ANOTHER ROW TO HOE

There seems to be a resurgence in row quilts.  I thought it would be time for me to revisit this popular traditional quilt setting.  Running vertical, they are usually called strippy quilts; and horizontally they are called row quilts.

 Smaller units can be used together as connecting blocks to produce secondary patterns or they can also stand on their own.  In my design files, I have a collection of  4", 5", and 6" units; and refer to them often when searching for an idea.  Here are a few of my favorite 4-inchers.

THE STATS:  Another Row to Hoe, 2023, 30"x 40", Paper Pieced, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted

I did something with this quilt that I prefer not to do.  After finishing the top, I started another project before completing this one.   I decided that it needed to sit and percolate before the quilting process. The concept was okay but I'm not all that comfortable working with pastel floral with high contrast fabrics; therefore I struggled with balancing the color placement.   It is now finished hoping the quilting redeems it!

Back to my comfort zone----

COLORADO SNOWBALLS

February, March, and April are usually the big snowy months for my part of Colorado.  I enjoy the cold, snowy days as it gives me time to stay home and quilt.  In honor of that joy, I decided on an old traditional block called "Snowball" for this quilt.

THE STATS:  Colorado Snowballs, 2023, 25"x25", Machine pieced, machine quilted.

I've been asked about my supply of scraps.  My fabric buying habit is normally purchasing fat quarters when I need an infusion of newer fabric for a specific project. I try not to buy on speculation. Occasionally, I find it necessary to buy a larger amount for borders and/or a backing. I'm a fairly frugal person and save any scrap larger than a 1 1/2" square from previous quilting projects for use in a future quilt. Since I have been doing this process for a long time and have made many quilts, I have built a supply that is contained in a 6-foot fabric closet.

As in the case of this quilt, I can complete a project without any additional purchase of fabric.  I was sad this time to use up small scraps of a couple of my favorite Jinny Beyer fabrics from the early 1980s.  They have appeared in several quilts over the years.  Better saved in a quilt than in the closet!

  I love playing with fabric!

Snow and blue skies gradually transform the prairie into blossoming green grass.  

It's called God's gift of Spring.

WINDING ROAD

For years I have admired and made log cabin quilts.    However, I have never made the curved log cabin variation.

  Assembling fabrics for the quilt, I tried to pick colors from my scraps that are not my usual combinations -- trying purples, olives, gold, rust, and brown together.  Of course, it is hard for me to not include red, but tried to keep to a darker, muddy red.  The one piece of quilting advice that my grandmother gave me was, "Every quilt needs a little red!" Can't go against a grandmother's advice.  (Kids are you listening?)

In the interest of accuracy, I usually paper-piece my log cabins, cutting and organizing the pieces as to size in advance.  I realize that this is not the most expedient way, but I have abundant time and this works for me.

THE STATS:  Winding Road, 2023, 30"x30", Paper pieced, Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

If you have driven in Colorado, you probably have been on one of our many winding roads.  You have to wind around to get over the mountains.  When learning to drive, our teenagers find out fast the perils of driving.  It does add a little excitement to teaching them to drive; but they will travel on a mountain road within a mile of our town and probably with a carload of teenagers.

  

It is much easier to make a quilt!

MEDALLION MANIA

I'm ready for something I haven't done for a couple of years that is always a challenge  -- a medallion quilt.  I like the "design as you go" format with no preconceived pattern.  Additionally being a frugal soul, I wanted a project to use my scraps.  I did purchase two fat quarters on sale for $2.00 each, and used pieces of leftover batting and a piece of fabric for the back that I had purchased as a souvenir in Maine in 1992.   It feels good to be thrifty, using what I have, and stretching my creativity!

THE STATS:  Medallion Mania, 2023, 25"x 25", Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

I was fortunate to be able to draw on my mathematical education early on in my quilting years, which prepared me to understand the basis of geometry. Plus, I had learned from my grandmothers the idea of being frugal in all things. Then, in the early 1980s I took two classes from Jinny Beyer on drafting designs and making patterns. I easily understood the math concepts that she was teaching, but the big take-away for me was her understanding of effective fabric and color choices.  She has written comprehensive books about designing, pattern drafting, fabric and color theories, and the traditional concept and benefit of being in control of all steps of creativity. She was a great teacher and innovative pioneer of the resurgence of the interest in quiltmaking but still respectful of the past traditions.

