Victory Quilts

There is something special about Victory Quilts, those beautiful quilts that were made in the 1940's using a variety of beautiful quilt blocks (aka Sample blocks).  I remember them fondly at my Grandparent's home, when I was a little girl.  But, it wasn't until Eleanor Burns released "Victory Quilts, 1940's Sampler Quilts", published by Quilt In A Day, that I began to truly understand the history and delight of these special quilts. 

Eleanor's dedication to this delightful book, hits home on what Victory Quilts are all about.  I also believe it applies perfectly to Memorial Day.  Her dedication reads "For Father, Erwin J. Knoechel, and all men and woman who bravely serve our country".    For me, I embrace this dedication with great admiration and compassion.

I want to recognize Eleanor for this delightful book, as well as recognize those whom she dedicates this book to.  As such, I dedicate this post to those that have the men and woman who are currently serving, as well as those that have served. 

Eleanor has made many wonderful contributions to our world of quilting, but this book also formally captures the recognition for those that have served, and are currently serving, to protect us and fight for Freedom, through the eyes of a quilter. 

Thus, I want to use this time to share insights on this delightful book, as well as to recognize and show respect to those whom this book is dedicated too!

Eleanor shares insights in this book about the 1940's, when the United States was united with a common cause of winning World War II.  Rosie the Riveter was the symbol of working woman.  There were scrap drives, rationing, Victory Gardens, and the baby boom.  I am proudly a child that came from this baby boom, and there isn't a day that doesn't pass where I don't think about how blessed I am. 

Insights are also included on how to make many beautiful traditional blocks, how to set them on point or traditional block, add swags,  beautiful borders, and more.  For the beginner quilter, insights are also included for basic cutting, fussy cuts, assembly line techniques, seam allowance tests, pressing, and more.   But heartwarming insights are also provided on traditional blocks, sharing insights on how these blocks came to be, as well as historical insights on many quilt designs.

Victory Quilts - 3001 from Quilt in a Day on Vimeo.


Many designs are shared to make completed quilts, including the "Comfort Quilt". When Europe was devasted in World War II, familes often had to live in one room with no heat and blow out windows.  American and Candian quilters were urged to make quilts for these people.  The Comfort Quilt was one of the popular quilt designs that wer emade from scraps and ultimately shipped to families in Europe to provide warmth and comfort.

The Service Flag is an official banner that the family of service members in harm's way can display.  The banner has a white background and a red border, with a blue star for each family member in active duty.  If a family member dies during service, a smaller gold star is sewn on top o fthe blue star, with the blue edge showing.  These banners became popular during World War II, and were hung in windows of service member's homes.  Yet, even today, we see many volunteer groups that make these banners and present them to families who have family member serving.

This book brought soft tears to my eyes, as I took a few minutes to write this post.  It is a delightful book.  While it has many beautiful quilt blocks, designs and qulting insights, it also shows how quilters have helped to recognize those that have served to provide Freedom.  I don't want to come across that a gesture of a quilt is greater than one who actually serves, but I do want to say that I am proud of any qulter, historically or current, who has taken the time to make a Victory Quilt, or block.  It might be through making a block for Quilts of Valor, in making a Service Flag quilt, or in helping in so many other ways.  But, this Memorial weekend, my focus is truly on the men and woman who are currently serving to provide Freedom and protecting us from those that may challenge or terrorize this basic human right.  Yes, thank you for all those that serve in the Military. 

http://www.quiltinaday.com/
Quilt In A Day
1955 Diamond Street
San Marcos, CA
92078
 
119 North 4th Street
Paducah, KY
42001

Victory Quilts - 3002 from Quilt in a Day on Vimeo.

Guess the Designer Challenge Part 1 and Part 2

It is about time to have a Designer Challenge, so here goes. Well, maybe I should start with a bit of background, as some may not be aware of what this is.

How good are you at recognizing designer patterns, styles, fabrics, works by famous people, etc? If you have been a follower of my blog, in 2010, you should know I've been trying to build my skills in being able to recognize designers by their work (and ultimately the work of their students).

Are you interested in building your skills in this area too? Or, do you think you recognize who created this quilt? Or is this going to be a challenge that stumps you? {hint: They've been recognized recently for their contributions in the world of quilting}.

This is part one of this post. It is a challenge to see if you can guess the creator of this quilt. The first person to correctly guess the designer of this quilt will be recognized in part two of this post, as well as be recognized on http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/designer-challenge.html

I will also update this post to reflect who was the first to accurately guess the designer, and share a bit more insight on this designer, as well. If no one can accurately guess the designer in 24 hours, I will update this post to reflect same, along with sharing insights on the designer. So, I hope you'll check back.

note: If there is a discrepancy on designers, that may have similar styles, SewCalGal will be the ultimate judge to determine the winner. And, in most cases, the photo of the quilt shown in this post will also be posted on the designers site.

