Treasures of Julia’s Life
67” x 80”
2002
This quilt was created in 2001, my first full-size piece made to enter in major shows. My intention was to showcase original ornate designs and graphic images using Heirloom Machine Quilting. The rich fabric choices combined with the large-scale floral to enhance the vintage appeal of this piece so reminiscent of the textiles used for home decorating in the 1950’s. To my surprise, as I began working with that brown floral, my mind became flooded with thoughts of my Grandmother, Julia Stegerwald Zeier. It had been over thirty years since she passed away and she was not normally in my daily thoughts. Just handling it brought back sweet memories of the wonderful home she lived in and the impact her presence made on my young life. The quilt is dedicated to her memory.
Julia and my grandfather had endured the hardships of raising a large family during the depression. A home built for their retirement in the 1950’s was a tribute to their perseverance. It was filled with love and there was a grand piano for Julia to play. My grandmother’s memory is honored by including reference to her faith through the image of a Bible, and her love of music with the lyre. Interlocking hearts with the initials “M” and “J” quilted in the border indicate their 50-year marriage and nine hearts represent the children born of their union. A cartouche encircling Julia’s initials is at the top of the quilt and another with my initials is at the bottom. This quilt will remain as a tribute to Julia’s life for the future generations of my family and this treasure in my life will not be forgotten.
My quilt was Heirloom Machine Quilted on my domestic sewing machine, a Bernina 730 built in the 1960’s. I used Hobbs Heirloom Wool batting, which filled the unquilted spaces like plump pillows and remained soft despite an abundance of tiny stitching. 100-weight Silk thread by YLI Corporation was used for the top thread as well as in the bobbin. The green and beige sateen, which adds to the vintage look of the piece, is manufactured by RJR Fabrics.
© Joanie Zeier Poole 2002 Photo by Norman Lenburg
Detail images:
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Awards and Exhibits
2002 American Quilter’s Society Show, Finalist
2002 Quilting the Quilt, Second Place Large-Traditional
2002 Prairie Heritage Quilt Show First Place Viewer’s Choice
and First Place Mixed Techniques
2003 Article in AMERICAN QUILTER MAGAZINE Winter
2003 National Quilting Association, First Place Appliqué
2003 International Quilt Festival, Finalist
2004 Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival, Judges Ribbon
2004 Three Rivers Quilt Festival, First Place Appliqué
2004 Pacific International Quilt Festival, Finalist
2004 Quilter’s Heritage Celebration, Finalist
2005 International Quilt Assn., Houston, Faculty Exhibit
2006 Dallas Quilt Festival, Second Place, Masters Division
2006 Machine Quilter’s Exposition, Teachers Award
2006 Indiana Heritage Quilt Show, Honorable Mention, and Judges Choice
2006 Home Machine Quilter’s Show, Best Solitaire Quilt
2007 International Quilt Festival, Chicago, Traditional Treasures Exhibit