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Gift of Alice Larson, TTU-H2017-003-002. Courtesy of Museum of Texas Tech University.

Feed Sack Quilt from Dallas Estate Sale
By Marian Ann J. Montgomery, Ph.D.,

Curator of Clothing and Textiles, the Museum of Texas Tech University

The piece has a definite artistic and Art Deco feeling and makes one wonder about the maker. How interesting that the maker had access to so many beautiful prints from the “free” feed sack fabric and the funds to purchase the black print and the bright yellow background. Please be inspired by this beautiful piece to label your quilts so we can give credit to your beautiful work.

Sometimes a lovely donation comes into the Museum with little or no information as to its original maker or occasion for the piece, as the quilt was purchased at an estate sale or auction. One of these “orphan” quilts is now on exhibit as part of the feed sack exhibit, Cotton and Thrift: Feed Sacks and the Fabric of American Households, at the Museum of Texas Tech University through December 15, 2019.

The unusual yellow and black Grandmother’s Fan variation donated by Alice Larson was given to the museum in 2016. Alice found the quilt at an estate sale in Dallas, TX, but unfortunately sales agents had no information to share about the piece.

The quilt is in excellent condition and the use of black is remarkable for the late 1930s, early 1940s when the feed sack fabrics were available. I’ve not seen other examples of the use of black and chrome yellow with the feed sack fabrics at the time, but they certainly make for a very striking quilt.

The Art Deco inspired quilt makes one wonder about the maker's ability to access so many beautiful prints from the “free” feed sack fabric and the funds to purchase both the additional black print and bright yellow background fabric. Please be inspired by this beautiful piece to label your quilts so we can give credit to your beautiful work for future generations to enjoy.

In case you aren't able to view the exhibit in person, don't miss the unique opportunity to learn more fascinating tips and feed sack stories during the Monday 28th luncheon at the upcoming International Quilt Fesitval in Houston, TX, where Curator and author, Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery will be the speaking and selling the companion exhibit catalog.

Learn more about the Museum of Texas Tech University Textile Collections.

Click here for related articles from the Museum of Texas Tech University Textile Collections.

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As you all know, many hours are spent in planning, cutting and piecing a quilt top. The excitement of the start, the satisfaction of all those pieces matching up, and then a celebration when what you envisioned comes to fruition. But now you are faced with the most daunting of decisions...how to quilt it? I wonder how many of you are toppers? And by topper I mean you love making the quilt top but then lose steam when it comes to sandwiching and quilting the layers together. I admit what really stops me in my tracks is the layering part...boy, if I could hire someone to layer my quilts I would enjoy the quilting, LOL. It is, after all, another step in the art. With that said, I have a flexible rule for myself...if I have worked really hard on the top...as in hand stitched wool, hexies or hand appliqué, I am sending it out to a professional longarmer. I feel no shame in this decision. On the other hand, if I have pieced a quilt with traditional piecing methods I will give it a go. I like honing my skills and testing my creativity. How about you?

So how do I decide what to quilt? I keep a running board on Pinterest called Quilting, The Final Chapter which is filled with ideas. I have a nice pile of stencils if I need a starting point and I also collect photos of quilting when we are on the road. There are so many wonderful longarm quilters. It truly is an art all by itself!!

I ran out of time so I sent this quilt to one of my favorite longarm quilters. It would have been a perfect quilt for me to practice on because the fabrics are so dark and busy it is hard to see the quilting.

But...when you see the quilting on the back side you really understand the gift of a longarm quilter!

Here are some amazing examples of how quilting sparks a quilt. The samples are hanging in The Quilter's Market in Tucson, AZ. Hope you are inspired to finish up some of those tops!

Click on a photo in the slideshow to zoom in.

Stay tuned and travel along with us on Quilt Roadies.

Click here for Anna's blog.

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We loved the timeless message in the quilt Show Up. We think it seems like something we should think about every day.

Show Up by Sam Hunter  - Quilted by Nancy Stovall

Part of Modern Quilt Guild Showcase at Houston International Quilt Festival 2018

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Nancy Crow has been making quilts for over 40 years and has been a profound influence on quilters worldwide. Learn more about her early life, where she does her creating (a 2400 square foot studio anyone...), where she draws her inspiration, and how she goes about making her quilts.

Learn more in this article, Fabric of Life, by Rich Warren in Ohio Magazine.

(photo: www.nancycrow.com)

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Be prepared for the new school year with this Back-to-School Binder Cover from Art Gallery Fabrics and WeAllSew. It has an easy-to-access front zipper pocket with pencil slots, two insides pockets, a pocket in the back with a snap flap closure, and two cute handles to carry your binder in style. It comes together quickly and is fun to make.

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The textiles, the colors, and the inspiration of Mexico...Pam Holland loves Mexico and it shows in this wonderful view through her camera.

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We just love this unusual and very graphic block. Do you know what it is called? Play Jinny's game and find out.

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We just love this unusual and very graphic block. Do you know what it is called? Play Jinny's game and find out.

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We just love this luscious bundle from Laundry Basket Quilts. The rich colors and textured linen look give it a depth and beauty that we can't resist.

Scroll down to see patterns that pair perfectly with the fabric.

Variegated Thread Spool Quilt Pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts

We love this pattern for the obvious reason that it is sewing themed!

Illuminate Quilt Pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts

We like the way that this one is modern and traditional at the same time. 

Tree Farm Quilt Pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts

This wonderfully traditional quilt pattern is perfect for any season!

Star Party by Alex Anderson

This is another modern but traditional pattern, and we just love how the colors create so much energy!

Happy Quilting!

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Using wool and multi-colored fibers, Charlotte Hickman has taken needle felting to "new heights" with her quilt, Needle-Felted Sunflowers. This quilt was on display as part of the Alternative Techniques exhibit at the Houston International Quilt Festival 2018.

Charlotte incorporates her roving yarns (fuzzy-textured wool fibers) into many of her quilts, and she demonstrates how she creates tree trunks using the needle punch attachment on her BERNINA in Show 1805: Telling Stories and Quilting.