The BIG BOOK of Amish Quilts

Amish quilts have spoken to me since I was a young girl. Growing up in Philadelphia, my Girl Scout Troop took a trip to Lancaster County, PA, the heart of Amish country, when I was about 10. There I saw my first Amish quilt and thought "I could never make one of those".

I was learning to sew thanks to a wonderful 7th grade Home Ec teacher. The sewing bug really bit and I started making clothes for myself and simple home items like pillows.

Fast forward to 1985 when I was introduced to quiltmaking by a friend who was taking a class. She taught me what she was learning and I never looked back. From 1985 to today, I have made hundreds of quilts and have hundreds more I want to make.

Working for Quilts Inc. I get to attend the Houston International Quilt Festival, International Quilt Market and the other shows we produce. Some years ago I met one of the legends in the quilt industry--at least to me:  Julie Silber:

I knew she collected and sold antique quilts. She had been the Curator of an extensive collection of Amish quilts, owned by the Esprit Corporation and on display in their corporate offices. She had authored or worked on more than a few important books about quilt history.

Walking through her booth in Houston the first time, I just thought what a wealth of quilts there was there. But more importantly, what a wealth of knowledge Julie has in her diminutive frame. She was busy with a customer so I walked away. Then quickly returned. When she was free I told her I thought she was one of the Treasures in the Quilt Community and I was thrilled to meet her. Yes, Fan Girl here.

One of Julie's booths at a show, somewhere--Eye Candy!

That was the beginning on a long friendship and we look forward to seeing each other at all our shows. I also learn a lot from her on a Facebook group, Quilts--Vintage and Antique. She posts simply stunning antique quilts on her personal Facebook page too.

Recently, she announced she had a few copies of a book of Amish quilts for sale. The original price in 1990 was $100--that was a LOT of money back then for a book. Her price now was $55 plus postage. I jumped on the chance to own this book, having no idea what it looked like or anything about it.

Let me show you. The box was BIG and heavy:

Carefully opening it I saw:

Now that's a book! In a black hard cover protective sleeve, very classy:

 It is almost 15" square:

What a lovely inscription:

 And BIG print!:

It features all 82 of the Amish Quilts that were in the 1990 Exhibition Amish: The Art of the Quilt at the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco. Julie was the Curator of this Exhibition. The photos are spectacular:

Sunshine and Shadow

 Another favorite:

Double Ninepatch

In my early quiltmaking years, the mid-to-late 1980's, I learned so much about quiltmaking from Roberta Horton's book, An Amish Adventure. A small group of us from my first guild, the Virginia Star Quilters, of Fredericksburg, VA, worked on quilts from the book, teaching each other as we went. I still have mine and wouldn't give them up for anything:

The largest is 20" x 28", the smallest is 6" x 8"

I learned to hand quilt with these, though a few are machine quilted by me, poorly. I learned about different kinds of batting and thread, and how to apply skinny bindings, and fat bindings. They taught me that I really could make an Amish quilt for a bed someday. It's just one step after another.

 So far, I have made two. This one is about 45" square, very traditional to Pennsylvania Amish colors and style. I hand quilted it. It is my tribute to all the quilters who have gone before me:

Title: Almost Amish

The second one is not true to Amish tradition but gives the feel of Amish Quilts. The pattern is Southern Star by Debbie Maddy and is made from from half square triangles instead of diamonds:

Title: Amish Southern Super Star

So, if you are still here, I have good news and bad. The bad is Julie has no more of this BIG Book.

The GOOD news is she has more than a few copies of Amish Quilts of Lancaster County, the Catalog  that was created at the same time as the BIG Book--it includes 28 photos, about a third of the quilts in the 1990 Exhibition.  Those who went to the Exhibition could purchase this soft-cover catalog at a reasonable price, $14.95. Julie will sell these for $10 + media mail. See her shop here:   Julie Silber Quilts on Facebook  or her website: Julie Silber Quilts

I  have been inspired by many quilters over the years. The ironic thing here--Julie doesn't make quilts, never has, never will. But she sure knows lots of stuff about them! Pretty inspiring. And I am still a fan.