I have followed the growth of the quilting industry over the years noticing the changes that have transpired.  Traditionally a quilt was made in the interest of frugality with the bonus of being a creative outlet for the maker combining the process and the product.  In the 1970s, the U.S. Bicentennial created a renewed interest in the making of quilts.  At that time to supplement our scrapbags, we were finding 100% cotton fabric only from the local department stores and an occasional general fabric store.  In the more metropolitan areas, stores specifically for quiltmakers were starting to spring up along with the publishing of more magazines and books for the quiltmaker.  In the 1980s, it became a big industry with state and national symposiums with recognized designers, teachers, and businesses.  That has grown into the modern era of quiltmaking that we enjoy today.

We are now able to access a wonderful, diversive supply of fabrics and tools.  In addition, the local quilting stores have now developed into a community to meet like-minded individuals to enjoy fellowship.  It is enlightening to talk with the shoppers and staff to learn what they are making and see what is new in the market.  My budget doesn't allow buying for speculation, so I am not a very profitable consumer.  Usually I buy only small amounts of fabric for a planned project to be supplemented by my stash which consists of small leftover pieces of fabric.  My gadget collection consists only of a 35-year-old rotary cutter and two rulers.  However, I certainly applaud the ingenuity and success of those entrepreneurs and their welcoming attitude to all.

Quiltmaking has been an important part of my life for 70 years, and I often think about its future. Has the product now become more important than the process? Does the proliferation and availability of patterns, kits, laser-cut-by-machine pieces, and professional long-arm services stifle a part of the creativity, challenge, and fun of making a quilt under your own control from start to finish?  Are there enough classes being taught to new quilters about the skills needed to follow the tradition of frugality and creativity?  Will the skills used for drafting patterns, figuring out quilting designs,  and choosing colors and fabrics be lost?  Is this a skill-set that is best learned by experience?

I have no answers but if interested about old-school quiltmaking, I recommend Jinny Beyer's books entitled "Patchwork Patterns", "The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders", "Medallion Quilts", "The Scraplook", and "Color Confidence for Quilters".  In the interest of frugality, start with your local library as the original copies have risen in value.

I thoroughly love what I do, and I hope you also enjoy your passion!

 

PUZZLE PUTZING

I designed this pattern for my book, "Traditional Two Block Quilts", back in 2004; and I have wanted to adapt the pattern into a table runner for some time.  This was a quick project for a gift.

THE STATS:  "Puzzle Putzing", 2023, 14"x34", Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

The original quilt, "Persian Puzzle", and the book:

BENTO BOX

I have been anxious to start a quilt using fabric fat quarters that I recently purchased.  Some are from Tone Finnanger's Tilda collection.  Others are fabrics with a similar look.  A variation of the traditional 'Drunkard's Path' block works with the fabrics.

The quilt seems to me to have a Japanese look; so I named it Bento Box. Years ago, I made a quilt from 1930s reproduction fabrics using black as an accent to the pastels.  The look still appeals to me.

THE STATS:  "Bento Box", 2023, 34"x34", Machine appliqued, Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

Owned by Caitlin Cosat Masters

MY FAVORITE QUILT

I think I am considered a prolific, dedicated quiltmaker.    The numbers if anyone cares -- over the years since 1951, I have documented and photographed 208 quilts, including 31 made in 2022 alone.  Of the un-documented items there are several more quilts gone as gifts and with the ravages of time.  All this is said to explain that I am, however,  a 'process' not a 'product' quilter.  It is the creative and mathematical PROCESS I'm interested in and not the end result.  Once they are completed and photographed, I rarely touch them again.  My mind, for some reason, is wired by some geometrist's love of shapes and how they interact; and that is why I have quilted for 70+ years.

I'm often asked if I have a favorite quilt that I have made.  The answer may be a surprise.  Since the stored quilts are rarely used, the one I grab when I'm cold (the obvious normal reason for making a quilt) and therefore my favorite is this unnamed and totally unexciting one.

It's simple and made of wool lined in flannel for warmth and totally made by machine. It also appeals to my frugal nature made of thrifted wool, washed and felted, and is lap-sized.  It will be the one quilt that goes to the nursing home with me when the time comes.  The rest of those surviving quilts; all of those time-consuming, intricate, with hand-work quilts will be up to the discretion of my family to disperse.

