Selvages from the 1800's

You all know of Barbara Brackman, quilt historian and prolific author from Kansas. She has a very interesting post on her blog about selvages, bolt stamps and bolt labels. The bolt stamp on the selvage above is from about 1800. Under the crown it says "British Manufactory."

The image above, printed on muslin, was found on the back of this Double Irish Chain quilt top. Barbara says this is probably a bolt stamp, like a selvage marking. It says: "Finished Soft for the Sewing Machine."

Above is an example of the paper bolt labels that were used in the 1800's. They became more elaborate as printing capabilities improved. Then, in the 1900's printing on the selvage became popular again. Read more on this topic at Barbara's blog: www.barbarabrackman.blogspot.com.

She even shows a selvage block by May Britt.

Edda's Selvage Totes

Edda of Kalamazoo, MI made these stunning tote bags, her first two selvage projects. She says they are great conversation starters. Her friends are saving selvages for Edda now.

In the top photo, you can see one red selvage among all the light strips. Isn't that great? Then the basketweave-style bag has lots of color. Nice job, Edda!

Miriam's Prize-Winning Selvage Quilt

Miriam in West Texas made this awesome selvage log cabin quilt, and as you can see she's been winning prizes (and cash). Now that's a good deal, considering the selvages are "free." These selvages are from her stash, and from her quilting buddies too. The quilt measures 70" x 70."
And she's almost finished with her second selvage quilt; I can't wait to see it. Yayy, Miriam!

Cottage Bliss in the Rocky Mountains

I visited a wonderful quilt shop recently and I wanted to share it with you, so I took lots of photos. This shop is located right near the Rocky Mountain National Park in the town of Estes Park, Colorado.

When you enter the shop you are offered a cup of hot tea, served in an elegant china teacup. As you look around, you might wonder if you've suddenly entered heaven. (I checked to see my car still outside, just to make sure.) Look at these silver bracelets, $10-$17. They are stretchy so you can easily put them on.

Such an elegant combination of fabrics, china, gifts, books, etc. A real feast for the eyes.

There were lots of quilts on the walls, but I was asked not to photograph them since they sell the patterns. Okay, that makes sense.

Aren't these beautiful fabrics? If we were shopping here together, I'd point to the bolt below (orange/pink floral) and say "Isn't this a pretty one?" How do you like this virtual shopping? :)

If you're near Estes Park sometime, you'll enjoy Cottage Bliss!

Daryl Perry's Selvage Creations

Daryl Perry, a talented quilter in New Mexico made her first two selvage projects. Arent' they stunning? I love that button and the striped binding and lining for the eyeglass case above. I'd like to find a pair of those pink polka dot glasses too!

There's a zippered change pocket at the top of this wallet. See the little zipper pull up there? Lots of attention to detail! Great job, Daryl! See her blog at: www.patchouli-moon-studio.blogspot.com.

Quilt Along - Asterisk Quilt (Part 3) - Finishing

Have you been following the "Asterisk" Quilt-Along? This is the third (and final) Monday installment. If you want to see everyone's blocks on flickr, click here. (Be sure to click on "More" to see them all.)


To make the "piano key" border, cut a pile of strips 1" x 4+" long. I cut them about 4 1/2" long as I'm making the quilt, and keep them in a pile for the border. Sew them in a long row. Press.

Trim to 4" wide (below). Piece these lengths together as needed for the border (see bottom photo).

The three blocks above represent the quilt top.

1. When all your blocks are sewn together, make an inner border using 1" strips. I chose red because it is neither dark nor light, and I like it.
2. Now attach your piano key strips to fit along the right and left sides of the quilt. Then attach piano key lengths to the top and bottom of your quilt top.
3. Finally, add another 1" border.

The quilt shown in the first photo was machine quilted with parallel horizontal wavy lines. That is my "specialty." I just try to keep it simple so I don't ruin my quilt tops! I'm sure you'll blow me away with awesome quilting on your quilts. I can't wait to see them and put the photos in an up-coming Exhibit at http://www.onlinequiltmuseum.com/.

Please email your photos to karen@onlinequiltmuseum.com by Sept 1. Thanks! (Include your name the way you want it listed, where you're from, and the name of your quilt.)

So, did you think this quilt was easy? Was it fun? Is it on your "To Make" list?

Quilts for Nashville

My dear friend Pam lives near Nashville. Their house suffered serious damage in the recent flood. But she's not complaining, she's collecting quilts to give to families who had even more seroius damage and lost all their personal household belongings.

Pam is a quilter with a big heart, and if you donate a quilt, she will find just the right family who will treasure it. You can reach her directly at: pam@realwomenquilt.com.

