This is the second quilt we have produced. None of us is an expert quilter, so each time it has been a learning experience. Last time we learnt American piecing with great success, and this time it was proposed that we try traditional applique'. We arranged a workshop with Pippa Moss at Quilter's Haven and were inspired. We left with ideas, a list of books, and the basics of some new techniques.
We decided that we would attempt a quilt in the style of the Baltimore Album Quilts. At the time we knew nothing of the recent Baltimore revival, we were just attracted by the bold colours and symbolic patterns of the 19th. century quilts, and by the fact that an album quilt can be a collection of blocks produced by a number of individuals. This was important, as the project would bring together a large number of us with a wide range of expertise and time available.
We invested in our first book Baltimore Beauties and Beyond volume] by Elly Sienkiewic:. This was expensive, but essential as a workbook for all the basic techniques. From it we selected some ideas and decided on a colour scheme. We did not draw up a master plan, preferring to let the quilt evolve! A group project from the start, eight of us went shopping for fabric. We, eventually, agreed on the seven fabrics we were to use, made a rough(but actually accurate!) estimate of quantity and spent our £50 EHA grant plus a good deal more.
We hired a hall for our first session so that 15 or so of us could help each other to get started. In the event we decided on 20 main blocks, some traditional designs and some to represent us and where we live. We made the decision to construct the border in blocks so that everyone had a chance to take away a section to work on. We even decided to piece the dogtooth border so that those who did not progress with applique' had something to contribute.
The quilt was entirely hand pieced, hand quilted, and mainly produced in the traditional manner of 100 years ago, although we did make good use of freezer paper for the applique'! Once the blocks were complete it was assembled and backed as one piece, and then quilted on a large frame. In total 22 people worked on it, alone, in groups, at various venues, and in each others homes. Our ages crossed 5 decades and our expertise ranged from complete novice to competent needlewoman. We have learned much, and made many mistakes.
The challenge was to work as a group to produce a bedcover, which would raise money for our chosen cause, St. Helena's Hospice, in the new millennium. Despite it's little imperfections, we feel that we have produced a rather desirable heirloom, and hope it gives much pleasure to it's future owner.
Brightlingsea Branch Essex Handicraft Association
Our thanks to:
Karin Helaby a( Quilters Haven, Wickham Market, Suffolk
The Cheap Shop, Tiptree, Essex