Bible Quilt Blocks and their History Ebook
In loving memory, 1925-2003. I will always love you, Momma. Nancy's Fabrics 218 West Edgar Avenue Ronceverte, WV 24970 (304).645.0010 www.nancysfabrics.com info@nancysfabrics.com Nancy's Tutorials Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
Bible Quilt Blocks This series of Bible Quilt blocks is designed in remembrance of the women of our past who were sustained by the Bible and loved making these Biblical quilt blocks. The blocks I've chosen have a long history of being used by quilters. Bible Quilts and Their Role in History tells this touching history of women and why these quilt blocks meant so much to them. Quilt Pattern Historian, Charlotte Bull, has kindly agreed to share these quilt block patterns that were used in a quilt she designed in 1989 for a group of women. She named the quilt "Far Above Rubies" based on the Bible verse below. PROVERBS 31: 10-31 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." For she "seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." She also rises while "it is yet night" and "she perceiveth that her merchandise is good" and "her candle goeth not out by night." Indeed, "she layeth her hands to the spindle and her hands hold the distaff." Also, she "reacheth forth her hands to the needy." Neither is she afraid of the cold because her household is covered and she "maketh herself coverings." sometimes she "maketh fine linens and sellth it" but she is always wise and kind in her dealings. She is never idle. She fears the Lord. She teaches her daughters well. "Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." OUR PROJECT: AN OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE QUILT You will find detailed instructions for making a quilt using Old Testament blocks from the "Far Above Rubies" quilt. The blocks I've chosen have a long history of being used by quilters. The first five blocks in the series, Garden of Eden, Walls of Jericho, Jacobs Ladder, Job's Tears and Children of Israel, are easy enough for a beginner to make. This could be a great sampler quilt for someone learning to quilt as well as for anyone wanting to make up some of the easier blocks. These five beginning blocks you can make a nice lap or wall quilt like the quilt pictured above. With the addition of the more difficult Joseph's Coat you will have a quilt made up of some of the best known of all of the Bible blocks. The index for all of the blocks can be found at Old Testament Bible Quilt Block Patterns.
The patterns with complete instructions are for 12 inch blocks. For those who want to make smaller blocks go to Cutting Instructions for 8" Blocks. If you are a beginner or plan a larger quilt you will probably want to use the 12 inch blocks. Including Joseph's Coat there are five more advanced blocks. Of these the Wings of Eagles is the easiest if you just follow the directions carefully. Use your creativity to design ways you can use all the blocks. Go to Possible Layouts for some ideas. I've designed two Rose of Sharon applique block for those who want to use it on the filler blocks. Another way to enhance the plain blocks would be with a decorative quilting design. Start thinking about what kind of fabric you would like to use. You can use anything you wish. Some may want to use reproduction fabrics to honor the women of our past while others might want to use bright modern fabrics to reflect the joy in their faith. What fabrics will you choose? We are blessed with so many beautiful fabrics today. Charlotte Bull chose fabrics that had a ruby red theme, along with blue green and soft golds and a bit of black for her "Far Above Rubies" quilt. What will you name your quilt? Is there a theme that will give making your quilt special meaning? You don't have to name your quilt now. You might come to understand it's meaning as you work on it or perhaps it's name will come to you when it's completed.
Wings of Eagles
Dove at the Window
Solomon's Puzzle
David & Goliath
THE NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE BLOCK PATTERNS The New Testament blocks from the original "Far Above Rubies" quilt from Charlotte Bull have now been added. Most of these blocks are more difficult and experience in quilting is needed to make them. If you are a beginner I suggest you start with the New Testament blocks.
Star of Bethlehem
Storm at Sea
Palm Leaves
Gethsemene
Crown of Thorns
Cross and Crown Fish Road to Damascus Priscilla Bright Morning Star Š 2007- 2010 Judy Anne Breneman (For your personal use only. Please write to me for permission before you copy this for others.) Questions? Contact Judy Anne
BIBLE QUILTS AND THEIR ROLE IN HISTORY "The Bible was, of course, the principal literary presence in most American homes..." 1 Sandi Fox RELIGION IN AMERICAN HISTORY This series of Bible Quilt blocks is designed in remembrance of the women of our past who were sustained by the Bible and loved making these Biblical quilt blocks. The blocks I've chosen have a long history of being used by quilters. It's not surprising that so many quilt blocks are based on the Bible. Religion has always been an important part of American culture. Going to church and revival meetings were the main social events for many over the last two centuries, but that didn't mean that faith wasn't a vital part of these gatherings. Historian, Daniel Sutherland, in his book describing everyday life in the mid nineteenth century stated, "Few Americans doubted that God actively intervened in everyday affairs." 2 He wrote that visitors to America were struck by how many churches were to be seen. They also found many more varied religious sects than other countries had, perhaps the result of a nation founded on freedom of religion. WOMEN AND THEIR FAITH As it still does today, their Christian faith sustained many people through hardships. It was a rare person who never lost a family member from war or illness. Children were especially vulnerable in a time before modern medicine. A firm belief in an afterlife along with a faith that a greater power was guiding them helped women deal with their troubles. Christianity also gave them a sense of thankful joy for the beauty and love in their lives. The nineteenth century brought a fading of the fear of hell. God was more often seen as a firm yet loving father. Imagine a pioneer woman making her way across America. Danger was always near and tragedy struck all to often. In her diary Sarah Royce wrote about a frightening desert crossing and giving her young daughter one of the last sips
of available water. Shortly the travelers came upon smoldering brush from an earlier fire. Suddenly a bush right in front of her burst into flames. Although she knew it was a result of the dying fire it still seemed to be a miraculous sign. She wrote, "For a few moments I stood with bowed head worshiping the God of Horeb, and I was strengthen thereby." 3 Later that very day two young men who had been traveling with her party came running and shouting with joy. They had found grass and water. QUILTS MADE BY WOMEN'S GROUPS Christian women have been meeting in church groups for prayer and to do God's work for almost two centuries. Quilting was sometimes a part of these gatherings. Women made quilts for those in need and for church fund raising. Bible Quilts of Biblical blocks have also been a way to study scripture. These woman’s group activities continue to this day. Š 2007 Judy Anne Breneman and Charlotte Bull (For your personal use only. Please write to Judy Anne for permission before you copy this for others.) Questions? Contact Judy Anne print a printer friendly version of this page REFERENCES: 1 p113, "Small Endearments: 19th Century Quilts for Children", by Sandi Fox 2 pp 79, "The Expansion of Everyday Life 1860-1876", by Daniel Sutherland 3 p50 "A Frontier Lady", by Sarah Royce
Learn more about quilts based on the Bible at The Holy Bible: Source of Inspiration for Quilters.