Alex Anderson takes her show on the road to visit the California Sesquicentennial, a celebration that features — among a variety of activities — the creation of a state quilt. Guest quilter Zena Thorpe tells how the California quilt was designed, discusses where quilters obtained fabric for the quilt, and explains how the project got started. Then, Anderson speaks with the first lady of the state, the designers of the quilt, and the quilters themselves.
Many states across the country have created commemorative quilts to celebrate their history. What better way to present our heritage to future generations! Zena Thorpe, California state quilt co-designer shows some techniques for quilting difficult details.
The California state quilt measures an immense 100 sq. ft. and is entirely hand stitched by over 200 volunteer quilters ranging in ages from 10 to 87!
Quilting Tips:
- To quilt unusually shaped items such as the covered wagons on the state quilt, Zena creates patterns and cuts the pattern shapes out to serve as fabric templates. Remember that when you are choosing fabrics for your project, sometimes the underside of a fabric is a better choice to use.
- Another way to utilize a pattern is to cut out a shape and trace the empty space left, such as the circle for the wagon wheel. When sewing small detailed circles, Zena suggests using the bias of the fabric and sewing from the inside border out.
- To create the many different sized grapes that represent California's famous wine country, Zena traces a variety of circles on the fabric such as the base of a thread spool or even the base of a thimble. Next, sew a running stitch 1/8" from the edge of the circle, and pull the thread tight so the circle closes in. Tease the fabric to shape the grape body, and appliqué the grape to the fabric along the underside of the grape edge.
Guests Zena Thorpe
Quilter and applique artist
Website:
www.geocities.com/zenasquilts
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