Understanding Egg Money Quilts
Egg money quilts are a distinctive type of patchwork quilt that often tells a story through its blocks and patterns. The term "egg money" refers to the small amount of money that farm families earned from selling eggs, which was often used to purchase materials for household items, including quilts. These quilts were not merely functional but also a form of artistic expression for many women, allowing them to showcase their creativity while utilizing leftover fabric scraps.
The Historical Context of Egg Money Quilts
The history of egg money quilts is deeply intertwined with the lives of rural women in the United States, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here are some key points to understand their significance:
1. Economic Necessity: Many families relied on the income generated from selling eggs to make necessary purchases. This income often funded the materials needed for quilting.
2. Cultural Expression: Quilting became a vital means for women to express their creativity and share their stories, often incorporating elements of their heritage and personal experiences.
3. Community and Tradition: Quilting bees, where women gathered to sew together, fostered community bonds and strengthened social ties among women, allowing them to share techniques and stories.
Eleanor Burns and Her Quilting Legacy
Eleanor Burns is a household name in the quilting community, known for her innovative approaches to quilt making and her engaging teaching style. Her contributions to the art of quilting, particularly regarding egg money quilts, have inspired countless quilters.
Key Contributions of Eleanor Burns
1. Educational Quilting Books: Eleanor has authored numerous quilting books, many of which include patterns and techniques for creating egg money quilts. Her clear instructions and illustrations make quilting accessible to beginners and experienced quilters alike.
2. Television Shows: Burns has hosted several quilting shows on public television, where she shares her passion for quilting and teaches viewers how to create beautiful quilts, including egg money designs.
3. Innovative Techniques: She is known for her "Quilt in a Day" method, which simplifies traditional quilting techniques, allowing quilters to complete projects in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
4. Pattern Collections: Eleanor has developed a range of patterns that celebrate the egg money quilting tradition, offering quilters a chance to recreate these historical designs in their own homes.
Creating Your Own Egg Money Quilt
If you're inspired to create your own egg money quilt, follow these steps to get started on your quilting journey.
Materials You Will Need
Before diving into the quilt-making process, gather the necessary materials:
- Fabric: Choose a variety of fabrics, including cotton and blends. Scraps from previous projects work great for this style of quilt.
- Batting: Select a batting material that suits your preference for warmth and weight.
- Backing Fabric: Choose a sturdy fabric for the back of your quilt.
- Sewing Tools: You'll need a rotary cutter, cutting mat, quilting ruler, pins, and a sewing machine.
Steps to Create Your Egg Money Quilt
1. Select a Pattern: Choose an egg money quilt pattern that resonates with you. Look for traditional designs or create your own by combining different quilt blocks.
2. Cut Your Fabric: Use your rotary cutter and ruler to cut your fabric into the required shapes and sizes according to your chosen pattern.
3. Assemble Quilt Blocks: Begin piecing together your quilt blocks. Pay attention to the order of your patches to ensure a visually appealing layout.
4. Sew the Blocks Together: Once your blocks are complete, sew them together to form the quilt top. Press seams as you go for a neat finish.
5. Layer the Quilt: Lay out the backing fabric, followed by the batting, and finally the quilt top. Pin everything in place to prevent shifting during quilting.
6. Quilt the Layers: Using a sewing machine or by hand, quilt through all three layers, securing them together. You can choose from various quilting patterns, including straight lines or free-motion quilting.
7. Bind the Edges: Once quilted, trim any excess batting and backing, then attach binding to the edges of your quilt for a polished finish.
Tips for Quilting Success
- Experiment with Colors: Egg money quilts often feature bright and contrasting colors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match fabrics for a lively appearance.
- Incorporate Personal Touches: Add embroidery or appliqué to reflect your personal story or heritage.
- Join a Quilting Group: Engage with your local quilting community or online forums to share your progress and gain inspiration from others.
Conclusion
Egg money quilts by Eleanor Burns offer a rich tapestry of history, creativity, and community. By understanding the origins of these quilts and following Eleanor's innovative techniques, you can create your own unique quilt that honors this time-honored tradition. Whether you're a novice or an experienced quilter, the journey of making an egg money quilt is not just about the finished product; it's about embracing the art of quilting and the stories woven into every stitch. So, gather your materials, select a pattern, and start stitching your way into the delightful world of egg money quilts!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are egg money quilts?
Egg money quilts are a type of quilt made using patterns inspired by the historical practice of farmers' wives selling eggs to fund their quilting projects. They often feature intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Who is Eleanor Burns?
Eleanor Burns is a renowned quilter, author, and television personality known for her innovative quilting techniques and instructional books, including those focused on egg money quilts.
What unique techniques does Eleanor Burns use in her egg money quilt patterns?
Eleanor Burns is known for her use of rotary cutting, strip piecing, and easy-to-follow instructions that simplify traditional quilting techniques, making them accessible for quilters of all skill levels.
Where can I find patterns for egg money quilts by Eleanor Burns?
Patterns for egg money quilts by Eleanor Burns can be found in her quilting books, on her official website, and various quilting supply stores that carry her line of products.
What is the historical significance of egg money quilts?
Egg money quilts reflect a historical narrative of women’s empowerment and resourcefulness, as they used their earnings from selling eggs to create beautiful quilts, often as a means of self-expression and artistic creativity.
Are there workshops or classes available for learning about egg money quilts?
Yes, many quilting shops and community centers offer workshops and classes focused on egg money quilts, often led by instructors familiar with Eleanor Burns' techniques and designs.
Can beginners successfully make an egg money quilt?
Absolutely! Eleanor Burns' patterns are designed to be user-friendly, making it possible for beginners to successfully create their own egg money quilts with a little practice and patience.
What are some popular designs featured in Eleanor Burns' egg money quilts?
Popular designs include the 'Egg Money' pattern itself, along with variations featuring traditional blocks like the 'Nine-Patch', 'Log Cabin', and 'Double Wedding Ring', all reimagined with vibrant colors and intricate layouts.
How can I connect with other quilters who are interested in egg money quilts?
You can connect with other quilters through online forums, social media groups dedicated to quilting, and local quilting guilds where enthusiasts share tips, patterns, and experiences related to egg money quilts.
