Make A Masterpiece
Quilt making in America has evolved alongside societal and economic changes, reflecting shifts in culture and resources. In the early colonial period, quilts were handmade from worn-out clothing and fabric scraps due to limited resources. During the Industrial Revolution, mass-produced fabrics became more widely available, and quilting became a popular hobby. Patterns and designs reflected regional identities and personal stories. It became common practice for quiltmakers to create quilts to mark important life events. During the Great Depression, quilt making served as a way to repurpose materials in times of economic hardship, while also providing a sense of community and continuity. In the post-World War II era, quilt making shifted and became a means of self-expression, with quilters experimenting with modern techniques and styles. Today, quilting continues to adapt to societal changes, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes and technology.
Flowers of the Field
Bed Quilt - 50 in. x 60 in.
My inspiration: The love of hand-made things. This quilt was made with love, and reflects the beauty of nature. I cut squares and hand-embroidered each before putting the quilt together. The idea came from a quilt shop. I am using it on our bed.
Fran Mansfield
Memories are Best Treasures
Bed Quilt - 76 in. x 92 in.
I collected "license plates" while traveling. I have been to all fifty states, and have lived in six. The collection started in 2016, on my first trip to Alaska. These were fun travels and great souvenirs. The quilt was hand-pieced while traveling in an RV in 2016. Finally, on January 16, 2023, I started hand-quilting it.
Lynn C. Baxter
Great Granny Squared
Bed Quilt - 66 in. by 80 in.
This Great Granny Squared quilt is a Lori Holt variation. I was inspired by a friend to work on this pattern. I wanted to use the color combination of teal and coral. I used a couple of jelly rolls that I already had. I designed my own border from left over fabric. I did not have enough fabric to complete the borders suggested by the original pattern. This quilt was shown at the RGV Quilt Guild Show in South Padre Island last year. It surprisingly won a blue ribbon.
Sylvia Pahl
Buffalo
Wall Hanging - 69 in. x 55 in.
Advice From a Buffalo: * Stand your ground. * Have a tough hide. * Keep moving on. * Cherish wide open spaces. * Have a strong spirit. * Roam wild and free. * Let the chips fall where they may! Author unknown. The buffalo represents unity and strength.
Jo Beth Dausch
A Lantern Symbolizes Hope...
Bed Quilt - 68 in. x 87 in.
I grew up in the suburbs of New York city, and as a RN, I encountered many cultural diversifications while caring for patients. The Asian culture simply fascinates me, with their many symbols and practices. This is why I became inspired to make an Asian lantern Quilt from a quote I was given by an Asian patient of mine: "A lantern symbolizes hope; never let yours dim". Lanterns can mean many things in Asian cultures. It can mean grief, good fortune, letting go of the past, celebration of life and hope. All the fabrics I pieced were made in Japan and China. I used a lantern quilt pattern. The color red symbolizes joy, prosperity, good fortune, vitality, and hope. Hence, on the top and bottom of each lantern, red is represented with designs I embordered called "Sashiko", which is a Japanese decorative stitch that creates geometric designs. On each corner of the quilt, I embroidered fans which represent happiness. The inner quilts of lanterns are quilted with a fan design also. And lastly, I bordered the lanterns in quilted flowered red silk and red tassels in each corner which stand for good luck, prosperity, and good wishes. Please do not let the light of your lantern dim!
Charlotte Vescova
Sunbonnet Salvage
Bed Quilt - 55 in. x 70 in.
I found these Sunbonnet Sue squares at a rummage sale and thought that such beautifully worked appliqués deserved to be in a quilt. My idea was to frame each figure with a vintage fabric. It was challenging to hand quilt through the multiple layers of the appliqués, but that technique seemed in keeping with the original squares. While working on the quilt, I wondered who made them and why two Sues face the other way.
Eileen Hansen
Nigeria
Bed Quilt - 76 in. x 74 in.
This quilt was inspired by our priest from Nigeria at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mission, Texas. The huts were designed for me by my friend, Cathryn Raftery and the black birds were embroidered by my daughter, Rosette Posey. It was machine-quilted by Charlotte Vescova. This is my second quilt of this design. The first I gave to our priest because it was a reminder of his life growing up in Nigeria. It now hangs in his mother's home there. I call the quilt design "Nigeria."
Melania Davis
Pinwheel Sawtooth Scrappy Quilt
Bed Quilt - 92 in. x 112 in.
I was in a quilt challenge with a group of ladies who exchanged 1 1/2" to 3" strips. I cut approximately 2,000 1 1/2" half square triangles to make this quilt. It is a vintage pattern and I added additional fabric scraps to complete the quilt including some from my grandma and great-grandma's scrap bag.
Audry Stewart