Consider adding the Catalog to your collection--you can do a lot worse than make an Amish quilt or two.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

AFTERNOON DELIGHT--Month 8

This pattern is the 2020 Block of the Month pattern offered FREE to Star members of The Quilt Show--join today to receive the entire year of patterns free. This is in addition to all the great content provided by The Quilt Show, 26 shows, a new one every two weeks, and so much more. If you want to know more about why I am such a fan, here is why.

This month brings two more applique blocks and more Double 9 Patches, unless you are done all 64 of those. A few people have mentioned on the Forum that they just couldn't bring themselves to do all those Double 9 Patches with 3/4" finished squares. Someone mentioned a great alternative:  just make regular 9 patches. The blocks are 6.75" finished, so the squares are manageable at 2.25" finished. This will still give the quilt strong diagonal lines and have the feel of the original, with much less work. As I always say, "It's YOUR quilt, you get to decide".

Here are the two blocks in my sample quilt made with the help of the Sunday Sew and Sews last year:

Block 25

Block 26

I hope you are taking the time to watch the 4 Master Classes that The Quilt Show has put together--they include the best of many past shows. Two are on Piecing and two are on Applique. I "watch" them as I am sewing and jump up if I see something I just have to really watch closely. Some of my favorite teachers are in these shows, some who no longer teach and sadly, Sue Garman, who has passed away. Such a great way to see the wide variety of instruction and inspiration membership in The Quilt Show provides.

Recently, Alex Anderson told the world I am making the 2021 Block of the Month quilt from Australian designer Wendy Williams' pattern. Wendy has designed an exclusive quilt pattern only available in 2021 from The Quilt Show. I am hard at work on the machine quilting right now so I can be ready to tape The Quilt Show in Dallas later this month. I first wrote about this Here.

How about a teaser:

Mostly the back but there is a pretty amazing border fabric...

Eventually, you will get to see the entire quilt in all its' glory. I just know you are going to love it.

Let's quilt.

Barbarra

Doll Quilt Swap 2020

I mentioned a couple weeks ago how I was excited that I got in to an international doll quilt swap that I had admired from afar for a few years. Read more about that here: NeedleThimble and Thread Doll Quilt Swap 2020

The doll quilt I received just arrived--all the way from the Netherlands! Miranda Sol-van Paemel, @mirandasolvan, made this for me. Look at all the details and hand stitching. Miranda says this is she and her daughter and their dog from an earlier time, way back. What a unique design:

"Remember Me", 14" x 19" 

The labels on the back are Dutch Wooden Shoes--perfect!

The quilt and all the goodies that came in the package

An adorable cat pin cushion

Dutch Cinnamon Sticks--we used Translate to read all about these. So yummy, mostly cinnamon and sugar!

Great little scissors--these just might be air travel safe

A tiny tin and several lovely tea bags

We do not get to know who is making a quilt for us so it is a total surprise when the package arrives. In this time of Corona virus, I wasn't surprised the package took 24 days to cross the ocean--not too bad.

This was a wonderful swap and I am so glad I got in. Thank you to Christine of Needle Thimble and Thread on Instagram for creating this swap and being sure her rules are followed. I knew whatever I got would be wonderful. This surpassed my expectations. 

I encourage you to check out #ntatdqs2020  on  Instagram  to see photos of all the amazing doll quilts that were swapped--all hand quilted and made with the utmost care.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

The Cat Is Out of the Bag

The other day Alex Anderson told the world I am making the 2021 Block of the Month quilt for The Quilt Show. Yes, that is the "Secret Sewing" I have been working for a while now.

The designer is the amazing Wendy Williams. She lives in Australia so will not be able to come to the US next month for the taping of the show that will present the quilt to the world. The show will air January 1, 2021, but I will be in Dallas taping it August 21, 2020--less than 4 weeks from now.

Check out the wonderful designs Wendy has made--her patterns are for sale on her website:  Flying Fish Kits   The quilt we will be making as the 2021 TQS Block of the Month is NOT one of those patterns. Wendy has designed an exclusive quilt pattern just for TQS members and it will ONLY be available on www.thequiltshow.com beginning January 1, 2021 and running until December 31, 2021.

