Friday, February 21, 2014

Framing Lincoln

Since it was Presidents Day on Monday, I decided to finish up a little quilt that I started last year.

Mr. Lincoln:

This may seem quite simple, but when only a few fabrics are used, I find it quite challenging to pick just the right ones.  Notice it is log cabin style piecing :)

On the back I used a toile' with a river scene.  In the foreground is a flat boat, much like the one that Abe traveled down to deliver goods to New Orleans.


You can see with the spool of thread in this photo that it is quite small.


I was inspired by this little quilt that my friend, Susan McD made with the first four Presidents.  Isn't it great?


This week I started reading "The Invention of Wings", Sue Monk Kidd.   You can click here for the page on Amazon.  It is a story of a slave girl and her abolitionist "owner".   There are references to patchwork quilting, and also primitive applique' - my favorite!


Happy Friday everyone and enjoy the weekend - Closing Ceremonies on Sunday!

25 comments:

Janet O. said...

What a great fabric for the outer border. Looks like bunting on a Presidential grandstand, or something.
Perfect quilt for President's Day.
Your friend's little quilt is wonderful. I always wonder where people get these great patriotic fabrics. They never surface in my neck of the woods!

Angie said...

Oh my - so many delightful elements here! What a fabulous image of Mr. Lincoln - was this a commercial fabric or a photo transfer? Great fabric choices for the borders, especially the outer border! Then, the toile on the reverse - right up my alley! I will have to set an eBay search for that, as it just appeals to my New Orleans heart. And as thanks for your book recommendation, a book that might interest you: http://www.ulpress.org/catalog.php?item=64

Kindred Quilts said...

Well you certainly met the challenge Barb! The fabrics you chose to frame Mr. Lincoln's portrait are perfect... and beautiful!

Ginger Scott said...

I agree, a quilt with just a few fabrics is a challenge; a challenge you handled very well; kudos.
I have been looking for a new "good" book to read, so, thanks for the recommendation; which reminds me of another good "slave" story: The Healing, by Jonathan Odell. Also, Ahab's Wife, by Sena Jeter Naslund, is an excellent read with lots of quilt metaphors.

Dawn said...

Happy Friday night to you! Will Lincoln go on your wall?

suzanne, dutchess county NY said...

I like your presidential quilt? Perfect fabrics.

libbyquilter said...

you have done a very good job of picking just the right fabrics~! both front and back~!!
the book sounds interesting. i haven't been doing enough reading lately so maybe this one will put me back on track with that . . .

have a great weekend.

:-)
libbyQ

Nifty Quilts said...

Beautiful little quilt! You chose just the right fabrics. Thanks for the book info too!

Rachaeldaisy said...

I just love your quilts so much. You use the right fabrics every time. That border print works so well and that boat toile is so perfect! Thanks for the book recommendation, I'll be looking that one up! Enjoy the closing ceremony.

Cynthia@wabisabiquilts said...

Beautiful framing of Mr Lincoln! Folky but also richly presidential.

Ruth said...

I love it! I just happen to be listening to Jennifer Chiaverini's new book, Mrs. Lincoln's Rival on Audible. I was able to download it free with a month trial and I am enjoying it very much. I recommend it to you if you haven't read it yet.

Me and My Stitches said...

Abe is my favorite - love your little quilt, and the backing you chose is just perfect!

Cathy said...

I love your little quilt. I have some of the same fabric with Abe's picture and had no clue what to do with it. The backing is perfect. Hugs

Karen said...

Great little quilt, perfect fabric choices.

Chantal said...

I love your little Abe quilt. The backing is simply wonderful.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I love stories which have a bit of quilting in them. I am loving the olympics - sounds like you are too.

Beth said...

The Lincoln mini quilt is a beauty...and finished. Great fabric selection and the back is so cool.

audrey said...

Your presidents quilts are fabulous! So fun and interesting. These fabrics are very dignified and formal--perfect choices!

Jan said...

Sweet, little Lincoln - isn't that the truth about fewer fabrics being more difficult to choose. You did a fine job, as always. Log cabin piecing is clever, too.
I'm on the library list for the new Sue Monk Kidd. It sounds so good. Tracy Chevalier's recent book, The Runaway, also had lots of quilt discussion. The main characters are Quaker, who were, apparently, avid quiltmakers.

OT Quilter said...

Abe would be pleased with such a frame. Your hand quilting on Bird in a Berry Tree is just perfect (as usual!)

Maureen said...

Where do you find these political/historical fabrics? I never come across any like this. Well done on the fabric choices to frame Lincoln.

Sue-Anne said...

Your little quilt is very cute, a great way to highlight the President. I might have to find that book, it sounds very interesting.

Diane said...

I think Mr. Lincoln would have been very pleased with this tiny quilt. I love the thoughtful details you included. Thanks for the book recommendation, I'm always looking for a good read! Have a great day.

Quilter Kathy said...

I can't wait to read this book... are you enjoying it?!?!

Pinkadot Quilts said...

I love your Abe quilt! I do think it is harder when you are only picking out a few fabrics.
I just finished the book and thought it was good. I didn't know until after I finished it,that it is based on true facts. I won't tell you about what though!

Thimbleanna said...

Happy Belated President's Day Barb. Your quilt is perfect -- and such a fun little size!