Wednesday, January 21, 2009

I'm starting a new quilt

This is how I spent my afternoon, drawing. I was so wrapped up in it I didn't notice the smell of burning eucalyptus trees outside from a bushfire. The smell of Aussie summer, now there's a storm moving in after two days of hot hot weather. Thank goodness our air con was fixed yesterday! Read on if you want to know why and what I've been drawing.The book "Quilts from the Henry Ford" features some amazing quilts and this is one made by Susan McCord made around 1860.
How on earth do you make quilts like this when you have seven kids, make all the clothing and work on the farm, plus plus plus? No wonder she was called a quilting genius!

There are stupendous quilts in this book that I'd love to reproduce and when Tracey announced she was making this one and invited anyone to join her, I jumped in. Click on the picture for a closer look.
There is a pattern inside by Fons and Porter but as I'm changing the measurements, I'm drawing my vines myself. The leaves are all strip pieced and at this stage I have yet to work out how I'll do that.
It's not a quilt for the faint hearted, after all there are around 4,000 strip pieced leaves involved here on thirteen panels.This is my initial fabric selection, including a natural coloured background. Just waiting for a different green to arrive to see if I like it better for the vines. I will add a heap more fabric as I go along.
Don't expect this quilt to be made in a short amount of time, I'm the tortoise not the hare. I'll post about it as I go and hopefully, you will cheer me on, or you can join us.
If you expressed an interest in the footstool I made before Christmas, like the one above, you can get it here.

If you do make it and strike any problems, I'd be happy to help out.
Also, I did say I would add a link to a free online puzzle quilt pattern. You can find that at Jukebox Quilts

13 comments:

Shari said...

I'm totally awed by Susan McCord. She's the ultimate domestic goddess. The Vines quilt has to be one of my favourites, but I don't see myself trying to make it. I wish you all the best with it and will cheer you on every step of the way! You go girl!!

Betsy said...

how do you strip piece leaves? i thought they were appliqued?

QuiltedSimple said...

Oh my. I'm starting a little applique project that is already causing me to tear my hair out. This is going to be beautiful though - go for it! I cannot wait to watch your progress...
Kris

Carrie P. said...

Good for you. I have admired that quilt from a far. Have fun doing it and it so cool that you are drawing your own pattern. Here is a suggestion for the leaves. I would sew random fabrics, different widths together and lay freezer paper patterns on the strips. Trace them and use your favorite technique to make them. Just a thought.

Carrie P. said...

Good for you. I have admired that quilt from a far. Have fun doing it and it so cool that you are drawing your own pattern. Here is a suggestion for the leaves. I would sew random fabrics, different widths together and lay freezer paper patterns on the strips. Trace them and use your favorite technique to make them. Just a thought.

tracey said...

ooh! i'm loving the fabrics! don't worry though-i'm a tortoise as well, so we can keep each other company along the way. :o)

tracey

Janet said...

I LOVE that Susan McCord quiilt!!! It's also a wonderful book! I wish I could join you in making it but ... I better not.

Crafts a la Mode said...

Thanks for the free puzzle pattern link. I copied it right away. I had sorta figured it out. That means sewing all those curves. Oh, well.

What a fabulous quilt to emulate. Are each of those leaves different? Oh, my goodness. That's a lifetime achievement, I think. A worthy goal. How long do you think it will take and is it hand applique?

Brave, courageous girl!

Take care, LInda

Cathi said...

Wow -- that is an incredible quilt. What a marvelous accomplishment that will be when finished!

Anonymous said...

I wish you luck on the quilt. It is scary for me since I started back my quilting after 4 yrs hiatus and first time using the sewing machine.

Anonymous said...

The above comment is mine but accidentally pressed the send before properly completing it.

Meredith said...

Hi I am making the quilt also. Can you tell me what background fabric you chose for the quilt. I have one I am going to test this weekend but I am looking for suggestions. Looking forward to seeing how all our quilts progress

Browndirtcottage said...

wow...I'm extremely impressed...you must be one 'tough' quilting cookie....this is a phenomenal quilt design....you go girl!!