D-3 Star In The East Month 4

Esther's Original Star In The East Block

History and Details of the Original Block
Row Three, Column Four, 
Sew Along Block 4
"Star in the East" is how Esther identified this design. Although the botanical "Crocosmia Star of the East" would have grown in Esther’s climate, it does not resemble her flower. ... Neva Hart

Reproduction Block 
Dawn's 9" Version

19th Century Reproduction Fabrics
Needle Turn Applique

I chose a solid red fabric, three green prints and a yellow print.

Block Strategies & Assembly

For applique Tips and Advice, visit our Applique Tutorials Page:  HERE.

Building the Flower

1.  In this block, I basted every other petal and one side of the leaves.

2.  I completed the applique on the first set of basted petals.

3.  I then basted the alternate petals in between the finished petals. I basted the second side of the leaves leaves in place.

For me, this helps keep the point where the applique pieces meet small and tidy.

In the last step of applique the point where all of the petals meet is covered by the yellow flower center.

Final Pieces Ready to Stitch

Using your preferred technique:

4.  Add the stems.
5.  Add the yellow center accents.


I hope you enjoy the "Star In The East" block as much as I did.
Remember to link up on the 15th of each month.
Non-Bloggers, feel free to email us photos.
Have you posted photos to Facebook yet?
https://www.facebook.com/shenvalleybotanicalquiltsewalong/


Just getting started?  
Great, join in at any time.
We love to hear from you!

Regards,
Dawn & Doreen

End of Month 3 - Progress Report

The 4th block of the Sew Along will be announced in just a couple of days!

First, we'd like to showcase more beautiful blocks completed in December by our very talented and wonderful blog followers. These quilters finished their Blue Flag (Iris) blocks this month.   Are you ready to start this one?  We'd love to see it once it's done.

Next, we have more completed Mountain Laurel blocks.  It's wonderful to see that so many quilter's were able to finish these blocks during the very busy holiday season!

And here is a beautiful Mountain Laurel block created by Nanette Bell.  Nanette chose not to enlarge the patterns.Her petite blocks will finish at 9" square.  They are Wool Applique' against a cotton background fabric.

Meet Nanette Bell - Virginia, U.S.A.
Nanette has been quilting more than 10 years.

A prolific quilter, Nanette enjoys making quilts for family and friends.  

In addition to gifting her work, Nanette uses quilts to decorate her home.  No matter the weather, you will find beautiful quilts perfectly displayed in her home to reflect each season.

 Nanette is actively involved in sewing Bee's and over the years has enjoyed Quilt Retreats and special outings with her dear quilting friends.

Here are more of Nanette's beautiful SVBAQ blocks. (click the picture below to enlarge the image) 

Nanette's background fabric for her blocks is a pretty off white cotton with pale green butterflies.  She is using mostly wool for her applique's, a few pieces of flannel and Aurifil thread for stitching.  

Nanette said " It's an honor and a pleasure to be working with Doreen, Dawn and so many other talented ladies on the Shenandoah Valley Botanical Gardens quilt. I learn something new each month of this Quilt Study." 

On behalf of the Virginia Quilt Museum, Dawn & I .... We wish you all safe and Happy New Years Eve celebrations.  And especially.... Health & Happiness to you in the coming New Year!

Happy Stitching!
Doreen & Dawn

A-4 Mountain Laurel Mid-month Show & Tell

We love all the beautiful blocks that quilters are sharing with us!  






So far it looks like PINK blooms are the popular choice this Month.

Although we do have a few RED blooms completed as well.

Nancy Austin Swanwick submitted this picture to us on facebook last week.

All of her blocks are just beautiful!






Are you still working on your Mountain Laurel block?  Or perhaps just beginning with the Pineapples or Blue Flag block?  We'd love to see those pictures too!  In fact, the last week of each month we'd be happy to add an extra post featuring even more newly completed blocks.

Send us your photo's or upload them on the facebook page.    
All blocks are welcome from any of the months we've already announced.

Be sure to visit our Blogging Friends that are also participating in the Sew Along!
Simply click on the picture of their blocks below and it will take you to their block page. Check back often as we will be adding more links over the next week or so.

Happy Stitching!
Doreen & Dawn



No need to create a new blog post if you've already posted your block. Simply add the url address of that post where indicated when you click the link above.

