one continuous piece: Fat Quarter ( 18 inches x 21-22 inches) 1/4 yard ( 9 inches x 44 inches) 1/2 yard ( 18 inches x 44 inches) All multiple lengths chosen in the same color fabric will be cut as one continuous piece. For example if you choose (1) 1/4 yard and (1) half yard, you will receive one continuous 3/4 yard piece. The listed 44 inch width may vary from 43-45 inches, depending on manufacturer and style. If you need a custom cut, send us a message so we can assist you. .
A romantic addition to bedding, the Floral Block Print Quilt is intricately detailed with flowers and botanicals. Block printed and hand-quilted with channel quilting, the construction of the Floral Block Print Quilt speaks to its artisanship. Finished with piping from its solid, single-color block printed backing, this quilt is warm, textural, and heirloom in quality.
My brother came across this old picture of a quilt made up of Pennsylvania Hex signs. He used to live in Pennsylvania and he said the non-Amish/Mennonite German settlers decorated their properties with Hex signs. He said they are called Hex signs because they are really sechs signs, which is the German word for six. There are hundreds of them apparently and they have different meanings. He said some people would call this an Amish quilt, but that the Amish would never use these bright colors. The Hex sign below is distelfinks, which are stylized goldfinches frequently seen in the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. They are the sign for good luck and happiness! A great wish for the New Year! Here is another great thought for the New Year! Have a great day!
We do some fun hands-on projects for our colonial unit. I've blogged previously about the shop signs. Each student also does a little quilt square that I assemble into a class quilt. They have to find some sort of pattern in the square and color it accordingly. I have a fun at-home activity where students talk with their parents on why they got the name that they did. Some students already know how, but they have to get a parent/guardian signature in order to get full credit. Click on the picture to get a free copy. Most of the reasons entail finding the name in the baby book, being named after a relative, being named after a character in a book or TV show, but then once in a while you get some really interesting stories that tend to explain a lot of things about that child ;) Then I have the students make name samplers with graph paper and markers. I also have a modified cross stitch pattern for reference, as well as other designs that past students and I have created. The first step is to figure out the middle letter of the name to be used. Students use a pencil to lightly make X's in the squares to form the letter. I pre-marked the middle square on their graph papers with a tiny dot. This is what it looks like. Then working from the middle, students lightly X in the rest of their letters, like this. This is where the headaches occur, as some kids totally get it, and some totally don't. Their letters are uneven and randomly spaced, which makes my brain hurt. When they have their names complete, I have them add additional designs. This one has a heart and a peace sign. Then they trace over the X's with a fine tip Crayola marker. I have a stash that I use just for this activity. That way the tips stay nice and fresh. Every year I add to this stash when Target has their Crayola markers at $1.00 for back to school. Cute little fish. For all of you Duck Dynasty fans. I trim off the extra white area around the edge before students mount it onto a piece of construction paper. This year I will have them laminated, since students tend to keep this project hanging in their rooms :) So I think that if I want to do the Five for Friday, I have to come up with two more ;) Here is a cute butterfly life cycle project that my daughter brought home. Each stage is a different kind of pasta! Cute! Speaking of Duck Dynasty, I watched it for the first time this week. My MIL came down to spend a few nights with me to preserve my sanity until my husband returns from Singapore tomorrow after a three-week-long business trip. I have to say that I now see why people love it! Hilarious! I don't think that it will be in my regular rotation, but it's good when there's nothing else on ;) While you are visiting Amanda's, make sure that you enter her giveaway for a new classroom theme pack!
Colonial knots are so versatile and I use them a lot in my embroidery. They look great in clusters of knots. But at the same time can add delicate details as single knots to all type of designs such as flower centres or to dot your I’s. Finishing and securing your Colonial Knot. If you
I am so excited to officially announce that my Project 48 partner Linden and I have been...
Use strip-piecing short cuts to make this Nine Patch quilt in a traditional Irish Chain style. Gray and white low volume fabrics give it a modern feel.