I'm keeping this one.  

And, that is my story!!!

  

CODE BREAKER

 You never know what inspiration for a quilt might be.  This was on the back of my morning Cheerio box.

 The design of this quilt, however, turned down a different road because inspiration often just spurs my thought processes further.  

  

I find that if I don't quilt at least a little every day, I get 'out of sorts'.  The pre-Christmas projects were done, and I had about 10 days until the holiday.  This is what you make when you can't get to the quilt store for an infusion of fabric and you scrounge in your stash for every suitable scrap and strip.

   I figured nothing better with plaid than the color of blue denim. 

One of the math brains in my family, at first glance at this quilt, was trying to figure out the code I used.  Sorry, no code just an old-school quilter using the 'grab and sew' method. 

This is a good (or bad) example of quiltmaking to the excess.  There are about 390 pieces in a 36" square of random patchwork selected from available in-house scraps.  For my frugal nature, this creative activity was very appealing. With me it's always the process, not the outcome!

THE STATS:  "Code Breaker", 2023, 36"x 36", Machine pieced, machine quilted.

GRATITUDE

I'm back in my comfort zone with a simple 2"x4" directional block.  It was enjoyable to work through my scrap bins picking out fabrics and colors that I find comfortable.

   I began this quilt on Thanksgiving day with the idea in the making of each of 56 blocks, I would think of something I am thankful for.  Those thoughts ranged from gratitude for my relationship with God and my family to the mundane thankfulness for my washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

THE STATS:  "Gratitude", 2022, 33"x34", Paper pieced, Machine pieced, Machine quilted.

I'm thankful every day for God's grace and blessings!

TRAIL TALES

 A traditional quilt block that looks more difficult than in actual construction is "Snail Trail".  It is really just a simple "square within a square, within a square, etc".  The difficulty is in keeping track of fabric and color placement to bring out the snail's trail.

  

I wanted to get out of my usual color and fabric modes plus I got a deal on some batik fat quarters; so I decided to give it a go.   A four-inch snail trail is perfect for a new quilting adventure!!

THE STATS:  "Trail Tales", 2022, 31"x31", Paper Pieced, Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted.  584 pieces.

These photos were taken at the entrance to Skyline Drive which was built by inmate labor in 1905 and rises about 800 feet to overlook the town of Canon City, Colorado.  It is said that each inmate received 10 days off their sentence for every 30 days worked.  Each of the then 48 states contributed a rock to be included in the entrance arch built in 1932.  In the picture below you can see the rock from Maine, the original home of my Colorado pioneer ancestors.

I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone once in a while!

FOLAGE, FLORALS, AND THEN SOME

 The days are getting shorter and cooler.  It's time to do a wool applique project.  I always enjoy a break from the usual cotton patchwork with the opportunity to work with wool.  I'm from a sheep ranching family that homesteaded in Colorado in 1876 four generations ago, so wool is just embeded in my DNA.

I don't claim to be a good or trained designer, and try to keep things simple within my basic skill set and ability.  Design as you go is my mantra, so no pattern is available. I've discovered that I'm much better at cutting than at drawing.  The leaves and some of the flowers are all freehand cut; the other flowers, etc. are from using cookie cutters, thread spools. and even my thimble for a pattern.  The stitching is all freehand with the exception of my machine's decorative stitching. With wool applique, I use a light- weight heat and bond fusible product.

I save every scrap as you never know when you might need it!  One of the joys of working with wool is there are no seam allowances to deal with.  All of my wool has been felted by washing in hot water and drying in a hot dryer so that it doesn't ravel.

THE STATS:  "Folage, Florals, Etc.", 2022, 23"x23", Machine pieced, Machine appliqued, Machine embroidered, Machine quilted. This is all machine stitched including the binding.

AUTUMN ALBUM

 I was in the mood for something traditional and easy in the colors of Fall.  This two-block design satisfies on all accounts in a table runner format.

A simple cross-hatching quilting design is easy, fast, and effective for a geometric quilt.  Sometimes simple is the best solution for the situation!

THE STATS:  Autumn Album, 2022, 22"x34". Paper pieced, machine pieced, machine quilted.