And in the mail yesterday came my June Issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. LOVE when this arrives in my hands! But I always look through it too fast. I was tickled to see the one little article about "Big-Stitch Quilting". I strive for very tiny stitches in my hand-quilting, but my maternal grandmother thought this was a waste of time. I never knew her, she passed away before I was born. But Mom told me she remembers her mother whipping through a quilt in a day or two once it was in the frame. She used black heavy thread, and said that it made the colors stand out. 
I was only lucky enough to end up with two of her treasured quilts - a Nine Patch and a Dresdan Plate. The latter is quite worn. You can see her big black stitches.
How about this one for inspriation?? I could look at these solid stripe bars forever!
Hope you are finding some beautiful things to inspire you today.
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8 comments:
I admire your patience to tackle hand-quilting - and I really like the look of that heavy black thread that your grandmother used. I think she was right - it does make the colors stand out more for some reason. You have a cute calendar too!
my magazine arrived in the mail today, too! out of all the quilting magazines out there, i love american american patchwork and quilting the best...the projects seem more do-able! i love the look of the black thread on your grandmother's quilt...it's beautiful!
How great to have old quilts in the family! Your pictures do give the april feeling!
I love the picture, is it a Diane Phalen?? I have to admit a little secret...the last picture shows a wonderful quilt by Piece O Cake. I was lucky enough to take this as a class from them at Fall Quilt Market. They had different fabrics already pre-kitted up. I made the quilt and then quilted it on my Gammill. You can see it on my website in the gallery. I loved taking the class and the quilt was a breeze to whip up. I highly recommend it for instant gratification!
Oh Eileen I love your grandmother's quilt. It is so beautiful. Hey, her stitches look small and great to me. I quilt terribly. I wish I quilted like this. I love the big black look. What a lovely idea. Your grandmother was wise before her time! I'd love to see more of her work.
Eileen, my daughter and I have been parusing through all your stuff. What great things you have! I love the antique quilts on your website. I am making one like the 30s on your site. Mine is called parcheesi but I forget now (just moments later, duh!) what the one is called that you have. I love everything. You've got such a special blog. I keep thinking about the black quilting. I love it.
Eileen these beautiful images brightened up the dull and cold day here! Your Grandmother's work is stunning, what a treasure.
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I found you over at Freda's Hive and I'm so glad I did! Great blog, lot's of cool pictures. I love your grandma's quilts those big black stitches are cool!!!
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