A-4 Mountain Laurel Month 3

Original Block in SVBAQ by Esther

History and Details of the Original Block
Row Four, Column  One, 
Sew Along Block 3

"This plant, a harbinger of Spring, grows wild in the Appalachian Mountains. The design "Laurel Leaves," especially with crossed stems, was a favorite of quilters in this part of the Valley during the mid-1800s." ...Neva Hart

The inked botanical name is found centered at the base of the crossed branches.

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Inking and Hand Quilting Stitches on Esther's Block

I think it's interesting to see that Esther chose to quilt on top of her applique' work in addition to the echo quilting she did around the botanicals.  Notice that she used white thread, this was fairly common in mid 19th century album style quilts.

Reproduction block - Doreen's 16" version

This is my 2 color version in fabric shades of Red & Taupe.  I used light & medium value taupe prints for the leaves and a darker linen/taupe solid for the stem work.  The buds were stitched in a small red print and the heart shaped blossoms from a "faded" red solid.

I am using a mix of hand applique' techniques in the quilt.  Allowing each block to dictate my methods of prep work and sewing.  Below is a mini outline of how I assembled this block.


Block Strategies and Assembly:

First I added the background leaves.  Next the buds and blossoms.  Then the crossing stem work and branches,  the left and then the right.  I treated the stem work as one piece, but you could add the smaller stems first and then the larger branch that connects them together.        (click on picture to enlarge it) 

To create the stem work, I traced the pattern onto freezer paper.  Cut it out and ironed it onto the RIGHT side of my fabric.  I used a white chalk pencil to trace around the edges of the paper, peeled off the freezer paper and then cut away the stemwork leaving an 1/8" seam allowance for needle turning under.




Are you just joining us?  We have traditional & modern applique' tutorials HERE.
Be sure to post pictures of your blocks on the facebook page HERE.
Please stop back on the 15th as we begin Show & Tell.... our favorite time of the month where we feature blocks made by quilting and blogging friends participating in this sew along.

HAPPY STITCHING!
Doreen & Dawn

B-2 Blue Flag Mid Month 2 Progress

Month Two - Blue Flag Mid Month 2 Progress

It is so fun to see the variety of fabric choices and techniques.  Stitchers have used every applique technique - and all kinds of fabrics.
From soft 1930's colors to rich batiks on dark ground colors - and what about modern prints on gray?  Can you find the wool applique?
All beautiful!
A few are doing pot holder and 'quilt as you go' techniques - they will have finished quilts as their list of completed blocks grow.

Esther's designs from 1858 interpret so well to the 21st Century.  Imagine what she would think if she saw our work.
There are a few ways you can share your work with us.

If you do not blog or use Facebook,
email us photos with permission to post them on this blog or Facebook for you.  We will help you share.

For those following and not stitching, you can join in at anytime!  We will share some of those blocks in the next post.  We have new stitchers joining each week, you will be in good company.

Tempted to start another set of blocks?  Several of us have - seeing all of this inspiration and support is so motivating.

Are you thinking about sashing?
Fussy cutting fabrics?
We are seeing fantastic interpretations.

To see even more pictures of the beautiful blocks and chat with other quilters participating in the Sew Along visit the SVBAQ Facebook page.


We are linking up with our blogging friends to share their progress.
Please be sure to visit them by clicking on the thumbnail pictures at the bottom of this post.

Stay tuned for more monthly photos of stitchers just starting and some catching up.  It is never too late to join us.


Check back often as we will be adding more links over the next week or so.

Happy Stitching!
Dawn & Doreen

B-2 Blue Flag Month Two

Original Blocks in SVBAQ by Esther

History and Details of the Original Block

Row Two, Column Two, Sew Along Block 2

"Labeled 'Blue Flags,' an old fashioned nickname for Iris.  

Esther created her Irises from glazed purple chintz, probably of English origin.

The brownish- purple buds were originally a vibrant mauve, a strong clue to dating cotton fabrics pre-1853."    Neva Hart

The inked flower name is near the stylized base of the left flower.

Esther's block - Showing the Echo Quilting

Another photo of the original quilt showing the echo pattern in Esther's hand quilting.  Same block - different lighting darkens the appearance of the fabric colors.

There is a light age spot on the tip of one leaf on the right - not a stitching feature.

Reproduction Block - Dawn's 9" Block

Dawn's Blue Flag Block

I am making my quilt in 9" blocks.  I chose 19th century reproduction fabrics.  My quilt will be all hand sewn.

I used a dark purple print instead of a glazed cotton.  The lower purple leaves are a brown purple to reproduce the look of an unstable purple dye.  I used three green prints - one in the leaves and base, two prints on the stems.

