Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Big Top Finished

 Ever since I saw a photo of an antique quilt I loved on a friend's post I have wanted to make that quilt. Fortunately, a published pattern already existed for it so I didn't have to reinvent the wheel.

This is my version, 111" square, of the wonderful old quilt:


Here is the original photo that inspired me:


The primary change I made, other than size, was to add cheddar cornerstones at the sashing intersections instead of the double geese in the original. I really struggled with that decision. I really wanted to be true to the original maker's design. But, as I tell my students all the time, "It's Your Quilt--You Get to Decide". So, I did.

Eventually, I'll get this really BIG quilt basted and begin quilting it. The back took 10 yards of fabric--good way to empty a bolt that has been in my closet for years.

Now, since I really want to be true to the original, I have started a second one--a much smaller sample that can easily travel when I get to teach this to some lucky guild, sometime in the future. Here is just a taste:


Big, bold, bright--very different. All the geese are the same dotty fabric, all the star points in the blocks are the same fabric, a white/black print. The blocks will have a wide variety of bright prints. 

Often, people cannot picture what a quilt will look like made with fabrics different from the sample. For those who don't love Civil War reproduction fabrics, here is an alternative. This sample will be 45" square.

For more information about this quilt, see an earlier blog I wrote about it Here.

And, just one more thing--today in the US is Veteran's Day, set aside to salute all US veterans of all branches of our military service. As a former United States Marine, I salute all who have served in the past, are serving now, and will step up to serve in the future. Semper Fi!

A few years ago...


Let's quilt.

Barbara



26 comments:

  1. Oh, be still my repro loving heart, this is a real beauty! You pulled this together in record time and it's a big quilt. Always interesting to see a "color option" too.

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    1. This was supposed to be a long term project for next year but once I started there was no stopping.

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  2. Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your service!
    lovely quilt. the cheddar is wonderful!

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  3. I’m ready to sign up for this class! I love everything about your quilt, the design, color choices, it’s absolutely beautiful! Thank you for your service, we have two Marines in our family.

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  4. Please teach this as a local class! This is such a beauty! And thank you for your service.

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  5. WOW!! That's a BIG HONKIN' QUILT!! And it's gorgeous! And thank you for your service--my son was (I guess it's actually once and always) a Marine.

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  6. Congratulations on the completed quilt and for your service. I am a Air Force veteran.

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  7. I love your quilt and hope that you will be able to teach it at Road to California in the future. Thank you for your service. In these times, we need to remember what our country stands for and the people who served to protect our democracy.

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  8. Thank you for your service. I enjoy your blog, keep up the good work!

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  9. You had great hair back then also.....

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  10. I love your quilt and your color choices. I bought the book 8 years ago so it might be time to start on my own version. Thanks for your service and I agree with the previous comment...great hair!

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  11. Beautiful quilt,and Happy Veteran's Day!

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  12. thankou for your service -- enjoy this Veteran's Day

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  13. Thank you for your service and your friendship. Keep on quilting!! Love and miss you this year in Houston.

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  14. Thank you for your service! Your quilt is gorgeous! Hugs,

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  15. Your quilt is outstanding and thank you for your service

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  16. Thank you for your service, we will never forget! I love the Quilt.

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  17. Barbara, thank you for your service to our country.

    Your quilt is stunning, a beauty, just like you.

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  18. You are my hero--for your service to our country, AND for making this incredible quilt that has me over the moon! Gorgeous!!

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    1. Thanks, Janet. This quilt has really spoken to people.

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