Today’s Topic: Quilting a Vintage Quilt-Diamonds On Diamonds
Good Morning, Quilters!
As you may recall, I took the plunge this year and purchased a BERNINA Q24 Longarm.
I spent much of this year learning to quilt on a frame.
My Quilt Top Collection
First, I did an inventory: I had 25 full size quilt tops!
Most of the quilt tops were not my own creation. I inherited several from my mother; a few were made by my daughters, and the rest were vintage quilts, gifted to me or bought on Ebay.
Quilting Vintage Quilts
I decided to use the vintage quilts as practice quilts. This allowed me to relax a little as I learned long arm techniques. However, vintage quilts come with their own challenges: hand stitched seams, old thread, old fibers and stains.
Furthermore, some of the quilts were more expertly pieced than others. (One quilt was ultimately unquiltable because it was so distorted!)
Connection with the Past
While there are disadvantages to using vintage quilts, I love the connection with the past!
As I quilted, I thought about the unknown quilter who made the top. I said a little prayer for her and another asking that my quilting would honor her efforts. I wondered about her life. Fabric was clearly more dear. Many of the quilts contain stains that appear to have been on the fabric before the quilt was made. Obviously, a stain was not reason enough to throw the fabric away! What a different time!
All of these quilts were created before rotary cutters were available. The pieces were cut using a template made cardboard (usually a food box) and scissors. Can you imagine how long it took to cut the individual pieces that way? Can you imagine quilting without a rotary cutter or a mat?
Many were hand pieced. Even very complex designs were hand-pieced. Again, I am in awe of the effort and it draws me back into their world: Did they have good lighting? Where did they learn to quilt? How did they choose their designs without the internet?
And of course, they were also cooking and baking from scratch!
Quilt Notebook/Journal
For each quilt, I take copious notes. This has already helped me learn about techniques.
For example, I include information on thread, batting and fabric, as well as the time it took me to quilt.
I write down what worked….and what didn’t!
In addition, I like to include design ideas and techniques used and things to try in the future.
What About YOU?
Do YOU admire vintage quilts?
Have YOU ever quilted a vintage quilt?
Do YOU keep a quilting journal?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Learning to Long Arm,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thanks!
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