AQS Quilt Week – Grand Rapids Michigan 2015

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It's been a busy week around Grand Rapids. The American Quilter's Society show has been in town since Wednesday. I think they call it Quilt Week Grand Rapids. Since I have Violet with me on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I thought it would be the perfect time for her to visit her first quilt show.


IMG_3585Our little polka dot was very impressed with the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel so I know she has a taste for the finer things in life!

We had so much fun and no one was more shocked than I was when the first fabric she reached for was a blue batik! That would probably be near the bottom of my shopping list but I may have to rethink all that as time goes by.
We didn't buy that piece of blue batik but I did find some other treasures. Quilt show shopping is sooooo much fun!

IMG_3708I couldn't resist the pattern for the adorable runner.

IMG_3790Some beautiful Kaffe Fassett and Phillip Jacobs prints.

IMG_3791Some pretty repros! I wish I'd bought more of the red and blue prints.

IMG_3794A pattern or two or three............

IMG_3792You can never have too many polka dots!

IMG_3589We put the stroller in the package check in (thank you West Michigan Quilters Guild) and donned the Baby Bjorn to get up close and personal with all there was to see.
We took lots of pictures and I put them together in a slide show for you. I hope you have a few minutes to take a break and enjoy some of the quilts at the show.



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Just Takes 2â„¢ Benjamin Biggs Quilt Block 20

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We have a pretty easy block for you this month. It's nice to have one of these once in a while especially when there are four border strips to be appliqued. My suggestion would be to crank this one out and get to work on those borders. I know if I leave those till the very end my quilt gets stalled because stitching those borders feels like work!

Benjamin Biggs Quilt Block 20

Block 20


 

Benjamin Biggs Quilt Block 20 center

Amanda Gilson
Thomas Creek
M.d. 1848


 
I enjoyed researching Amanda and found more information than I usually do when working on one of the blocks. Amanda was born on January 4, 1834 in Frederick County, MD to Richard Gilson and Martha Haff Biggs Gilson. It appears she lived there all her life and died on March 26, 1878. She is buried in Tom's Creek Methodist Cemetery in Emmitsburg, Frederick County, MD

Amanda Gilson Tom's Creek Methodist Cemetery
It was interesting to read that Amanda’s mother was married to William Biggs at age 16. She had two children with William but married Richard Gilson, a widower, in 1827 at age 27. They had 7 children together including Amanda who was their 4th child. You’d assume Amanda’s mother was a widow who married again but that doesn’t appear to be the case. Her first husband, William never married again and lived to the ripe old age of 82, passing away in 1876. A family story we’ll never know.
The 1850 census lists Amanda’s father (Richard Gilson) as a farmer. Her sister, Mary is also listed and is likely to have made Block 2. Both of their signatures have been reverse appliqued in the center of the blocks. The girls would have been ages 14 and 16 when the blocks were made.

Be sure to stop over to Dear Jane to see what Brenda has been up to and enjoy this month's block.

Just Takes 2â„¢ Benjamin Biggs Quilt Block 20 - Click here

 

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Just Takes 2â„¢ Benjamin Biggs Quilt Block 19

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It's summer here in Michigan and we're getting ready to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. We'll be heading to the lake and Violet is making her first trip "up cottage" as the boys used to call it. She likes being outside so I'm hoping the lake and all the trees will make her smile.
Today it's time to get another Benjamin Biggs quilt block.

Benjamin Biggs quilt Block 19

Block 19

This block is a traditional classic similar to Block 17. I think it'll take a while to stitch this one because there are lots of elements included. You've got flowers, leaves, buds, the wreath and those corner rosebuds I know you're all pretty bored with by now.

Block 19 - center

Maria A Grimes
Sept 20th 1848

I wasn't able to find anything definitive for history on Maria but did find a Maria A Grimes living in Frederick County, Maryland in the 1860 census. She was born in 1824 which would put her in the same age group as many of the other block makers. Maria and Caroline Grimes, ages 59 and 56 were living with their nephew and his wife on their farm. Both ladies are listed as being single. I guess I'd like to think this is our Maria.

Fat Quarter Pop Up FQG120 eHave you seen these Fat Quarter Pop Ups? I haven't had a chance to make one yet because everyone keeps ordering all the patterns as they come in. They would be perfect to have as a thread and trimmings catcher while working on your Ben Biggs blocks so I'm looking forward to putting one together. The pattern comes with almost everything you need except the fabric and you can order wire refills to make additional catchers. Check it out!
I've been adding lots of new gift and notion things to the Online Shop. I'm thrilled at how much everyone has enjoyed everything from the socks to the microfiber cloths. Most things are in stock right now but there's a waiting list for the cloths.

Time to head over to Dear Jane to get your block. I'm sure Brenda has something special for you today. It's not too early to sign up for the November Just Takes 2 Quilt Retreat. We can't wait!

Due to technical difficulties at Dear Jane you can download Block 19 - HERE

 

Just Takes 2â„¢ Benjamin Biggs Quilt
Block 19
Click here to visit Dear Jane

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