This quilt has a history. I have lots of hand-dyed indigo fabric. I learned this technique at Slow Stitching Retreat in Washington, Maine in 2017, hosted by A Gathering of Stitches, and taught by Kim Eichler-Messmer. That fall I hosted guild members at my home, and we dyed fabric. It’s nice to remember those times with those pieces. There are also a few remnants I received from Ana Conceicao, a guild member who works at UFab.
In Summer 2024, I took a hand-quilting class with Heidi Parkes, hosted by the Central Virginia Modern Quilt Guild. I used the middle section of this quilt as my workshop piece. I learned to be more observant about how I use my thimble and my hands. I finished it the week before the election. On Election Day I woke up with the idea to frame it with my indigo-dyed fabric. This was the first time I had used a completed quilt in this way.
I also wanted to manifest a “blue day” for the election. That did not happen, and blue represents sadness but also a community of people who are on the blue side of the mountain with me.
On the blue side of the mountain where the sun don’t ever shine. So deep and dark like a hurtin’ down in my heart. Maybe someday they’ll show me some kind of sign.
Even if it’s not your pattern, please sign or label your quilts. There are lots of tutorials on the web. You can buy them too.
A few years ago I began using a light box, called Picture/perfect LED illuminated light box, to make my labels. First, I make the label in Procreate then print. I’ve done it enough that I don’t have to print out my address every time. I just reuse.
All those shadows underneath are glue residue from appliqué piecing workshop with Sheila Frampton Cooper.
Place Print on Light Box Then Lay Fabric on Top
The light box has three settings, but I always use the brightest.
Trace the Letters
I use a Sakura Pigma Micron 05 pen. It’s archival ink. You can also use a pencil if you’re also going to embroider the letters. I do both and the ink is just extra.
Trim
I leave about two inches around the words.
Embroidery—optional
Attach to Your Quilt
Turn the edges over and press about half inch.
Then stitch to the back on the quilt. For this quilt I used red thread to match the label and the quilt. My goal is to make sure it’s tacked down well. This label is 10” x 7.5”. It could have been smaller, but I can add information to it later if I want. Some folks don’t like the background showing through the label, so you could add interfacing or a layer of fabric.
Wanda's Life Sampler 