Sarah Jane’s Pioneer Quilt

As a children’s author, as well as a quilter, I’ve written stories about the pioneers.  One of my favorites, and that of children in schools where I present workshops, is Sarah Jane’s Daring Deed.  It has appeared in four magazines as well as an anthology and coloring book. I’m now developing a picture book version and doing the illustrations. 

In order for this story to have wider appeal in schools, I’m working on activities and recipes to accompany it when teachers and homeschooling parents want to develop a pioneer unit.

So…why not have a quilting project?  Sarah Jane and her mother needed to make bed coverings and, in all likelihood, would have used worn out clothing for these.

I’m pondering the design they would have used and may simply incorporate the four-patch into it, as my grandmother did when I helped her make quilts.  (However, these were made at a much later date than Sarah Jane’s pioneer quilts!)

A book with information, patterns, and pictures of the four-patch design and variations is the Better Homes and Gardens American Patchwork & Quilting. 

Better Homes and Gardens American Patchwork and Quilting