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Monday, December 5, 2011

The Christmas Quilt Part Two:

You can find part one of this series here.

Our supplies are layed out. We have used two of the six sets of the cut strips already. Four more to go.

This is where we left off last time:


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A Little More History, as We Sew...
After 1846, and the invention of the sewing machine, quilts and other sewn household items were often made by frugal housewives, of “feedsacks” or “floursacks”.  Prior to 1846, foodstuffs such as flour, rice, grains, seeds, and animal feed had to be packed in boxes, tins, and other hard containers that wore out, and were difficult to pack and transport.  However, with the invention of the sewing machine, a strong lengthy seam which was adequate to create a durable feedsack, was possible. 



At the same time, New England mills began producing a good supply of American made fabric, making the American textile sack the new means of packaging for American grains, seeds, and feeds.  From the 1860s to the 1940s, the colorful fabrics were as heavily advertised as the products packaged in them.  The fabric was important, because the family would be wearing, and bedding down under, it, once the contents of the sack had been consumed.

I wish that modern warehouse stores would adopt the fabric floursack of the past. Perhaps if they did, my new sack of breadflour would not have tears in it?  At any rate, I would have fabric to sew with, instead of paper to throw away, when the flour is gone.


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But, I digress...
We seem to be making progress.  We are finding that it is important to pay close attention to the book's instructions on seam orientation.  Of course, careful cutting is a must.  

We are also learning that "Baby" is positively fascinated with the quilt making process, which is mildly bothersome...

...but, not too terribly much so.  Baby gets away with pretty much anything.

Stay tuned friends!  We just might make it!


You can find the book we are using here:


Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Pax Christi,
~Michelle
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5 comments:

  1. Have fun!! I'm not much of a quilter but with my scraps I have started a collection of 4.5" squares that I hope to turn into a quilt someday....

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  2. Thanks Jacki! We could sure use your skills over here!

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  3. I wasn't aware that you were learning to quilt. It's something I would like to learn as well, that is, after I finish with my sewing curriculum.

    Yes, the idea of having flour sacks sounds like a good idea to me. I'd have some practice fabric for my sewing technique projects. Besides, paper flour sacks are not very durable. They tear so easily.

    Anyway, good luck with your first quilting project. :)

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  4. When you're done with this quilt, I have a memory quilt project for you.

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  5. Michelle, This is not only instructive, but fun, thanks to your dear 'Baby' and the digression on flour sacks! My children all quilted when in their young teens, but I never learned. So sad! Now I think I'm too old ;-/

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Pax Christi!
~Michelle