Inspiration: live in Alaska and often Alaskanize a traditional pattern. For this baby quilt, I used the "Sunbonnet Sue" idea and created the Parka Girl. I have included a picture of the pattern.
Making the Design: First decide on an approximate size for your quilt and draft the squares on graph paper. You may use the "on point" layout I used here or place the girl perpendicular to the sides of the square.
Dig through your stash of scraps and select a bright selection for the parks, fur looking fabric for the ruffs and brown or tan for the mukluks. Use contrasting rick-rack or other small trim to place around the bottom of the parka above the "skirt" and at the edge of the pocket. iron applique adhesive to the back of your fabric and cut out your design. Lay Parka Girls centered on the blocks and press in place. Applique using thread either a shade or two lighter or darker than the object being appliqued. Hand or machine stitch the mukluk ties for detail.
Frame the Parks Blocks: Cut sashing strips for Parka blocks desired width (I used 2 1/2 inches) and same length as block sides. Cut corresponding small squares of background fabric same width as the sashing strips.. Set these blocks aside and make the setting triangles.
Making setting triangles without added strip (orange on my quilt): Using the "on point" layout requires that you cut some piecing triangles. One may use setting triangles without the orange strip I used in the quilt pictured as follows: The triangles for the top and sides need to be cut first as squares (3 for this quilt shown) of at least one inch larger than the the girl blocks. Cut these in half diagonally to form the triangles. For the triangles on the corners, cut one square twice as large as the girl . Cut this one on the diagonal twice to for 4 triangles. Or: Setting Triangles with added strip (orange on my quilt): If you wish to use strips like the orange ones pictured, simply cut the squares to be cut into triangles smaller and make to size by adding a frame to the squares.
Layout: Lay the entire quilt pieces (less any border which you can decide on later) on your design wall, large table or floor. Assemble pieces in strips on the diagonal. Press. Layout strips, Pin, matching seams and sew strips together. Some trimming may be required on the setting triangles.
Add a Border: Measure quilt in at least three places across the quilt and average these measurements. Cut the border in width desired and of the average length. Pin, dividing equally and sew. Press. Now, measure the length in the same manner. Press.
Sandwich quilt with backing and batting. Quilt as desired. Bind and enjoy.Inspiration: live in Alaska and often Alaskanize a traditional pattern. For this baby quilt, I used the "Sunbonnet Sue" idea and created the Parka Girl. I have included a picture of the pattern.
Making the Design: First decide on an approximate size for your quilt and draft the squares on graph paper. You may use the "on point" layout I used here or place the girl perpendicular to ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
I grew up in Kotzebue Alaska and then Fairbanks. We all had heavy parkas. I treasure my childhood memories. What a wonderful quilt. I'm going to give it a try. thanks for sharing.
I don't have a web site and didn't use a pattern; so, there is no link to one. I did write instructions that I hope are not too confusion. If you wish to make and have problems, comment me again with contact info and I'll see if I can help.
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