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1/3/13

'HardestBlocksEver' Pattern Quest

Whether you're a quilter or a collector, the quest for new patterns is unending.
Maggie Malone 1942
My copy of Maggie Malone's  120 Patterns for Traditional Patchwork Quilts is an 8th Edition published in 1983.  I found it in a thrift store in the late 1990's and paid $5 for this favorite quilt block reference/pattern quide.  Back in the 90's I was into Traditional Patterns and Vintage Fabrics...specifically the 1930's.  I collected many original 1930's Quilt Tops and Fabrics, as well as 1930 Reproduction Fabrics.
Maggie's book was my reference and inspiration for teaching myself some of the more intricate and difficult issues of piecing. 
Like the 'Y or SetIn' seam which is what 'Castle Wall' was ALL about.
When I assign myself a NEW Challenge, I go into the 'OverDoSue' Mode, and picking out
Maggie's Most Difficult Patterns was no exception.
A notebook was made with each of the 'Difficult' labeled blocks instructions and templates copied and sheet protected.
(I thought I'd make at least a Full Size quilt...that's 20 (12 inch) blocks)
It was about 1998...it was template cutting...it was template marking...it was Hand Piecing...it was really slow.
I really LOVED it and LEARNED alot!

I made FIVE Blocks....just 15 short of a Full Size Quilt. 
Here it is 15 YEARS and dozens of  'Y Seam' Quilts later!
I'm sure Maggie Malone is getting a good LOL out of my 20 HardestBlocks Ever Optimisim.
At any rate, with my 2013 Optimistic Outlook and joining
she can quilt
I will Piece A QuiltTop....Using the FIVE Finished Blocks!
Bet you thought I was going to say I'd finish the 15 Hardest Blocks Ever...by Hand...this year...HA!!!
I might have been born at night...but...it wasn't last night...and
 Maggie gave me permission to do whatever
with this statement at the end of her Introduction with these wise words:
 
Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to make your quilt.  Feel free to experiment with colors, patterns, and techniques.  If it doesn't turn out the way you thought it would, you still have a serviceable bedcover.  Or, you may wind up with a masterpiece quilt.
Linking To
Suzanne's Colorady Lady

at

4 comments:

  1. Lynn1/03/2013

    Wow, that block is beautiful! Best of luck with your challenge Sue-have fun:@)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pam1/03/2013

    Good luck making your new quilt from the 5 blocks. That will be a challenge but I thought you would say you were making all 20 blocks! I finished a quilt from my DIL's Christmas that was started in the late 1990's.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jeanne1/03/2013

    A great find Sue. My first quilt was completely made by hand. I am so proud of it. I need to count the blocks. It is pretty darn big. It was a sampler quilt and I too learned a lot. Good luck with your 2013 project.
    Wishing you a wonderful 2013.
    Love, Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  4. LV1/03/2013

    I am going to have stop visiting these quilting blogs. All the lovely quilts drives me crazy. I do enjoy them.

    ReplyDelete

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