Over the Hill by Wendy Williams

Round the Garden by Wendy Williams

My Place or Yours by Wendy Williams

These are just teasers of the kind of patterns Wendy designs and the bright colors she likes to use. The look is fresh and vibrant and exciting.

The Australian look is different from what I usually gravitate to but I LOVE this quilt and am having a lot of FUN making it. I learned a new-to-me-technique, paper piecing with Freezer Paper, that I am eager to share with you.The quilting is in the home stretch and I am enjoying that process too.

No, I still can't show you the quilt--be patient another month or two, but here is a teaser:

Just some of the threads I am quilting with--this is the back of the quilt

As usual, I have several projects going. at the same time. This week I finished the top for a new workshop I am calling "It's a Puzzle", based on an antique quilt that looks much more complicated than it is. It is now basted and I am thinking about quilting designs as I do other things:

The other project that will become a new workshop is still under construction--being used as a Leader/Ender project at the moment. Also based on an antique block, I call this "Cobblestones". I designed it in EQ8 in a variety of sizes. 12" was too big, 8" and 7" had weird sizes for the pieces, 6" is more workable, so it will be a smaller quilt, like a crib or toddler size:

Back to the quilting of the 2021 Block of the Month--so glad I can talk about it, just a bit.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

Utility Sewing

I have been sewing by machine since I was 10. Garments, accessories, doll clothes, and lots and lots of quilts over these many years. Now I have to sew something I don't like making.

Masks. Ugh. I do not like making masks. But it is necessary, so I do it. There are thousands of patterns on the Internet. I combined a few, along with some suggestions from friends, so mow I have a workable process that doesn't take too long.

Stella, my 5 year old granddaughter, will be going to Kindergarten in a few weeks and masks are required. The couple I made her some weeks ago were too big. She came for a sleepover yesterday so I had her here for "custom fitting".

Here she is in her "Wonder Woman" mask--one I retro-fitted since the original was too wide and too loose. She says she isn't smiling but how can you tell?

The rest of the batch. In the lower right is a Mary Engelbright print that says "Princess of Quite A Lot".  The loops are made from hair ties I cut in half--saw that on some post on Facebook or Instagram so gave it a try. It works. Nine should keep her covered for a while:

When I was a little girl, I LOVED to play with old buttons we had in cigar boxes and cookie tins. I have saved them all these years and yesterday encouraged Stella to play with them. The two small tins once held bouillon cubes and the sticker on top of one says $.19. They were hard to open, so PopPop took care of that--filled with tiny buttons.

She sorted and poured and played and said "BB, look at this one!", lots of times. It kept her occupied while I worked on the masks and made my heart happy:

What happens when Daddy packs the overnight bag and there is nothing that looks like pajamas. BB finds the smallest T-shirt in her drawer for a nightshirt:

What I want to be sewing and will finish assembling today. A new class sample called "It's a Puzzle":

What are you working on? Making masks?  My secret sewing needs to get done--the quilting is about half done so that moves up the priority list. I will be making a trip with it in 4 weeks and was just told masks will be required for everyone, all day, every day. So a few more masks, in my most favorite fabrics, still need to be made.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

Alex Anderson's Mystery Quilt

During this time of Staying at Home, and Quilter's Quarantine, Alex Anderson has posted on Facebook Live three times a week, mostly to help all us quilters stay connected and productive in these uncertain times.

First, a confession: Alex is a friend and I work for her and Ricky Tims on The Quilt Show, helping with the Block of the  Month quilts and other assorted tasks. So I an not an unbiased observer. BUT I have been a Star Member of The Quilt Show forever, handing over my money the first day I could, in 2007. Best money I can spend on quilting--I have learned so much and made many friends, worldwide, through our connection on The Quilt Show.

Many people have "found" Alex for the first time or for the first time in a long time with her Facebook Live posts. If you don't do Facebook, the great news is all of the videos are recorded and available on You Tube--Alex and Ricky Live

Starting tomorrow, Monday July 20, 2020, Alex will be teaching a Mystery Quilt, featuring some Kaffe Fassett fabrics along with lots of solids. Just so you know--Kaffe is pronounced like "Safe". You are invited to play along--I know you will learn things, have fun, and it's FREE.

