STAIRS

LITTLE QUILTS

The Patch Madams is a group of quilting friends.  Every year they select a theme and challenge themselves to create a small quilt inspired by that theme.  

Most years, including this one, you can view and enjoy these creations (and others) hung on the wall above the gorgeous wooden staircase at the southeast corner of the museum.

Not all of the tiny quilts entered in the show are from the Patch Madams, however.  There are small quilts scattered throughout the museum.  So many have interesting stories--be sure to read about them in your show catalog!  

Harry Potter fans--be sure to read catalog info on this one

This one has over 500 pieces in it!

This whole quilt measure 6.25" x 7.75".  That's why I'm using a tiny font.

LABELS

Once you make it to the top of the stairs, you've got more delights in store--great quilts!  At least two of the quilts upstairs have labels that will enrich your enjoyment of viewing them.  

The label on the back of the International Sunbonnet Sue (#21) tells you the countries each Sue represents.   The Washington Apple quilt (#58) has an exquisitely hand-embroidered label.   

Ask the Pioneer Quilter wearing white gloves to show you these labels.

HOW ABOUT YOU?  DO YOU REMEMBER TO LABEL?

We Pioneer Quilters are adamant about labeling quilts.  We even have a poster where we sign our names, not as we finish a quilt, but as we label it.  The more information you can put on a label, the better:

Maker (and quilter, if different)

Date

Location 

For--person and/or occasion

And there are so many other things you can include--the name of the quilt, the quiltmaker's relationship to recipient, inspiration for the quilt, care instructions, name of pattern, fabric content, special note of affection for the recipient, a favorite saying, etc.  If the source of fabrics is unusual (like from someone's clothing,  purchased on a trip, from a fabric exchange, or inherited from a relative), note that.  If it's a friendship/signature quilt, what is the relationship between the block makers and each other or the quilt owner?  If one person began the quilt and another completed it years later, the label should reflect that, with dates as accurate as you can come up with.  The more information on a label, the more you'll delight someone in the future.  Use special ink pens, like Micron Pigma, or machine or hand embroider--your creativity can shine here too.

There are so many different types of labels you can use--many are preprinted--you just write in your details.  Some are done using a block like those on the front of the quilt.  Others are just written on a piece of muslin.  Some people piece the label into the backing, before the layers are quilted.  Others attach it after the quilting is finished.  Some even construct a fabric envelope and have information on and in that.  One of my favorites includes a photo of the young quilt recipient with her grandma--the quiltmaker, a delightful piece of family history.

The internet can give you lots of inspiration on labels--how to make them, information to include, and photos.  Try Googling ("quilt labels" and "quilt label information"), and visit Pinterest to see the variety!