Busy women from all walks of life can enjoy the quilting method known as “quilt-as-you-go.” You might think that quilt-as-you-go was developed by soccer moms or women CEOs but it was, in fact, the sturdy women of the American frontier. Long rides over rugged terrain could be put to good use by creating warm, beautiful quilts for their families to use during cold nights. They would stitch by hand each quilt block including the batting and backing. As they would finish enough blocks to make a row for the size quilt desired, they would stitch the blocks together. By the time they had the number of rows needed they had in hand the finished product. This eliminated the need to use a quilting frame. Quilt-as-you-go can range from the most basic quilt patterns to complicated works of art. You can work by hand or make the entire quilt with a sewing machine. The choice is up to you. Simply select the size and type of quilt you would like to try and buy materials accordingly. For a first attempt it is recommended that you use a simple small print, such as a floral, for the backing. It is also possible to make reversible, double-sided quilts with this method. Details like sashing, hand embroidery, or machine embroidery can also be done according to your preferences. Don’t let a lack of imagination frighten you away from quilting! There are numerous books and online resources to help you each step of the way. Author Brenda Henning has a stunning stain glass quilt pattern with pictorial step by step instructions online at the “Quilter’s Newsletter.” Start your heirloom quilt today.
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