Sunday, January 20, 2008

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY


Last week I mentioned that I would have pictures of a Civil War Diary Quilt that my friend, Connie, made. So here it is! Connie and I began this project in a class at the same time last year. I made about 10 blocks and look what she has done! Her quilt is amazing! Her color selection is wonderful as is her construction. On top of that she made photo transfers of some of the prominent figures in the Civil War and placed them in blocks. I tried to get close-ups, but they turned out fuzzy. Connie took her first quilt class from my friend Sue a year and a half ago! She then took several of my classes, and so we have had the chance to get to know each other. She recently retired from the Navy and her husband bought her a long arm machine, so now she is really rolling! Connie is always cheerful and enthusiastic. I really enjoy her! She doesn't have a blog, so I am pleased to display her amazing quilt on mine!
You may know that these are 6 inch blocks, and each block tells a story. Yes, each block represents, or "stands for something". As you read the book the the author explains what she wants each block to represent.
Another book that I really enjoy is Facts and Fabrications, by Barbara Brackman. Brackman is the Queen of Block History and Definition! In this book she selects blocks and wraps a bit of Civil War history around each one. Most blocks have names, and many have more than one name. Rocky Road to Kansas and Catch Me if You Can are blocks that begin to tell a story just in their name. If you want your quilt to represent something, or tell a story, that is perfectly acceptable. Actually, I really like the idea. Barbara cautions us though, that it is a good idea to write the meaning of what we wish to portray on the quilt for the benefit of those who view it.
Addendum: I forgot to mention that Connie is originally from Gettysburg, so I am sure her interest in CW history comes quite naturally. Also, along the line of adding symbolism to our quilts, Connie added a red inner border around her blocks to represent all the blood spilt in the war. Very poignant!

17 comments:

canquilt said...

Thanks for showing the quilt. This is one quilt that is 'on my list' to do. I think the key is to just get started.

Sweet P said...

Her quilt is truly outstanding. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Lea said...

Marcie,Connie, Thank you for sharing this beautiful quilt picture!
I really love Connie's color choice for this quilt. :-)
I have this book and enjoyed reading. It's a great quilt story book.
Also, I just ordered this Barbara's book from Amazon! I like to read quilt history book and Now you mention it! I'm very anxious to read it. :-)

Darlene said...

That's beautiful - thank you so much for sharing. I bought the Civil War Diary book last year and love to just sit and read it. It's a someday project. :-) You must get back to yours.

Patti said...

An amazingly wonderful quilt - especially considering that she is a fairly new quilter. Obviously you are a good teacher! Please pass on our compliments - and tell her she should start writing a blog!

Gypsy Quilter said...

Now that is some quilt. Connie must be very proud. Great job!

Unknown said...

The Civil War quilt is a beauty! Congratulations to the maker. At our quilting group we are making some blocks of it to sew a top for a charity. It will be very colourful as each person chooses her own fabrics!
About the pink quilt: I saw the swastika straight away but then I live in Germany where it is forbiden to display it around.
It is a shame that such a old symbol has such a sad meaning and I don´t think I could sew the blocks either but I have seen lovely quilts with the pattern in old quilt books. Take care.

Libby said...

That's an amazing quilt. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

CONNIE W said...

It's a beautiful quilt. Would love to find time someday to attempt it.

*karendianne. said...

This is amazing to see and the story of how it all came together was a great read.

I'm happy to know she's enjoying quilting so much. What a great talent she has.

...maybe she'll even consider starting a blog!!! Tell her we're here, ready and waiting.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh my gosh it is wonderful! I"ve been toying with starting this one this year. Now that I've seen Connie's I think I want to do it even more! I just love it! And I love how she put some pictures in those blocks!

Susan said...

Wonderful quilt! I'm curious whether her pictures are Union only, or include the Confederate side, too.

Jeanne said...

Thanks for sharing Connie's quilt on your blog. It is so pretty.

Christine said...

Thank you for sharing Connie's quilt. It is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Marcie, thanks for posting my quilt. I love Civil War history especially since I'm orginally from the Gettysburg area. I wanted to learn how to paper piece and 121 blocks later, I think I have it!!! Yes, there are both Union and Confederate pictures on the quilt and pictures of the quilters in the last block (the ones I could find. Thank you everyone for the comments, Marcie is a great teacher!!! I'll see if I can figure out how to join this blog later today. Thanks again Marcie.

antique quilter said...

She did an amazing job on this quilt, what a teacher you must be!
yes , this quilt has gotten moved up on my list of quilts to make now!
thanks for sharing her quilt with us.
just beautiful
Kathie

Lucy said...

Wow!! Seeeing this I know I have to buy that book !!Thanks Marcie