"Blocks and Strips" by Mary Lee Bendolph (photo Tinwood Media) |
"Housetop" by Lillie Mae Pettway (photo by Tinwood Media) |
The pile of items my friend sent looked random at first glance, but that's what you want if you're emulating the Gee's Bend style.
Many of the Gee's Bend Quilts are variations on the "Log Cabin" quilt pattern. I find this pattern lends itself to creating a spontaneous effect, as long as you don't measure anything, that is. Starting with a squarish shape, strips can be added on the outside edges, working in succession around it until you have the size you're after. True things as you go, or not. It's better if there is some unevenness to it.
I decided to keep the shirt pockets intact, because I think boys find them fun and it is more of a reminder that this was Grandpa's shirt. I also added a few of my own scraps of chambray to help make everything hang together more. But what you definitely don't want is to get matchy-matchy with it.
I also keep the button plackets intact for the backs for the perfect way to get the insert in & out for washing.
I tried not to be as anal as I usually am and just go with it. It actually goes very quickly when you're not trying to be precise. At the end, I trued it all up to the dimension of the pillow.
I hope they like them!
1 comment:
I love this project and have to pass it on to some friends who are looking for ways to memorialize loved ones.
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