Part 2 will be added to this post once this designer has been correctly guessed.

Vicki Cal of Felines and Fibre Arts was the first to correctly guess the design of this challenge.  I hope you'll go visit Vicki's blog and congratulate her.  She has a delightful blog and obviously knows her designers! 

The designer of this challenge is Peggy J. Martin.  Peggy is a Quilt Teacher, Designer, and Creator of Quick-Strip Paper Piecing!  She has also recently been named Teacher of the Year by the International Association of Professional Quilters. 

Peggy has a specialty for Quick-Strip Paper Piecing technique to make spectacular quilts.  She has written many books,which have been published by CT Publishing. "Quick-Strip Paper Piecing: For Blocks, Borders & Quilts" and "Paper Piece the Quick-Strip Way: 12 Complete Projects Create Your Own Designs Paper Piece Faster!"  are available from Amazon.com  And she has a current DVD called "Peggy Martin Teaches You Quick-Strip Paper Piecing DVD", also available through CT Publishing.

Clearly, Peggy is a very talented designer whom has contributed dearly to our wonderful world of quilting.  Her site is:  http://martins.cts.com/

A Baker's Dozen

Have you ever wondered what to do with 2 1/2 strips, charm packs or Layer Cakes?  Well, "A Baker's Dozen, 13 quilts from jelly rolls, layer cakes, and more" is the book for you.  This delightful book was created by the staff at That Patchwork Place, and published by Martingale& Company.

This book contains something for everyone.  Yes, as they say, if you like sweets, or something more savory like rosemary-parmesan bread, this book is for you! 

There are 13 amazing projects, plus a bonus quilt.  Each design includes fabric requirements and excellent instructions and visuals to make beautiful quilts that range in size from 59" x 83" to 87 1/2" x 107 1/2".

Insights are also provided to help you select fabrics from your stash, if you choose, or buy pre-cut strips (aka Jelly Rolls, Charm Squares, or Layer Cakes).

There is also a delightful page that shares insights about the contributors to this book (team members from The Patchwork Place).  I've always known that this team is very talented, and it is delightful to see this book that this talented team has created. 

Thank you to Cassie Barden, Mary J. Burns, Leanne Clare, Claudia L'Heureaux Coie, Regina Girard, Mary V. Green, Virginia Lauth, Cathy Valentine Reitan,  Adrienne Smitke, Karen Costelio Soltys, and Chris Wright, along with the entire team at The Patchwork Place, for creating this delightful book. 

SewCalGal views this book as another "must have" for quilters of all levels.  It would also make a delightful gift!

Copies of this book are available for purchase from the online store at Martingale & Company.

http://www.martingale-pub.com/

Great way to make an Hawaiian Quilt

I've had several people express that they'd love to make an Hawaiian quilt, but feel they do not have the time or skill.  So, I wanted to share insight with you on a new way to make an Hawaiian quilt that is very fast and very easy! 

You can start with pre-cut  Hawaiian applique designs, which were cut using a laser for accurate cutting.  These Snappliqué  designs already have fusible on the back too!  You can apply these designs to your background fabric to create blocks to make a beautiful quilt and sew by machine, or by hand.  No need to learn how to cut out an Hawaiian applique design, or to learn the needle turn applique technique.  Isn't this great?  I love it!

You could quickly create blocks for a Hawaiian style quilt,  pillow, bag, shirt, or just about anything.    

Quilter's Paradise currently has two different Hawaiian applique designs that have been laser cut.  They come in a variety of colors and in two sizes (12" x 12" or 5.5" x 5.5"), both at very reasonable prices.

Quilter's Paradise also has an online store where anyone can order these designs, and they also take wholesale orders.  You may also want to let your local quilt store know!

I hope you'll give Hawaiian Quilting, the Snappliqué way, from Quilter's Paradise, a try soon!

Quilter's Paradise
http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/
1451 Montiel Road Suite 140
Escondido, CA 92026
760-738-9677
760-738-9877 (fax)

Bloggers Quilt Festival - Hawaiian Quilts

Today I'm sharing one of the Hawaiian quilts that I made, many years ago, and I'm sharing this as part of the Blogger's Quilt Festival.  Amy is coordinating this delightful show where anyone can sit back, relax, and admire many beautiful quilts that are shared by bloggers from all over the world. 

This Hawaiian quilt that I'm sharing in this virtual quilt festival was made many years ago.  But as I've been sharing insights this month, regarding Hawaiian quilting, I thought this would be a good quilt to share.  Unfortunately, I do not have a professional photograph of this quilt and the photos I can take do not do it justice.

