Thursday, July 11, 2019

Summer Hand Quilting Project

In January I started the hand piecing quilt along over at Elm Street Quilts. Nine block patterns were taught and I finished my sampler at the end of April (you can see it here). 
Because the quilt top was completely made by hand, I decided it should also be hand quilted. It is the perfectly sized summer take along hand stitching project, so this week I got the quilt top pin basted and started quilting.


Kristin and Patty (project creators) named 5 of the complex patterns after the names of the characters in a book called Friendship Album 1933 written by Frances O'Roark Dowell.  The names are Eula, Bess, Dorothy, Florence, and Emmeline. While I have been quilting this project, I have been listening to the free podcasts of the author reading her historical novel about a quilting bee in the 1930s. The quilters are contemplating making quilts for the Chicago World's Fair and although there are a lot of characters to keep track of, I'm really enjoying the story so far.


Because it's a small project, I am not using a hoop for the quilting, which is a little bit different for me. 
I'm calling my quilt "Friendship Album" (named after the novel) and as you can see I'm just starting to quilt the "Eula" block, who is one of the main characters in the story.

12 comments:

Gretchen Weaver said...

I love the fabrics you used. I agree, hand pieced should be hand quilted. Happy Stitching!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I agree hand pieced is always good hand quilted! I quilt like that with small pieces too - easier sometimes without a hoop

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

The colors you used for your hand-pieced quilt are so pretty! I have also enjoyed listening to the podcasts while sewing mine. Great summer hand-stitching project!

Nana said...

Such sweet colors, and great job on hand piecing. Make sure you show us the finished product.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

You are such a great hand quilter, Kathy. Pretty colours under your hands too.

Deb A said...

No hoop! Hmmmm. Maybe I'll try and get mine basted and bring it with me next week on vacation. I've listened to the podcast twice.... while walking =).

Jenny said...

Such a pretty hand quilting project!

Robin said...

I love quilting smaller projects without a hoop. It is so freeing. You're going to have fun with this. It's such a sweet quilt.

Mary said...

A quilt that is Hand done totally is a great thing for the Summer take along project.

Miaismine said...

Great idea! I'll give that a shot with mine! Yours came out so pretty!

Deanna W said...

I have tried to quilt without a hoop but feel more comfortable with the quilt in a hoop. I printed out this pattern and hope to do it soon! Also going to check out this podcast...sounds interesting!!

Kate said...

Looks like a perfect summer stitching project.