Finished my version of an Amish nine-bar quilt top. The violet doesn’t quite show up well in the photo. I did this quilt in order to practice my running stitches. The plan is to quilt each of the three colored bars with different patterns. I’m thinking vines, chains and crosshatch and a double chain around the border. It will measure ~ 46 x 46 inches when the binding (true red) is added.

Very nice! I hope you'll be able to get pictures of the quilting!

It is beautiful Steve... I have never seen one before and I really like it...

I love the visual impact of the Amish quilts. What color thread will you be using to quilt? Hand or machine?

Hand stitching is what I like to do when quilting, though am unsure about traditional thread color. I've been reading an Amish Quilt book, but information on thread seems strangely missing from the topics. From the pictures of similar quilts it looks like the thread matches the background, but then again the pictures are quite small compared to actual size and it's hard to tell. I think I'd better research it a bit on the net first, unless one of our quilters here knows?

I pieced the back tonight and got it all set for basting and marking in the morning before work.

Oh, and thanks for the kind words. I know it's a simple piece, but that's the idea.

Beautiful! I love Amish quilts. You're going to have fun with the quilting. I can't wait to see it finished.

Steve,
I've never seen one before - I really like it. Can't wait to see it quilted. :thumbup:

I like it. sometimes, simplicity is more dramatic than a more complex pattern. You did a good job. :thumbup:

I’ve decided against the pieced back that I did last night since it has a small pattern. Since the Amish traditionally don’t use patterned fabric, and I’m shooting for something close, I set the back aside for the next one. Though the local store doesn’t usually offer much selection they fortunately they just got several bolts of solid quilt backing fabric in, and there was a red that fit perfectly. Cool beans.

Thanks for the information on the thread Loretta. I think I’ve colors enough to do it, though I might have to dig for the lavender.

Steve, WOW!!! What a great quilt. Can't wait to see it finished. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :D Pam