Several years ago, I checked out a book from the library called, Quilts of Gee's Bend. It was a very interesting read. Well surfing the web, I had noticed a renewed interest. This inspired me to borrow the book from the library again and make my own Gee's Bend inspired quilt.
Waiting for Spring was a new adventure for me and I liked it!
Until next time.....happy quilting!
Karen
So, off I went to root around in my fabric bins. I had spring on the brain, at the time, and decided I would name my quilt Waiting for Spring. After selecting fabric, I sat down with the Gee's Bend book to study the quilts. One quilt that caught my eye was by Annie Mae Young (born 1928) called Center medallion strips with multiple borders. Circa 1965. This was all the inspiration I needed to get me started.
Waiting for Spring
As I pieced together my version of a center medallion strips, I noticed in the book that many of the Gee's Bend quilts looked a little wonky. You know what I mean, the pieces not appearing straight? I may be wrong, but I think over time and because of the different weights and types of fabric, they used, the quilts have pulled out of shape. So, I went with straight cuts of fabric and colours that felt spring like.
I liked the way Missouri Pettway from Gee's Bend quilted one of her quilts, in 1942 and decided to try it on mine. What I did was stitch a series of soft, natural flowing lines, on an angle across the quilt. Without question, mine is a little wilder then Missouri's.
I prefer to quilt by hand and am not really a big fan of the sewing machine. But, every now and then, as I walk past my sewing machine it asks me, why did you buy me? So, every now and then, I feel I must use it. Waiting for Spring was all machine made and I even got myself out of the ditch and did what I call, free motion with walking foot. I also tried a new batting by Eco Craft, called Eco-Friendly Batting Blend. This is a 50/50 blend of cotton and corn-based synthetic fiber (PLA), that looks and feels like a polyester/cotton blend. It stitched up nicely and wasn't too puffy.
Until next time.....happy quilting!
Karen
