Comforting Quilters

The Art of Quilt Making dates back centuries. I thought it would be fun to study the history of Georgia Quilt Making on the blog. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll try to post some information from the Georgia Encyclopedia for your enjoyment. You can navigate to this website by clicking the link below:


Let's start with the 18th Century....

Quilt making
Courtesy of Georgia Department of Economic Development
Busy Bee Quilting Club
is the process of sewing decorative bed covers from layers of fabric, either for personal use or for sale. Georgia quilts and their designs have changed over time, reflecting the influences of geography, historical events, technological innovations, economic circumstances, ethnic traditions, and personal aesthetics.

The Eighteenth Century

The earliest settlers in Georgia depended on transoceanic trade for their household goods. Bed covers were among the most common household textiles in the American colonies.

As quilts became popular in western Europe during the late eighteenth century, they also appeared in Georgia. Only wealthy families could afford the expensive fabrics used for quilts. Among the earliest styles were whole-cloth quilts, made from two large sheets of silk or cotton fabric with a layer of loose cotton between, typically sewn together with a decorative pattern of stitches.

Center Motif Design 18th Century

Early Georgia quilts were also made from printed cotton fabrics imported from India or Europe. Quilt makers cut out individual floral motifs from printed chintz fabrics and sewed them to a plain foundation in pleasing arrangements. Early chintz quilts in Georgia follow the European style, typically featuring a large central motif surrounded by multiple borders. Another European needlework technique that was popular in Savannah in the early nineteenth century was English-template piecing, or mosaic patchwork. In this technique, small geometric shapes—often hexagons—are cut from paper and covered with fabric; then the covered motifs are sewn together to form a design. Many fine early-nineteenth-century chintz and mosaic patchwork quilts survive from coastal Georgia.

English-Template Piecing

There are many places you can go to study and learn these techniques.  I recently completed a quilt top using the English-Template technique and was surprised at the ease in which the hexagons stitched together.

Enjoy your history lesson, and remember to Comfort someone with a quilt!

The owner's of The Green Frog in Byron, Dan & Barbara Schlafer, recently learned that Dan has both liver and lung cancer.  A quilt was given to Dan & Barbara a few weeks back.  Please keep this wonderful couple in prayers this evening as Dan's condition has worsened and comfort for Barbara is badly needed. 

With this very sudden news, the CQ gathering set for this evening will be held following a visit to the MCCG, in Macon to be with our dear friend Barbara as she struggles with her grief.

Well, it was 81 years ago today, that a wonderful woman entered the world.  My MOM! 

Happy Birthday Mother!  I hope your day is just as fabulous as you are.  So...

Stop by and wish her a Happy Day if you're in the neighborhood.  If you see her at the grocery store, wish her a Happy Birthday!  If you have her on your facebook friends list, type her a Hello and if you don't, post a comment on my page or my blog...I'll make sure she gets them!

Our own Karla Chidester has graciously donated back the Comforting Quilter's quilt to the group!  Yes, it is true, and now you will have a second chance to win this beautiful quilt.  Be sure to contact Comforting Quilter's to buy your tickets! 

The drawing will be held on October 23, 2010 at the Battle of Byron Chili Fest.  Tickets go on sale July 19, 2010!  Contact us now!

Tickets:

One Ticket        $  1.00
Six Tickets        $  5.00
Twelve Tickets  $10.00

Date:      July 23 -24, 2010
Time:      6:30 PM
Place:     Julie Love's House!
RSVP:    Comforting Quilter's
               Be prepared to let us know what dish you will be bringing  for potluck and if you will be going to Byron Nails

What to Bring:

• Quilt/Pillow/Sleeping pad
• Favorite Movie
• Potluck Dish
• Snacks for Movie night!

Our gal's have worked long and hard these past few months and now it's time to sit back and have some fun.  Please join us for an evening of pampering and girl-talk!  NO MEN ALLOWED!  This is a night to celebrate us!

The evening will begin with a manicure/pedicure at Byron Nails.  Then the gang will head over to the house for potluck dinner, movies & fun!  Breakfast will be served in the morning with fresh muffins, fresh fruit, juice & coffee.

Comforting Quilter's Sewing Class is approaching and we need your registration forms.  The class is limited to 20 students ages 6 - 12 years.

Please contact  
Comforting Quilters 
or  
Call  
478-978-0842 
and sign up today!





We will be sewing this darling bandana tote bag with a lining.  The class is free of charge.  Please bring with you:

1. 4 bandanas of any color of your choosing
2. Your Sewing Machine if you have one

No sewing machine?  No problem!  We'll have plenty of machines for you to use.


See You There!

Every wonder how to cut a quilt square?  Have you got the desire to learn the next step?  Watch this beginning quilt video and learn the basics!

Comforting Quilter's made the morning news this morning!  I've attached the newscast for you to see.  Our piece is about 2 minutes into the broadcast.


Happy 4th (or 5th) of July!

The Watermelon Days & Peanut Craze was a complete success!  Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to make our event fun-filled, happy and successful!

It is through our dedicated Comforting Quilter's members and those others  who generously gave of their time and donations we were able to raise over $500 to assist those in need of comfort when facing difficult situations.  Your donations will go a long way in purchasing the much needed supplies for creating a memory of comfort!

Our winner of the First Annual Comforting Quilter's Quilt went to Karla Chidester of Byron, GA.  She was not present to win as she and her family were on vacation, but we phoned her from the park and congratulated her!

WMGT 41 was on hand to film the event, and we look forward to watching our morning unfold on the news Monday evening.  Be sure to tune in and watch the fun!

Again, thank you so much for your donations and efforts.  We could not have given Comforting Quilter's such a great beginning without you.

We will be keeping you updated on our next raffle!