The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s farm wives and the 111 blocks they inspired by Laurie Aaron Hird was in the pile of books and binders I pulled off my shelves for inspiration for my next creation.
I love to quilt, and also love the history of women who quilt. I went to a quilt exhibition once and saw the Rajah quilt. it was made by women convicts in 1841 who were transported from England to Australia in a ship called Rajah. The voyage took nearly 4 months, so I expect they were glad of something to do. Sadly, none of the women's names or history is known. The quilt is on display in Australia.
I love your quilt. Up until about 20 years ago, I was a very keen quilter and I made this one, but a smaller version. I loved patchworking, and completing the tops, but really didn't enjoy quilting them together, which is probably why I gave up. I have multiple finished tops in the cupboard.
I was told hiring someone to long-arm quilt was expensive, but I had a double-size done for $150 (more than 10 years ago now). I had designed an arched window looking out into the universe, and stitching in the ditch just wouldn't work. She didn't do the binding. But it might be different where you are.
I now feel really good about the Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt. I did it on my sewing machine and ended up with pinches and puckers, but it is meant to be used and worn out. At $800 plus the cost of the fabric, I wouldn’t want anyone to touch it which defeats the purpose. Next I’m going to experiment with quilt as you go. My sister used to do hand quilting which I think is easier than using the sewing machine, but takes forever. I also like tying, but my husband doesn’t.
Barbara at Projectkin recommended Lynda Heines's presentation on fabric arts. I loved the cloth book and timeline quilt she made. https://projectkin.substack.com/p/cloth-stories-lynda-heine
OMG! What a project!! The picture is beautiful but no way I would tackle that project. Would love to see your finished quilt! What a labor of love!
I love to quilt, and also love the history of women who quilt. I went to a quilt exhibition once and saw the Rajah quilt. it was made by women convicts in 1841 who were transported from England to Australia in a ship called Rajah. The voyage took nearly 4 months, so I expect they were glad of something to do. Sadly, none of the women's names or history is known. The quilt is on display in Australia.
I love your quilt. Up until about 20 years ago, I was a very keen quilter and I made this one, but a smaller version. I loved patchworking, and completing the tops, but really didn't enjoy quilting them together, which is probably why I gave up. I have multiple finished tops in the cupboard.
I was told hiring someone to long-arm quilt was expensive, but I had a double-size done for $150 (more than 10 years ago now). I had designed an arched window looking out into the universe, and stitching in the ditch just wouldn't work. She didn't do the binding. But it might be different where you are.
I had a quote for a Queen Size quilt done on a long arm machine for $800. Eek!
I now feel really good about the Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt. I did it on my sewing machine and ended up with pinches and puckers, but it is meant to be used and worn out. At $800 plus the cost of the fabric, I wouldn’t want anyone to touch it which defeats the purpose. Next I’m going to experiment with quilt as you go. My sister used to do hand quilting which I think is easier than using the sewing machine, but takes forever. I also like tying, but my husband doesn’t.