Duxford Quilt Show Spring March 2016

After the Amish lecture, Jane and I headed off for a bit of retail therapy and quilt gazing at the Quilt Show in Duxford. As always several groups were exhibiting.  'Nine-Patch Challenge' by the Aldwick Quilters, 'Connection' by Cwilt Cymru, 'Nautical Inspirations' (Journal Quilt Challenge', 'Saints of Cornish Churches' by Cornish Quilters and Stitchers, 'Drunk and Disorderly' by the Dolly Mixtures and many, many more. Lots to see.

I can't recall which group made the quilt on the left but it was amazing. The detail of the back end of a Jacquard loom was very good and reminded me of my textile 'roots' in Rochdale. 

I didn't take too many photos but was 'taken' by the three below. This red/white /black piece was very heavily free machined quilting. Simple but lovely. 

 These last pair were from the Cabot Quilters' Challenge (2016) 'Purple Mist'.  The colour purple had to dominate the quilt. This one on the left had fine organza overlaid on different areas and of course, the one below is a variation of the good old 'log cabin', wonky style. 

As for my purchases I was most restrained. I bought no fabric in 2015 (yes really!) and I don't need anymore this year. However, I did see a nice animal print panel which I will make into a lap quilt for my grandson. The print was lovely and it had a strong orange border which my grandson rather loves. 

I did succumb to buying a gadget though. From watching 'The Quilt show' from the USA I have noticed that long arm quilters have been doing a lot of 'ruler work'.  This trend has percolated through to what is called 'sit down quilters'. When free machine quilting, a ruler is used up against the darning foot. A good idea but one would need a special foot on your machine otherwise the needle would slip under the ruler and either break the needle or damage the ruler.   The slight snag is that Bernina do not seem to make this special foot although brands like Janome do. 

 So, I came across the stand for  'Parrs Reel Ruler'    Chatting to the lady she told me they did a special attachment for a Bernina so I couldn't resist. The kit includes a teflon mat for your sewing machine table, the special presser foot and a ruler with a slot in it. I will be trying this out fairly soon I'll report back when I've had a dabble.                                               

Amish Life & Quilts

Last Friday I enjoyed a most interesting lecture by Jan Jefferson who originates from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

On the right is a photo of Jan holding an example of a quilt made by an Amish woman to sell to tourists in modern times. It is an example of the 'Sunshine and Shadow' design.

The original settlers in Pennsylvania were very hardworking people seeking religious freedom in the New World.  The Amish dress very plainly with a limited range of colours. Jan told us that the women never cut their hair but always tied it back very tightly and covered it with a cap. The men are clean shaven until they marry. Then they grow a beard.  The quilts were always made for practical reasons out of scraps remaining from garment making. Fabric was such a precious commodity that everything will have been saved. Anyone who has handwoven fabric would understand this. 

This quilt on the left, is an example of the 'bars' style of design with four patch inserts. It was made in the late 19th century and has the typical print fabric in red and green colours used by Pennsylvania women. These pretty prints were very popular between 1880 and 1900. 

This one on the right caused quite a stir in the room!  The 3D blocks were amazing.

The pink quilt below with the flying geese is another example of 'bars' The colours were stunning and, on the whole, the same colour is used across the quilt on each row.  

The simplicity of this quilt particularly appealed to me. I hadn't been patchwork and quilting very long before I decided to concentrate on working with plain or solid fabrics. I think I must have been influenced by the Amish more than I thought.  The very early Amish quilts are stunningly simple in their design. diamonds in squares for example with an exceptionally limited colour pallette. 

Another quilt that made us all say 'wow'. It's an example of a design called 'Broken Star' made in the 1930's in Lancaster County, PA. The effect of the plain colours with silky cotton fabric is stunning.  It doesn't show up on the photograph but the 'plain' background has the most amazing hand quilting. 

Finally, my favourite of them all....this one below is a true scrap quilt. Made in the 1960s the maker used scraps with no plan or pattern. you really get the feeling that she was determined to use every last scrap in her possession come what may.