Friendship Quilts

 FRIENDSHIP QUILTS

As a recap, we have gone over several different units that go into making a block, to include flying geese, four and nine patch squares, half and quarter square triangles, etc. Those units are used to make blocks such as double four patch, bow tie, broken dishes, pinwheels, and churn dash. Also used as the base for stars, log cabins and other blocks. Other units that are used in popular blocks that we have not discussed are curves, fans and stars which will be covered in upcoming articles. We have units that go into blocks that go into quilts as shown in the above 1840’s signature quilt. Over the next few months, we will explore some of the oldest quilt patterns. Here is a list of 11 of the oldest quilt patterns:

1. Crazy Quilt – reviewed in February

2. Rose of Sharon - Whig Rose: an applique quilt that will be discussed later.

3. LeMoyne Star (8 pointed): will be addressed with star quilts.

4. Friendship Quilt: current article

5. Nine Patch (Four Patch): next month’s article.

6. Pinwheel: address in more detail when talking about disappearing blocks. 

7. Log Cabin: will be addressed in the future along with a Pineapple block.

8. Dresden Plate: will be explored in the future along with the Fan block.

9. Sun Bonnet Sue: a fun applique block

10. Hexagon Flowers: (yo-yo's) a new technique (Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt)

11. Cathedral Window: not as old but a curved technique

Friendship quilts, also known as memory, signature and album quilts, were usually made by a group of friends when someone was moving away to give that person something to remember the ones they left. Some were for a newly married couple to remember their family and friends. This tradition is still done today. I have been to many wedding receptions, bridal showers and baby showers where a piece of fabric and a sharpie/permanent marker is handed out for guests to write a message and/or sign, with the plan to make a quilt later.

Other reasons for friendship quilts were for young men when they turned 21 and were given a “freedom” quilt as a sign that he was ready to leave home and take the responsibility and privilege of an independent man.  Some quilts were made as fundraisers and a person paid to have their name on the quilt. Another type of signature quilts were made for political, medical, school teachers or religious leaders to be honored and as a thank you.  Here are a few pictures of vintage signature quilts (Pictures and some information from Laurette Carroll of Antique Quilt History):

Antique Quilt History - Antique Quilt History

  

Many times a quilt was not finished and the signed blocks or a quilt top was given. In the Utah Quilt Guild, each year we make signature blocks for the outgoing president as a thank you. The president picks a pattern and it is published in the Beeline and also in the Quilt Fest brochure. Usually finished blocks are placed in a basket on the reception desk during Quilt Fest. I have made several blocks and I’m sure others have done so also.

I am a follower, as is Josephine Keasler, of Meg of https://www.crabapplehillstudio.com/ She has a free pattern of a signature quilt. This quilt has stars surrounded with signatures.

 

When I started my quilt journey, I joined online groups. One group decided to make signature blocks to remember each other and all the blocks we had learned to make and exchanged. Ten of us decided to make purses in a themed fabric of the State we were from. I made mine in beehive fabric but didn’t make a purse for myself (I do have the fabric). Definitely a different type of signature/friendship block. Here is a pic of the purses I received.

 

Main Street Quilters did signature snowball bocks. These hold a special place in my heart as a couple of the members have passed away.  Here is a pic of the blocks and a pattern:

 

Another type of friendship quilt is when a group/guild decides to make the same quilt. They use the pattern as is, adapt as desired, and/or use colors and fabrics given a certain criteria. These quilts can be a challenge in the group for a prize or for fun. I consider these to be Memory Quilts since memories are made as the members share the progress, ideas, and fun. I have seen several of these challenges at Quilt Fest.

Another way is to decide who in the group will be making the same quilt or quilt blocks. A quilt can have the same block pattern and everyone makes a determined amount of blocks to trade with each other. Or, as a group, everyone decides on a quilt with different blocks and who will make each block. Then the member makes a determined amount of that block for others and themselves to trade. Crazy Quilters Guild are currently making churn dash blocks to trade. They also did a quilt that we made a particular block, initialed the block, and traded with others. I put a label on the back of my quilt with everyone’s name on it. (See pic below)

Another way as quilters that we make friendship quilts is in charity work. We may make blocks for quilts to be made to give away. Several guilds have made quilts and/or quilt tops for the Holiday Quilt Show and Auction to be hand quilted. Each member may make a block. A member of the group may hand sew them together or give them to the Holiday Quilt Show board to be hand pieced and/or hand quilted at Quilt Days. These quilts are sold at auction for a great medical cause every two years. Below is a pic of a quilt that was made by Quilt Addicts Guild. The quilts are not signed per se, but a history of the quilt is given with a list of those that participated in the construction. I am sure that many of you have made and assisted with the making of these and many other charity quilts.

 

I would be very interested in seeing your groups’ friendship quilts. Especially some of the past presidents’ quilts. Please send to me, Michelle, or post on the blog. As quilters, we bond together to give of ourselves in charity work and in giving to others. Recently I have learned of groups and quilters that give to others in need that I was unaware of. A big thank you to those that give of their time, skills, fabric, funds, and help in any amount, large or small. Quilters are the best and the world is better because of you!  Happy Quilting and Enjoy Each and Every Day!

Lorrie Ryther-Hall