I had a lot of fun designing and making a quilt that I call "Liberty is Our Motto," inspired by a song title sung by the Hutchinson Family Singers, a 19th century group that hailed from Milford, New Hampshire. The popular family singers traveled the world, even appearing before the Queen of England!
Liberty is something we all hold dear. It is the principle upon which this country was founded. Liberty from oppression and the dictates of specific religions, and liberty for all men and women is important to Americans. With that in mind, I fashioned this quilt. The center block features a traditional pattern known as "Whig's Defeat." (The Whigs were a political group). I chose a red, white and blue theme which makes the quilt appear patriotic in nature. The appliqued hearts feature the words, "Abolition," "Temperance," and "Suffrage," all important themes in the 19th century (1800s) and into the 20th century.
In the upper right hand corner is a piece of fabric I printed on my home printer. The design features Presidents George Washington and Barack Obama and was designed by Barbara Brackman. I finished this quilt in 2010 and it is hand-appliqued and hand-quilted. I have made very few quilts in this color combination. It seemed appropriate that I post this for the upcoming 4th of July. I took the liberty of adding a "political statement" via the chain sewn onto the border which represents the former bondage of Black Americans as slaves. This is an intensely personal quilt that shares my "values." Butterflies are hand-quilted onto the center block. Butterflies are always free. I hope you enjoy seeing this original design.
Patricia Cummings
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