The Underground Railroad

 This month we were lucky enough to have a talk by Janice Cook about the Underground Railroad.  This was an organisation which helped black slaves escaping from the southern states of America to freedom in Canada or elsewhere.  Janice told the story through quilt blocks, illustrating the various difficulties these escapees faced.   If any one is interested in finding out more about this subject, there is a fictional book called 'The Last Runaway' by Tracey Chevalier which is very thought-provoking, or a historical and quilty book by Barbara Brackman, 'Facts and Fabrications: unravelling the history of slavery and quilts'.  I can thoroughly recommend both books.

 

It was a hot evening, and June's raffle of seaside fabric (plus a teddy complete with sunglasses relaxing in a deck chair!) just hit the spot.

 

The border of the mystery quilt was revealed, and some people had brought their completed quilt centres for show and tell.

 

Gwyneth has made two quilts, one in blues and another in sophisticated turquoise, tan and burgundy.  My blocks wouldn't play nicely together, so I substituted a few.

 

Here are Hazel's blue and brown, Chris's blue and one in autumnal colours.  I'll look forward to seeing them all in September!  

 

I have been finishing off.  Here is a Bonnie Hunter leaders and enders project which will go to a family member who is now 18.

 

 

And here is another Bonnie Hunter design, 'Easy Street' which will go to the young man's twin sister.  I hope she likes bright colours!

 

Liz bought one of those 'samplings' packs, with a set of fabrics from the same range which are different sizes.  The biggest piece was enough for the inner border, and the rest of the fabrics made the four patches.  As ever, it's Liz's fabulous quilting which lifts it from lovely to stunning! 

 

Paula has been finishing Linus tops.  This one was made from some of the four-patches we made last year.  Really pretty.

 

The back is just as nice, and Paula finally remembered that she bought it for a very good price from Ally Pally.

 

And here is a Mile a Minute she has quilted and bound.  The red really sets it off.

So I'm hoping that people have been busy with their mystery quilts, and will bring them for show and tell in September. Have a good summer and see you in the autumn.