Lena's Orange Zinger

Lena in Tennessee made this bright little orange zinger. She has it spread on a table where she displays her collectibles. You can see it on her blog: http://www.helenismostoshare.blogspot.com/. I like that nice soft border too. Very nice!

Victoria's Awesome Selvage Quilt!

Take a look at this wonderful selvage quilt by Victoria of Bumblebeans in New York City!
I love how she put all this together, the stripes, dots, selvages and light touches of navy that make this quilt dance! Bravo Victoria!

Visit her site: http://www.bumblebeansinc.com/.

Selvage Coaster Tutorial from Canada

Sarah Vee of "Sew Joy, Reap Quilts" from Northern Ontario, Canada, has posted her first selvage tutorial, "Selvage Coasters." (This post is dated June 8.) She has a nice collection of liberated style quilts on her blog too. Take a look: www.sewjoy.blogspot.com. Nice job, Sarah!

Selvage Sofa in New Jersey!

Yes, this is Jill Bunis' yellow Selvage Room in New Jersey! That's what I call it anyway. She recently made these two big selvage cushions to add to the day bed that already had her selvage quilt on it. You can see more of this room on her blog: http://www.cre8fmomquilts.blogspot.com/ including the window cornices done, of course, in selvages. The b/w fabric is Mark Lipinski's Califon line. Nice job, Jill!

I like the way Jill features bits of her prints, especially the fortune cookies and the rows of geometric patterns. See the button print below (at the bottom of the photo).

Selvage Quilt from the UK

Shirley Sherratt from Taunton, Somerset, UK just finished this beautiful selvage quilt that she calls "Gleanings." It measures 65" x 65." She used only what she had in her stash, as well as gleanings from the selvage stash of her friend Val.

This reminds me a little bit of Linda Robertus' quilt with the narrow red sashing, but they both have different styles too. Shirley posted about it on her blog: http://www.stitcherydo.blogspot.com/.
I love this one! Now I have to add it to the selvage quilt Exhibit at http://www.onlinequiltmuseum.com/ too (Page 9 of the exhibit photos).

Carla's New Selvage Pillow

Carla of Kansas City, MO made this delightful selvage pillow. She used phonebook pages for foundations! Aren't those pom-poms perfect? Nice job Carla! Take a look at her blog for in-progress photos: www.lollyquiltz.blogspot.com. (Click on posts for the month of May to see it.) I really like this!

Hello from Colorado

Last week I was in Colorado on vacation with my husband and one of our sons. The photo above was taken in the Twin Lakes area between Leadville and Aspen.

Look how this chapel seems to blend into the rock! It's called St. Malo.

We found this cheerful greeting along the road near Durango, CO. I love stuff like this!

Quilt Along - Asterisk Quilt (Post #2)

Welcome Quilters! Start your engines! You will love how easy the Asterisk block is!

Okay, here we go. Each block is made from one 6" square and one 1" strip (about 32" long).

Cut your square, corner to corner, as shown above. Insert a strip. Press your seams toward the strip (not as shown below, oh well).

Next, cut your square diagonally in the other direction, as shown below. Insert strip. Press.

You can see below that my strips aren't lined up perfectly. This won't matter since you'll cut through the center twice more anyway.

Also see Kathleen in CT's wonkified asterisks on flickr. I think they look great.

Now cut your square vertically and insert a strip. Press.

Isn't this looking great? And no triangles to measure!

You know what to do, right? Cut horizontally, insert, press. Now trim your block to it's original size, 6" square.

That last step assures that your blocks are all the same size. What do you think? Easy?

You can join the Quilt-Along by going to http://www.flickr.com/ and joining the Group called "Old Red Barn Quilt Company." There are over 1,200 members already! You can upload photos and chat.

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Also email your quilt photo(s) to me so I can add it to the upcoming Exhibit on http://www.onlinequiltmuseum.com/. Include your name, where you're from, and the quilt's name. Email: karen@onlinequiltmuseum.com

Safety-Pin Necklace

On a visit to the Denver (Colorado) Art Museum last week, I saw this necklace in the gift shop. It's made from safety-pins and little silver spacer beads. The safety pins are decorated with colorful beads. Isn't this clever? I think it would be more fun to make this than it would be to wear it, but I wanted you to see it. Have a creative day!

Hello from New York City

My Internet connection was on the fritz today so I couldn't post until tonight.
Today I went to NYC for my guild meeting. It was such a nice warm day, everyone was outside! This is Time Square (42nd Street and Broadway). Lots of people were sitting at tables in nearby Bryant Park having snacks and enjoying the day. I checked out fabrics in the Garment District around 38th Street. That was fun.