The Quilt Trail will be part of the Baltimore Star Spangled Banner Trail.
Our vision is that members of the Guild will make quilts that local businesses would purchase. With their purchase, the businesses would be listed on a Quilt Trail brochure that is disseminated through the Office of Tourism, Baltimore Heritage Area tours, VisitBaltimore, Authentic Baltimore, etc. The trail would be limited to businesses in the Baltimore downtown area and would be considered a walking trail. Quilters may be interested in traveling to Baltimore for a variety of reasons, and the Quilt Trail could be one!
The quality of these mid-sized quilts should be what you typically do for display at our Show – what we already produce. We are showcasing the talents, skills, and creativity of our Guild while continuing the tradition of women and men who came before us. While we respect them, we have our own voice in this millennium.
This project will replace the energy put into the off-show year raffle quilt while still generating revenue for the Guild. No longer would we be producing one large bed-size quilt, but rather several smaller, more manageable ones. It would also give us more visibility in our education and outreach mission plus provide a wider audience for our Show publicity.
Learn about the War of 1812 and the Bicentennial Celebration:
The War of 1812
The Battle of Baltimore
The Star Spangled Banner
The Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website
Maryland Star Spangled 200
News about Bicentennial events in Baltimore
A History of Quilting Patterns
Mary Pickersgill and the Star Spangled Banner
More References including the list of books in the BHQG Library that will be useful
Need Ideas?
Deadline: Mid-April (take advantage of the January and February Come and Go Retreats to work on this). Why so soon? This gives us time to sell the quilts to the businesses, print and distribute the trail maps, and take advantage of the summer tourism season as the 1812 Bicentennial gets launched.
Size: Mid-sized wall quilts – no smaller than 36″ and no larger than 42″, or the equivalent area – square, rectangular, oval, circular, etc. The quality should be what you typically do for display at our Show – what we already produce.
Sleeve for hanging: 4″
Suggested Themes: Think about working individually, in an existing mini-group, or in a thematic group (and meet new people) During the December meeting, there will be an opportunity to join a thematic group while we enjoy our holiday treats.
Inspirational Theme Maryland is a special American place that excels in inspiring invention and creativity. (Look at economic and cultural ideals.)
- Women, War, and Peace
- Men in Arms
- Quilts as ships’ sails
- Stars
- Landscapes and architecture
Representational Theme (select one)
- Unity Marylanders have always been an especially diverse people, who have led the nation when working together for a common purpose (for example, the All Star Tribute Pattern at Bear’s Paw).
– Log Cabin
– Trip Around the World
– Courthouse Steps
– Coins and Buttons
– Flags
– Eagles - Preparedness Marylanders excel at executing sound plans to ensure the security of the state and nation.
– Women, War, and Peace
– Men in Arms
– Mariner’s Compass
– Barn Raising - Courage Marylanders have exhibited extraordinary courage, even when faced with overwhelming odds, in defense of our freedoms.
– Storm at Sea
– Streaks of Lightening
Historical Reproduction Theme Traditional patterns and colors of the early 1800′s. Seminole Sampler will be carrying Lately from London reproduction fabrics.
- Floral wreath and basket appliqué becomes popular as a quilt design. Intricate feathered hearts, flowers, vines.
- Irish Chain
- Nine patch
- Grandmother’s Flower Garden
- Strip quilts
- Medallions
Quality and pricing The purchase price includes hanging hardware and signage. Quality should be what you typically do for display at our Show. This price reflects the quality we already produce.
Geographical Area represented in Authentic Baltimore Map
Resources We have pulled books from our Library collection that may be helpful to you. Ask about these at the next meeting.