Geelong
Friendship Quilt: 2006 (Started: 1987)
Hand pieced with friendship exchange blocks made by the Swan Bay Quilters. I added an extra block stitched by me with signed (embroidered) inserts from the Fort Queenscliff Quilters. I thought my block was an easy one by comparison with some of the other requested designs, but I was advised differently! I recall machining several of the feathered star blocks – a big test of my machinist skills. Now that was difficult! Most of the patterns I chose for those who specified "own choice" ie my choice blocks were from Ruby McKim's book. Fanny's Fan, my choice came from Jinny Beyer's book "The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders."
Hand pieced with friendship exchange blocks made by the Swan Bay Quilters. I added an extra block stitched by me with signed (embroidered) inserts from the Fort Queenscliff Quilters. I thought my block was an easy one by comparison with some of the other requested designs, but I was advised differently! I recall machining several of the feathered star blocks – a big test of my machinist skills. Now that was difficult! Most of the patterns I chose for those who specified "own choice" ie my choice blocks were from Ruby McKim's book. Fanny's Fan, my choice came from Jinny Beyer's book "The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders."
What I particularly like about doing block exchanges is that although you get to sew a variety of blocks, some you might never have chosen otherwise, you still end up with a one-block quilt rather than a sampler. I was a bit "over" making samplers, although it's a right of passage for beginners.
We each specified design and colour way, provided
background fabrics (mine was seeded homespun which I’m still a bit nutty about!) and
provided any colour specifics. We then left the ladies to select fabrics from their own stash. All cottons of course! I asked for everyone to sign their blocks and luckily for me, Elaine dated her block too, so that's how I know it's from 1988.
Hand quilted using a wool batt which needled
superbly but has since started to pill through the cotton top. Very disappointing considering the effort
gone into this entirely handmade quilt!
I have to say that
I am not entirely sure when we started this project in 1988 but it took me
until 2003 to get the top basted ready for quilting and then 2006 to get the
top quilted. Finally.
Just for the Record:
Quilt Finished Size: 172 x 174cm
Block Size: 12 - 15”
Cut in: 1987
Pieced: Machine 1988
Basted: 2003
Quilted: Hand 2006
Quilt Type: Group Friendship
Quilt Finished: 2006
Exhibited: No
Collection: Home# 010
Pattern Name: Provided by Members. My choice was Fanny's Fan
Pattern Source: Group Members; Ruby McKim; Jinny Beyer
Fabrics Purchased: 1987
Fabric Design: Subtle pastel prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Wool
Backing: Cotton
Lessons Learned:
I enjoyed the experience of working in a group swap. Some of the blocks were challenging to make, but it’s all a learning experience really. I’m more than happy with the outcome of my quilt but over the years I’ve seen others that were less successful. Much rests on the experience and skill of group members. I’ve known people who, less than satisfied with the quality of group blocks or round robin quilt tops, will unpick and re-do them.
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| These creases are not nice! Comes from storage in vacuum seal bags during renovations... |
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| Pam's block |
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| Hand Quilting detail |
Quilt Finished Size: 172 x 174cm
Block Size: 12 - 15”
Cut in: 1987
Pieced: Machine 1988
Basted: 2003
Quilted: Hand 2006
Quilt Type: Group Friendship
Quilt Finished: 2006
Exhibited: No
Collection: Home# 010
Pattern Name: Provided by Members. My choice was Fanny's Fan
Pattern Source: Group Members; Ruby McKim; Jinny Beyer
Fabrics Purchased: 1987
Fabric Design: Subtle pastel prints
Fabric Style: Cotton
Materials Type: Cotton
Wadding Type: Wool
Backing: Cotton
Lessons Learned:
I enjoyed the experience of working in a group swap. Some of the blocks were challenging to make, but it’s all a learning experience really. I’m more than happy with the outcome of my quilt but over the years I’ve seen others that were less successful. Much rests on the experience and skill of group members. I’ve known people who, less than satisfied with the quality of group blocks or round robin quilt tops, will unpick and re-do them.
I want to also make a comment about the wool batting. It was great to needle given all the hand quilting on this quilt, however it has left a finish reminiscent of a vintage, well-worn quilt - quite possibly because it shrunk in its only wash. I am very disappointed (given all the hand work that went into this quilt!) and to this day have never again used a wool batting. My preference, used particularly for machine quilting to give a nice flat finish, is good quality (thin) cotton Warm Company (USA) product. Quilters Dream (cotton) is better for hand quilting or boro work (i.e. using a thicker thread like Perlé).
Note: I've just discovered my templates for our exchange blocks. They were:
Sue: House (of our choice. I did the Queenscliff Neighbourhood House)
Marion: North Carolina Lily
Keri: Sun Bonnet Sue
Val: Basket of Tulips
Pam: Star (of our choice. I did a Mexican Star)
Elaine: Weathervane
Dawn: Radiant Star
Jan: Applique (of our choice. I did an Ohio Rose)
