Sewing: Underground Railroad Quilt

The first square on this quilt was the first quilt square I had ever done. I thought I hated quilting and while I still find it extremely frustrating, I am glad I gave quilting another chance. Now sometimes have to put projects away for months at a time to come to terms with the piece because it is refusing to become what I envision for it, but if I give myself and my project time and a little freedom, I am happy with the final outcome.

 

This quilt is my favorite to date (of the four I have completed :) partially because of the history of the pattern, partially because of the fabrics I used, but mostly because this one is most me (the other three were gifts and therefore more reflective of the receiver).

The pattern is Underground Railroad Sampler by Eleanor Burns and shares the meanings behind the designs that fugitive slaves would have used when fleeing to freedom. I want to do more research on each square (great history lesson for the kiddos) and might share on a future post.

I chose the primary fabrics, Tattoo by Melissa Marie, because I loved the playful movement and, well, I know the artist so nothing more need be said. But as I worked with the stark black and white fabric on a quilt pattern that tells of the struggle of our young country to end slavery...the struggle of people with white skin and people with black skin learning to be a united country...it just seemed so perfect that I chose not to add any other colors.

This was the second machine quilting project I have completed and while although I can find many imperfections, I am excited to say I did it. I can not find a link for the fabric, it may be discontinued, but Melissa Marie has several other lines and I encourage you to explore them.

It now hangs on my wall, all finished! I love the challenge of each square, the contrast and movement, and the conversations it encourages.