"STITCHING MENDS MY SOUL"

Monday, July 15, 2013

LOYAL UNION SAMPLER

Are you as eager for the Loyal Union Sampler pattern to come out as I am?  It's scheduled to be released Sept. 1.

Loyal Union Sampler from Elm Creek Quilts: 121 Traditional Blocks * Quilt Along with the Women of the Civil War
 
This quilt is one that was created in the fictional book, The Union Quilters, by the same author, Jennifer Chiaverini.  I, along with many quilters, contributed blocks for several of the quilts photographed for this pattern book.
 
I was inspired by storm clouds last summer, to do this quilt in blue and gray.  Of course, there's the obvious Civil War blue and gray North and South.  When I noticed this sky,
 
 
my first thought was to grab the camera --  these colors need to be used for quilt!  At the same time discussions were online about this particular quilt.  Well, of course, this one, for me, is meant to be blue/gray/white.
 
This picture was taken over Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  Those mountains, where water meets sky, are Canada across the bay.  Another photo taken at the same time includes beach sand.
 
 
This one, makes me think a touch of brown shades might be ok too.

I often get my color combinations from nature.  You just can't beat it for putting colors and shades together.  God's artwork is always amazing!



I've been collecting and setting aside fabrics for this quilt, with special note to gather grays, as I know I have many blues in my stash.

I think this collection captures the natural inspiration.
 
Are you planning for this quilt too?  Connie B. of the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler group will be running a block-a-week challenge for The Loyal Union Sampler quilt.  Can't wait!

6 comments:

Elaine said...

I have read several of her books and am in the middle of that one right now. Didn't know there was a pattern coming out. Beautiful colors!

Wacky Woman said...

Oh how wonderful Pat. I look forward to hearing more about it.

Annelies said...

A beautiful book. I made a whole Loyal Union Sampler in purple colors and it is on page 100.

Mary said...

I can hardly wait for the Book to. I tested 5 Blocks for it. While making them I made one to keep. So I have 5 already made. My SBS took 9 months, I wonder how long this one will take?

Paula Hensley Murphy said...

Love the book, however my quilt would have to "The Confederate Sampler" you know us gals that live below the Mason Dixon line

Anne Ida said...

Oh, I see! The pictures look like great inspiration for your LUS quilt! Those clouds are phenomenal.

Love the selection of greys and blues your have picked! I look forward to following your progress with your blocks to a lovely blue/grey quilt.