French knot is, undoubtedly, the most popular knot stitch out there. But it has a “twin” - colonial knot. Jump in to explore the similarities and differences between the two! So, how do you stitch colonial knot? Many people fear it because it seems tricky. Me too, for a long time I used french knots exclusively and didn't even want to try the colonial one because it just seems difficult. But I was wrong! Once you “crack” the process, stitching colonial knots will go smoothly and fast. The most challenging in learning how to make colonial knots is understanding how the twists work. The principle of stitching it is the same as with french knots: you wrap the thread around the needle and pull the needle through the twists. But the twists work differently in the colonial knot. So, for the first step you need to bring the threaded needle up through the fabric. Then make a slight loop of the thread on the right side of where it emerged from the backside. And move your needle inside that loop. Note the placement of thread and the needle. It can be only like this, no options. Now, we pick the end of the thread and put it over the needle. Over the needle. My main problem when I learned colonial knot was that in this step I pulled the thread under the needle – it is a mistake. The thread must be basically lying on top of the needle with the free end of thread hanging on the right side. So, with these manipulations, you form an “8” with the thread, and the needle is inside the loops. Next, insert the needle into the point next to the place where it emerged on top of the fabric. And gently pull the longer end of the thread to tighten the twists a little. This is crucial! Always tighten the twists so that the knot has a nice shape (but don't overdo it, or it will difficult to pull the needle through). Then pull your needle through to the backside of the fabric. The resulting knot will look like this. French knot or colonial knot? Some call colonial knot a substitute for the french one. Although this term is not that clear to me because it's not like colonial knot can be used in some cases where the french one doesn't fit. Nor does it have any particular drawbacks where colonial knot, on the contrary, would shine. These two stitches are basically the twins. The difference in their appearance is barely visible in a close-up and if you look at them from a distance, they will look absolutely the same way. They also function the same way: they can be used as isolated dots or to fill in the shapes or as a quirky background. They are interchangeable. So, what's the difference? The technique. For some stitchers the way the colonial knot is worked is more attractive and easier. Appearance. The difference is really hardly noticeable, but I dare say that french knots are a bit “flatter”, while colonial knots are sturdier and stand more upright. It is highly subjective, but I find colonial knots easier to undo. Yes, sometimes, when I stitch the knots and I don't like the shape, I want to undo it. And if it is a french knot... well, I either put up with it, or desperately try to undo it while almost ruining the thread, or I cut it off, secure the thread on the backside and start again. While, when it comes to the colonial knot, I always can undo the knot pretty easily, with no harm to the thread. To sum it up: It's up to you to add colonial knot to your “stitches dictionary” or not, but I would recommend at least to try it out. It's worth a shot and it's not that difficult as it might seem at the first glance. Now that you know how to make a colonial knot, try it, maybe it will become your favorite!
This idea has been stuck in my head for awhile, ever since I heard about how quilts were used to communicate to runaway slaves on the Und...
Explore SurrendrDorothy's 4998 photos on Flickr!
Greetings dear blog readers and fellow quilt lovers! I was very fortunate to spend the last 10 days in Colonial Williamsburg, Virgina and attend The Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy; TESAA as it is affectionately called by attendees. It was an action packed event that included stitching with new and old friends, many side trips to local museums, shopping, and delicious dining. The very first day in attendance, we were fortunate to attend an exhibition at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum entitled Quilts in the Baltimore Manner. The small group was led by none other than Elly Sienkiewicz. Elly has written over 20 books on Baltimore style quilts and is credited with the revival and current popularity of this intricate applique style. Rather than bore you with narrative, I would like to share the photos I was able to take of the exhibit. These were some of the more unusual and ornate blocks. As you view the photos, keep in mind that these stitchers were in love with the industrial revolution and the marvels of their time. They used all and any materials available to them to express their artistic vision; paint, ink, thread, paste, fussy cutting, etc. Their work is filled political, religious, and social commentary. I really believe these free souls were the art quilters of their time. Of course that is just my humble opinion. Classic we all recognize! I love the simplicity of this basket! Sweetest bird block ever! Love the tiny basket filled with large blooms! Beautiful perspective! Loaded with symbols! Can you see the white thread? Another classic block! More symbolism! One of my favorite classic designs! Beautiful White Rose block! The museum reproduced several classic blocks on tiles to allow you to lay them out and create various settings. Included in the show was a spectacular brodrie perse quilt and a stuffed white work quilt. Enjoy! Until next time... Best stitches, Mercy in Miami
Construction Made from 100% linen; reverses to 94% cotton and 6% polyester. Filled with 100% polyester batting. Reverses to solid. Sham features zipper closure with suede leather pull. Shams and inserts are sold separately. OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: tested for 1000+ harmful substances. 14.HUS.42449 HOHENSTEIN HTTI. Imported. Care Linen will soften with repeated washing. Machine wash in warm water; gentle cycle. Use only non-chlorine bleach, if needed. Line dry. Warm iron as needed. Dimensions Full/Queen Quilt: 92" l x 88" w King/Cal. King Quilt: 92" l x 108" w Standard Shams: 20" h x 26" w King Shams: 20" h x 36" w Euro Shams: 26" sq
Quilts—particularly of the vintage American variety—are having a moment, as Margot noted back in February (see Trend Alert: The Great American Patchwork Qu
This beautiful and graphic design is a true classic. Broken into easy sections, the piecing is pretty simple. True, the pieces are small and there are many, but your perseverance will be rewarded w…
This Flower Wreath Stencil is inspired by the beautiful appliqued quilts done long ago. How sweet it will be to stencil a special pillow cover for a Mother's Day or Wedding gift! You will find this stencil to be a perfect complement for your country, primitive, folk art, colonial or Early American decor. Stencil image measures 6 in. by 6 in. This stencil is part of our extensive group of quilt inspired stencils. Each of the stencils in this grouping is six inches by six inches. This allows for stenciling quilts, pillow covers, wall hangings and floor cloths. -100% Made in the USA since 2005 by our family-owned laser-engraving business. -Uniquely artistic designs that always delight and uplift! We've coordinated designs within categories for creative collages and murals. -Laser-cut on reusable 10 mil Mylar plastic -- safe and durable... perfect for stenciling flat or curved surfaces: walls, clothing, quilt squares, furniture, cakes, or crafts items! -Most paints will work. Apply with stencil brushes, rollers, sprayers, airbrush equipment, sponges, markers... -FREE NEXT DAY SHIPPING on all USPS domestic 1st Class orders. (Other shipping options available.)
CC of Suestreehouse regularly shares with us wonderful patterns for Sunbonnet Sues from all walks of life. This week, her gift is an unusual variation on Sue – a Colonial lady with a parasol.…
