What makes a Baltimore Album Quilt aBaltimore Album Quilt?
Is it the arrangment of the motif or what?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltimore_album_quilts

Hmmm pretty cool info!

Wikipedia is a good source of info. I love these quilts...I took a class from a lady named Irma Gail Hatcher, who wrote a book called Conway Album (I'm Not From Baltimore). I think Baltimores are probably the ultimate applique sampler.

Antique (made between 1843-1855) Baltimore Album quilts are characterized by a collection of different blocks set together in a grid design. The blocks are almost 100% appliqued and the block size is traditionally about 12-18" square - background is an off-white or light natural color muslin. the fabric used for the applique is mostly cotton fabric and the colors are rich with subtle prints. Some silk fabrics were used for appliqued roses and broiderie perse can also be found. The blocks depict people, places, and things such as botanical, patriotic, fraternal, historical, religious or symbolic items and all appear to have been meaningful to the maker/s and their surroundings and lifestyles, and current times. In my opinion, the "First Lady" of Baltimore Album Quilts is Elly Sienkiewicz. More information and patterns are available the 15 books she has written. You might also want to visit her website: www.ellysienkiewicz.com

i agree with you about Elly Sienkiwicz. I have some of her beautiful books--and frankly they about scared me!

Thank you Janquiltz for the information.

Confederatequilter - you are welcome. Elly has a 2010 published book called "Beloved Baltimore Album Quilts" that gives you some basic applique how-to's; goes into the how-to's for quite a few different techniques that were used in the Baltimore Album quilts; and gives you the how-to's on more updated and advanced techniques for a fresh take on the Baltimore Album blocks. She includes patterns for 25 blocks (8" finished - but gives you the enlargement percentages for up to a 22" finished block size.) The patterns are in the style of the historic Baltimore Album blocks, but have a fresher look. About 1/2 of the patterns can be done by someone just learning how to applique. A few years ago, she also published a book called, "Applique Twelve Easy Ways". This book is used by a number of teachers to intoduce someone to the Baltimore Album blocks and how to applique. Half of the fun of doing these is finding fabric that could have been used in a Baltimore Album, and part of the fun is challenging yourself to step beyond your comfort level and step back in to the past as you create a replication of a block that a quilting sister stitched well over a century ago. Start with a simple one like a Rose of Sharon and you might find yourself eager to tackle one just a little more difficult. Above all - have fun. Sunday, I will take some pics and upload some photos of a few of the Baltimore Album blocks that I have done.

Many years ago I took a class with Elly. My LQS had a class with her on a Mother's Day. She is truly amazing. I have never finished a block but I am going to be working on some during the summer. That has been my challenge for this year.

I may have to get her new book.