Medallion and Scrappy

I write this on my last day of being 50 - yes, tomorrow is my 51st birthday – just squeaking in there so I can at least say I started the quilt at age 50. That is, if planning and selecting fabric is a start, because that’s all I’ve done so far! For the past few months I’ve been thinking about making a medallion quilt. It isn’t something I was drawn to before, but the urge to begin it has stayed with me so I think I should cave in. Feathered stars have attracted my attention, too, and when this jubilee project came up and then Tara of Sew Unique Creations shared her free pattern I figured it was meant to be. My medallion will be a feathered star. I plan to surround it with favorite blocks – Ohio Stars, Reels, Hexagons, Lemoyne Stars, Honeybee (some I’ve made before, some I haven’t) and maybe some borders. Many antique quilts and quilts I’ve seen in the blogosphere are my inspiration. 

This quilt (c. 1830-1850) in particular has inspired me. It is from The American Quilt by Roderick Kiracofe and Mary Elizabeth Johnson-

This quilt (c. 1930-1950) is a reproduction. I love the variety of blocks and fabrics in both the original and the repro.

I love scrappy quilts so this one will include lots of fabrics. These are a few I’m considering for my feathered star. I will use mostly 19^th century reproductions, but I wouldn’t be surprised if other fabrics sneak into this quilt.

A couple more beauties from this book-

I’ve enjoyed reading the posts of my fellow jubilee participants. I shared Johanna’s indecision and thought about doing baskets like Nadine. This will be a fun!