Hey y'all! Crystal, here. Have you ever had the problem of something or someone not being old enough? Odd question, I know, but I actually had that happen. In fact, it can happen quite a lot when researching for a historical romance novel. When I was writing the story I pitched at conference last week, I found that the quilt design I wanted (one of my favorites actually) wasn't old enough for my story. I love the look of a wedding ring quilt, but my research showed that pattern didn't emerge until the early 1900s. With my story set in 1870s Texas, I'm sure you can see my dilemma. :)
So, I had to go hunting something older, and I was surprised to discover how many different meanings, and even names, of some of the designs. I settled on a quilt design called Jacob's Ladder. It's also been called Underground Railroad, Road to California, Off to San Francisco, Gone to Chicago, Stepping Stones, and Trail of the Covered Wagon. All the names speak of going somewhere, which worked in quite well with my story line. However, I did pick different colors than this picture portrays. ;)
Do you have a favorite quilt design? If so, which is your favorite? Have you ever researched the history of it?
I don't have a favorite. Love them all. I don't quilt but I am certainly in awe of those who do.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! It's hard to pick a favorite. There are so many good ones. Another good one is the log cabin quilt. I've just tried my hand at quilting this year. Needless to say, the quilt ain't done yet. :)
DeleteThanks so much for dropping by!
Great post! My mom is a quilter and has created so many beautiful pieces it's tough to pick a favorite, but the very first quilt she made for me was the fan pattern. So I guess I'll pick that one. She used scraps of fabric from items of clothing she had made for me while I was growing up. I never thought to research the history of the design. What a good idea!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! That sounds like a very special quilt. I have one that was my great-grandmother's that I enjoy, but it's not near as fancy as the fan pattern. :) Would love to hear more on the history of that one should you want to share. :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by. :)
That's lovely, and though I've always loved quilts--don't do them myself, but have a close friend who has--never really thought, or had the opportunity, to check out dates and meanings
ReplyDeleteI never really considered dates and meanings until I started writing. It's amazing what you discover when researching.
DeleteThanks for coming by today, Carol!
I don't have the problem of things being old enough, Crystal, including me at times! I thought the wedding ring pattern was old too, and I love those names you researched. My grandmother quilted for everyone in her family. I went to a quilting bee with her when I was five, and remember it still. Each quilt tells a story and the flower garden design is one of my favorites. Your book sounds exciting! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, to have gone to a quilting bee with your grandma! What a wonderful memory. Would love to hear more about that. :)
DeleteI thought the wedding ring pattern would've been old enough as well, so when I found out it wasn't, I started scrambling for a new patter. The flower garden design sound pretty and I'm not even sure I know what it looks like. Guess that's another I'll have to look up. :)
Thanks for dropping by, Diane. :)
I like the Baby Doll quilts...and the log cabin...and the wedding ring...goodness. I think I like them all!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to decide isn't it, Pat? =D I even found I liked the crazy quilt design where they simply took a bunch of scraps and sewed them together. :)
DeleteThanks for coming by today. :)