I chose to ink the names on each block before stitching.  I used a font the looked rather Spencerian and printed each flower/block name for tracing.  Tips on inking are HERE.

Spencerian writing was popular in the 19th century.   It is a graceful script I can't freehand.



Block Strategies & Assembly

Back Basting Stem Detail With Sewing Needle Tip

I use back basting for all of my appliqué.  I am particularly pleased with the accuracy I can get using it for the small stems in my 9" blocks.

I first baste the first layers - the pieces behind others:  leaves, petals and short stems and applique those down.  Next, I baste the second layer of appliqué - the pieces on top of the first layer - long stems, more petals and leaves.  After the second layer is appliquéd down I baste the third layer - stems, calyx etc.
In this example I used a bias cut stripe.
One side of the stem is finished, the second side is basted, ready for needle turn appliqué.

I also stitched mine just like Esther - one stem on top of the yellow center, and one under.

Back of Block With Calyx Pieces Up Next

In this photo you can see how close I am to the original drawn pattern lines.  With back basting I can needle turn as accurately as the traced pattern line - even on very, very narrow stems.

All person choice!  No one way is the right way.  If you are looking for options, be sure to visit the Applique Tutorials Tab HERE.

The last step to finish was basting the calyx pieces after the buds and stems.




I hope you enjoy the Blue Flag block as much as I did.
Did you finish a Pineapple block or two? Three?
Have you posted photos to Facebook yet?
Just getting started?  Great, join in at any time.
We would love to her from you!

HAPPY STITCHING,
Dawn & Doreen

Pineapples - Mid Month Progress

A Collage of Finished Pineapple Blocks

Mid Month Progress

Wonderful to see so many quilters busy at work on their Pineapple blocks!

We are linking up with our blogging friends to share their progress.



Please be sure to visit them by clicking on the thumbnail pictures at the bottom of this post. (check back often as we will be adding more links over the next week or so) To see even more pictures of the beautiful blocks and chat with other quilters participating in the Sew Along visit the SVBAQ facebook page.

Esther's Antique Block and Inked Lettering

The original blocks were inked with the names of the botanicals.

Will you ink your blocks or perhaps embroider them?

Are you using Pine Apple as Esther did?
Adding a flourish to your font?

 

In this example Susie chose machine embroidery to label her block.

If you've completed a block that you'd like to share and you don't have a blog email your picture to us.  We also encourage you to post it to the SVBAQ FaceBook Page.

We can hardly wait until November 1 - How about you?




No need to create a new blog post if you've already posted your Pineapple blocks. Simply add the url address of that post where indicated when you click the link above.

Pineapple Blocks A-1, E1, A3

Block from Esther's Quilt

Welcome!  We are so happy to have you here.  Drum roll Please....

The first block in the Sew Along is the Pineapple Block(s).  This block is repeated three times in the quilt - in three colors.

Block History and Details From the Original Quilt   by Quilt Historian Neva Hart
"Block A-1 (Pink) Pine Apple (sic)
The Pineapple motif has been popular since colonial days and is a symbol of hospitality.
The design was commonly used in quilts made in the Middle Atlantic region."

Block from Esther's Quilt

"C-1 (Red) The same green print fabric was used for all 3 pineapple blocks, which probably employed a template. Three different green prints were used on the quilt."

Block From Esther's Quilt

Locust Grove, Esther’s home place, was known for its "gracious hospitality." Three pineapples on the quilt would have been appropriate for a visitor’s bed at Locust Grove." ... Neva Hart

Month One - Pineapple Reproduction Blocks - Doreen's




I am making the blocks 16" using fabrics in shades of Red & Taupe. 

These vintage inspired fabrics are from various lines designed by French General for Moda.

Block Strategies & Assembly

Note:  You might want to ink your blocks (flower names) before you begin stitching
Barbara, at Baltimore Garden Quilts has a great inking tutorial HERE.

Because the block design is not perfectly symmetrical, I numbered each of the pineapple sections on my pattern to keep track of piece placement.
Each of your pattern pages contains an asterisk (*) which indicates the center of the block design. Either crease or mark lightly with a removable marker or chalk pencil, the center of your block's background fabric and center this over the asterisk mark for registration/alignment purposes.

• Applique' the top leaves onto your background first. 
• Next, add the 4 Pineapple fruits. 
• The final step is to add the pineapple base/stems. 

Note:  I created the Red Pineapple by following the pattern design which shows the intersecting base/stems as ONE piece.

