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

Land Ahoy Nashville!

 So many plans were changed for 2020. This is the time I should be spending 13 days in Houston. We all are experiencing withdrawal symptoms as we miss the camaraderie of our friends and co-workers.

Let's look on the BRIGHT SIDE:  Stitchin Heaven has planned some great "Land Ahoy Cruises" for 2021 and I am teaching at the one in Nashville, TN, March 14-21, 2021. Take a Look, Land Ahoy Nashville!:

The theme for this week of fun, stitching, touring, eating, having a great time together is the History of the Civil War. Tours to historic places as well as great quilt shops will add to the two exciting quilt projects you will learn. And so much more.

It is not too early to make your plans now. For my local friends, it's only two hours drive up the road. For my farther afield friends, Nashville is a super town to visit and they have an excellent airport.

The class I am teaching is called Parlor Music, designed by Carol Hopkins of the Civil War Legacies books:

If you have followed my work, you know how I enjoy working with Civil War Reproduction fabrics. Western Sun is coming along beautifully. It is an homage to an old quilt I first saw online. It is half done at this point:

And it bears a bit of resemblance to two more of my favorite quilts, made to replicate a top I bought at a yard sale that has been dated to about 1875. Five Easy Pieces, the EASY version:

Pieces of the Past, Circa 1875, the NOT-so-easy version--but exactly like the original top. As a special treat, I will bring the very fragile top with me to share with the students--the fabrics in it are breathtaking:: 

Of course, I love Batiks and bright fabrics too, but some of my best quilts have come from Reproductions. How about Foothills:

I sure hope to see you in Nashville. Quilters are very eager to get back together and this might be just the perfect place for you!

Let's quilt.

Barbara