Jacob's Extension Ladder

Perhaps you know by now that I like to find quilts that interest me and recreate them on Electric Quilt. Check out this 1870-1890 Jacob's Ladder quilt on the International Quilt Study Center and Museum.

http://explorer.quiltstudy.org/#/quilt/1997.007.0037/

What intrigued me about the antique quilt was there were four Jacob's Ladder blocks in "the" block. First I recreated the quilt up to 100" square in pretty much the colors of the original. However, notice that I did not use half blocks in the top and bottom rows.

 I found this drawing pretty boring. It was hard to appreciate the block. 

 It had popped in the antique quilt, but not in the drawing. 

 When I look back at the original and this drawing, I don't find much different. 

 I think I thought the original quilt's blocks popped because I zoomed in on them.

 But meanwhile, I decided to spice up the colors.

Actually I still don't like it. 

 As it is now, I wouldn't be willing to make it.

What is wrong? 

 Leave a comment if you know what I should do differently. 

 We can all use help. 

 Carlene

I believe a skunk just cozied up to my basement window

There is an amazing "skunk" stench wafting through my basement window. Definitely time to go to bed. Sadly, my bedroom windows are directly above this basement window.

Here is one more quilt from the International Quilt Study Center website circa 1900-1920.
http://explorer.quiltstudy.org/#/quilt/1997.007.0291/

Isn't this a lovely two-color quilt? I hope you see beauty this week...and don't have a skunk near your basement window!

Carlene

Interesting border with Union Star

I found another interesting quilt on the International Quilt Study Center and Museum website dated from 1875-1895.

http://explorer.quiltstudy.org/#/quilt/1997.007.0053/

I think it is interesting because the "unknown" quilter chose not to predictably have a sashing border. Instead "he or she" chose to allow the blocks to float on the outer white border.

I enjoy a quilt that shows someone chose not to take the typical path, but instead to try something new.

Courage always catches my eye. I hope you or someone you see this week chooses to stretch artistically.

Carlene