Upon closer inspection of the original Pineapple blocks, I discovered that the intersecting stems were actually pieced in overlapping sections.
I added pencil lines to the intersecting part of my Paper pattern.

Esther's Pineapple Intersecting Stems

Pencil Line added to the pattern

 
Then I assembled my remaining 2 pineapple blocks using 3 base/stem sections.


Please stop back to visit us again on the 1st and 15th of each month.  You can also 'Follow' the blog and subscribe to posts on the left side of the blog sidebar.

 We will be linking up with other blogging/stitching friends for a wonderful Show & Tell session the 15th of each month.   Also take some time to visit the tabs on this blog for additional tips and details.

This will be a great opportunity to see the blocks other quilter's are making and perhaps even read a few tips and techniques they might share as well.

In addition, you can share your block progress with us on the SVBAQ Facebook Page:
Shenandoah Valley Botanical Quilt Sew Along

Happy Stitching!

Pattern Background

Shenandoah Valley Applique Society Reproduction in process last year

With only a few days to go before the start of the Quilt Along - we'd like to tell you a bit more about the pattern.  The Virginia Quilt Museum is fortunate to have many active volunteers and avid support from the quilting community.

A local quilt study group researched the quilt, documenting valuable information on the quilt's history.  We will be sharing that information each month.  The history was written by Quilt Historian Neva Hart.  Look for her history section each month as we announce the new block.

Museum curator and quilt historian Gloria Comstock enlisted the assistance of the Shenandoah Valley Applique Society to reproduce a copy of the antique quilt.  With the support of the museum, member Josephine traced each of the blocks and members stitched each block from her tracings.  The group generously reproduced the quilt and provided their pattern as a fund raiser for the Virginia Quilt Museum in June of 2015.  The pattern was sold in their gift shop and was recently made available on our Stitch Along blog.

Thank you Shenandoah Valley Applique Society and the Virginia Quilt Museum for sharing this quilt and the pattern with the world!

Are you ready to stitch?

You Are Invited....

Please Join Us...

Quilt Historians and Quilters:
Please join the Virginia Quilt Museum's Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album Quilt (SVBAQ) Sew-Along!
Esther left a rich legacy preserved by her family and documented by Neva Hart, Author on behalf of the Virginia Quilt Museum. The quilt was accurately patterned by Josephine Millett for the Virginia Quilt Museum.  This rich foundation enables all of us to make our own version of Esther's exemplary quilt.
Imagine the possibilities!

Date:
We begin our study and quilt making journey on October 1st.

Event:
Stitch and study along with us each month as we present blocks from Esther Blair Matthew's original quilt made in 1858. Enjoy fascinating historical narratives about each botanical block.
Follow along as Doreen Johnson and Dawn Ronningen share blocks on this blog.  We look forward to sharing helpful tips, techniques and insights along the way. Whether you are new to applique' or seasoned, all skill levels and styles of applique are welcome and encouraged!
You will be able to share your blocks and comments on the blog as well.

Next Steps:
We've opened the blog 5 weeks prior to the start date of our Sew Along to spread the word and give quilters the opportunity to purchase patterns and prepare them before we begin.
To recreate this quilt - purchase the 'Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album' quilt pattern.
Available in paper or digital download formats - you decide.
The pattern is available exclusively from the Virginia Quilt Museum.
Links are provided on the right side of the main page of the blog.

Background Fabric requirements can be found in the tab section above or by clicking HERE.

Quilters have 3 pattern size options for making the blocks.  Detailed information on enlarging the patterns is in the tab section on the main blog page or by clicking HERE.

Quilt shops in Virginia, showing their support of the Quilt Museum are spreading the news of the Sew Along to their customers and offering monthly fabric kits to quilters locally & online.  Click on the Shop Kits tab above or HERE for contact details. Listed shop websites are still updating their SVBAQ content between now & September 1st. If you don't see any information on their websites at this time - feel free to call them.

The Goal of this blog Sew Along is to introduce the world, and of course acknowledge Esther Blair Matthews and her legacy quilt. But it is also to raise awareness (thru pattern sales) funds for the Virginia Quilt Museum. Please be sure to visit the Museum's site on occasion by clicking on the Museum's button found on the right side bar, or by clicking HERE.

Thank you we look forward to your participation!
Sincerely,

Doreen Johnson aka Aunt Reen
Dawn Ronningen aka Collector With A Needle
Also Follow the project on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shenvalleybotanicalquiltsewalong