Here is a Kaffe Brassica fabric, the kind Alex loves to use. This is not the one she is using for her quilt, just a colorway I really love:

Recently, Alex said quilters basically work in one of two ways. Some like to have a pattern, all fabrics in hand, and know exactly what they are making before they begin. Others just start and see what happens. Alex and I are in that later camp. Here is that process:

1.Come up with an idea
2. Select fabrics you want to play with
3. Start
4. Use a design wall to help you make decisions as you go

You can start at any time. Watch the videos and when you get inspired, start. The videos are all posted on YouTube whenever you want to watch.

Alex is calling this a Mystery Quilt because she doesn't know what it will look like until it's done--neither will you. Just use fabric you love and all will be well. If you just can't work that way, watch all the videos and when the Mystery Quilt is done, whenever that is, you can decide if you want to make it. Then Start.

For The Quilt Show members, we have a Forum topic where you can ask questions, post photos, and enjoy the process more with like-minded friends. This is especially helpful for those who don't do Facebook:  Forum--Kaffe Mystery Quilt--Learn with Alex

Here is a fabric pull for this project by JudySews, I found it on the Forum. These fabrics make me swoon:

Here comes my sales pitch again: The Quilt Show provides so much bang for your buck. Currently, they are offering a Stay At Home Special, 6 months for $19.95 or 12 months for $39.95. This offer is good for new Star Members AND those who want to  renew. You get access to ALL THE SHOWS FROM THE BEGINNING--that's 13 + years. The current Block of the Month pattern, Aftternoon Delight by Sue Garman, is FREE--an $80 bonus. And so much more. The four Master Classes, available right now for members, feature some of the best advice on Piecing and Applique--a chance to refresh our memories on all that great info available on the shows.

I hope you will take a look at both www.thequiltshow.com and Alex and Ricky's Playlist on YouTube. So much terrific content--plenty to get you inspired and productive.

Which type quilter are you? Have to know what you are making ahead of time? Or someone who takes an idea and gives it a try?

Let's quilt.

Barbara

Littles Came to Visit

This post is more family than quilting--jump to the bottom for the quilt.

We had our grandkids for 4 days recently--their Mom had major surgery so they spent 4 days with each set of grandparents so Mom had a week to get a bit better before having them home.

My loves.  Stella is 5, PopPop is more, Sam is almost 2:

 The kids love each other, most of the time, always hug when meeting up again--this is a morning hug upon awakening:

 Stella is a super big sister, always watching out for her "brudder", and teaching him things, like "watch out for the street", "say please and thank you", etc.:

When my two sons were this size I was 40 years younger. Things I forgot:

1. Kids are loud
2. Kids are messy
3. Changing diapers is still not fun--at least we aren't using cloth diapers like I did in the Stone Age
4. Siblings fight over toys--buy two, if possible
5. Kids eat almost hourly--not a lot at once, just very frequently
6. PopPops are pushovers--whatever the grands want, they get
7. Sometimes an Ipad is your best friend:

Watching Disney+ while we watch the news

All in all, the kids did great and we managed pretty well. We did FaceTime each day with Mon and Dad--lots of kisses on our phone screens--and that helped. Stella would be really worried about Mommy for a few minutes then got busy being Stella and all was well.

She is a great picker of blackberries. The first day she picked these and said "BB, we need pie!" And so we had a blackberry pie. She also taught Sam not to pick the red ones, only the black ones:

The best things about Littles I forgot:

1. Snuggling up in a big chair to read books is wonderful
2. Laughing at all the funny things they say and do is wonderful
3. Watching them sleep is like seeing angels--and that is wonderful

So they are back home now. The house is more or less clean and tidy again, and really quiet. I can sew to my heart's content. It was good for all of us, especially Mommy and Daddy who were able to concentrate on Lauren's recovery, which is going very well.

For the next week or so, I will be hunkered down quilting my secret sewing project, which is on deadline:

Let's quilt.

Barbara AKA BB