It is a king size quilt, where the background is a periwinkle blue.  The tropical fabric has bright colors, but my skills in Adobe PS simply do not do this quilt justice.  But I hope you can still get some perspective on this quilt from the photos I'm able to share. 

Over the years, I have donated many of my Hawaiian quilts to various fundraisers.  As, I have changed the color scheme in my house (no longer tropical colors), I can no longer use this quilt on my bed, and am no looking at various ways to donate (or maybe sell) this particular quilt.  If you have any recommendations for what I should do with this quilt, please let me know.

Want to SWATH with EQ7?

You have probably heard that there are 79 new features in the soon to be released EQ7, along with many additional enhancements.  Obviously, there are more bells & whistles than I can share in this post, but click here for an excellent overview of this new software by Electric Quilt, or check my previous posts on EQ7.   Still, I want to share insights with you on one of the new features in EQ7 that I think you'll love! 

First, I want to talk about a term that I think is going to explode in the world of quilting:  "Swath".  Yes, I'm certain after EQ7 gets released the term Swath is going to be shared at Quilt Shows, workshops, sew-cials, etc..  Yes, we may saunter into a room, but we will all want to have a "swath" in our quilts.  And, EQ7 will certainly make it very easy for you to create beautiful quilts with a swath!

During the EQ7 Beta Test phase, I was one of those lucky testers.  And, I certainly found the new "Swath" tool easy and fun to use.  It offers endless possibilities.

This tool is so easy.  You basically click on the Swath tool and draw a line (to layout your swath design).

And, wa la, your swath design appears!  You can make a swath of just about any design (e.g. straight lines, swirls, circles, stripes, points, etc.).   And, obviously, you can have swaths overlap swaths.

Needless to say I had fun playing with the swath feature, while Beta Testing EQ7.  And, it is one of many features that I'm excited about in this new release that will be shipping around mid-June. 

I'm looking forward to "swathing" in EQ7 this summer.  I hope you'll join me!

Remember you have until May 31st to get your pre-publication pricing on EQ7 and EQ7 Upgrade.  For more info on this pricing click here for the information on the Electric Quilt site.

http://www.electricquilt.com/

Kaffee Fassett's Quilts in the Sun

Master colorist and quilter Kaffe Fassett, along with Roberta Horton, Mary Mashuta, Liza Prior Lucy, Pauline Smith, Brandon Mably, Rebekah Lynch and Betsy Menefee Rickles, wrote the book "Kaffee Fassett's quilts in the sun", a Rowan Book, published by The Taunton Press.  This delightful book inspires quilters to play with colorful fabrics, while using bold geometric designs, using an interesting approach to frame colour or prints with sashing or borders. 

This book has excellent photography, with all of these quilts set in beautiful settings in colorful Portugal. There are 20 original quilt designs, all of which showcase the Kaffe Fasset collection.  All of the quilt patterns are rated on a 1 to 3 stars in terms of difficulty.  Color schemes are suggested and there is a "Tips and Techniques" section that covers the basics and more.

All the quilt designs have well written instructions, with excellent visuals.

Are you ready to pack your passport and quilting supplies for a trip to Portugal?

Well, you almost feel like you are on such a trip with this wonderful book!

This book is packed full of brilliant quilts and designs that you can use to create your own colorful quilt.

SewCalGal recommends this book for any quilter interested in creating brilliantly colored quilts and/or learning more about color and design. 

http://www.tauntonpress.com/
Copies of this book are also available from the online store at Taunton Press.

SewCalGal's Hawaii Theme Giveaway

I want to give a special thank you to sponsors of my Hawaii Theme Giveaway:

Thank you to American Quilter's Society for donating a copy of the book "Hawaiian Applique", by Vicki Fleming.

Thank you to Patrick Lose for donating 3 copies of his Tropical Table Runner pattern.

Thank you to Robin, of Crafty Sisters, for donating three copies of her Hula Bear pattern.

Thank you to Bill of Discount Fabric Warehouse (and GotFabric.com) for donating two bundles of fat quarters in Hawaiian prints.

And thank you to Nalani Goard, a Master Hawaiian Quilter and Teacher, who is donating a Hawaiian" 12x12 pot holder kit and a 6x6 pin cushion kit. 

{actual items the winner receives may be a different color}.

Yes, a very big Mahalo to the American Quilter's Society, Patrick Lose, Robin of Craft Sisters, Discount Fabric Warehouse & GotFabric.com, and Nalani Goard!  This Hawaii theme giveaway certainly is more special with their sponsorship and support!

For more information on SewCalGal's Hawaiian Theme Giveaway, and to enter, click here, and you'll also see insights on all of the prizes.