Americana Baltimore

Each block was personalized with favorite ribbons, techniques and memories to create this quilt.

WENDY GRANDE ---I started this quilt in a class offered by Elly Sienkiewicz to make the Clipper Ship as a large center block. Warren, my husband, was very excited and provided the inspiration for the flags and helped me understand the mechanics, from a Sailors perspective, of what was being added to the ship. I did not add all the rigging and sails (like the ship model we have at home) as I thought it started to get to “complicated”, let alone all the extra work! I used 5 blocks from Elly’s Books and added 5 of my own. I love the separation the sashing provides, but I want it to remain subtle and in the background. I also wanted a border that had bold lines but not a heavy design. I decided to simplify flourished borders on china to create the border design. Blue and gold 7mm silk ribbon was stitched on the foundation fabric using a split stitch. Once the Center block was finished (17” square finished) I was excited to surround it with Baltimore Album Style Blocks that were made on a smaller scale (8” finished). I knew I wanted an Eagle at the top (4thof July is HUGE at our house) with wreaths. Then baskets and vases of flowers. My sister, Lezlie, is a floral designer and she and I have taken years of Ikebana. I have a Masters in Ikebana and Lezlie is a 3rddegree Master of Ikebana. When we are together no flowers, greens or arrangements go unnoticed!! The 4 blocks at the bottom are “heavier” and are all designs from Elly Sienkiewicz. I chose them because they “grounded” me with the trees, lovely birds and intricate work. If you would like to learn more about Wendy Grande, go to Quiltipedia.