Friday, January 23, 2009

Hands Across America Flag Quilt

Taking a break from my four seasons quilt, let me show you this flag quilt that I made in 1999.  I was inspired by the stars and bars flag of the American Civil War, by the eagle motif I found in an old book, and a sign I saw around the same time with the @ overlying a hand.  The name of my quilt is “hands across America”.  I designed three hands with the letters “U”, “S”, and “A” (using @ for my A).  I appliqued this shapes using small flags for the fabric.  The quilt is 23 in X 39 in, both machine and hand sewn/quilted.
Here is a close photo of the eagle.  I used the machine trapunto method for the “relief” effect.  That’s correct, the eagle is machine quilted.  The “rays” are hand quilted.
Here is the back to show the quilting of the eagle.
Here is a close view of the letter “A”/hand.

It is my hope that as America moves forward with her new President that we will all work together for her good.

12 comments:

StitchinByTheLake said...

I am always amazed at the creative talent of quilters - I can copy a pattern but my imagination is sadly lacking. Even your choices on your fabrics highlight the portion of the quilt you are working on - the print behind the hands is perfect. blessings, marlene

Anonymous said...

Ramona, You are so talented. I appreciate the efforts that go into such a piece. You are truly gifted.

Melissa Gay Art said...

OMG This is AWESOME!!! I adore the quilted eagle in the stars fabric, and the fact that you found constitutional fabric, and the way you did the hands as letters! Seriously, you put so much artistry into your works! Your choice of fabrics alone always leaves me gaping, and then the QUILTING!!!

Sewing is scary. I admire from a safe distance!

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely amazing. I particularly love the hands! Cool, cool quilt.

rlbates said...

Thank you Perky and Purplesque.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

Unknown said...

My goodness!
How long did it take you to make this quilt?
And how do you have time to keep up with surgery, a great blog, and these intricate quilts?

rlbates said...

Whitecoat, I made this quilt years ago before I ever knew about blogging. I don't recall how long it actually took to make it. Thanks for commenting.

Jabulani said...

I echo the opening comments of both Victoria Powell and Perky Sceptic and would like to add WOW! Thank you for, once again, giving me something to marvel at.
And I "Hear Hear" the closing comments of your blog. God bless you all.

rlbates said...

Thank you Jabulani.

Anonymous said...

This is an awesome quilt - how come you didn't show it to me during my visit in LR?

rlbates said...

Thanks,Val, and sorry. This one was at my office, and you didn't make have time to go by there.