Around the Block Sampler by Donna Starley, 40” x40”. 2021 AQSG Medallion Quilt Study based on 1890 silk sampler in her collection. Part of the AQSG traveling exhibit. (photo courtesy of the author)

Any technique or method can be used. You can work traditionally and follow the original maker’s work closely, or you can make a modern version. You can sew and quilt all by hand or all by machine or combine a variety of techniques. Decide whether to recreate the blocks in half size or make fewer full-sized blocks to fit the size limit.

This is a great opportunity to experiment and challenge yourself to learn new quilting practices. You’ll feel a kinship with the original maker as you follow her stitches and study her process. It is fun to think about the tools and options she had available and what she would think about our modern shortcuts and time-saving methods. You also will write a statement about your investigation into the creation of the original quilt and your journey into remaking it. These statements and quilt photos are compiled and published into a Quilt Study book. You can play a vital part in producing and documenting a piece of history. You need to sign up to reserve a spot in the study and be a member of AQSG.

The 2021 Medallion Quilt Study debuted in August at the AQSG Annual Seminar. Fifty amazing quilts were displayed at Seminar and were a special highlight of the event; 25 were chosen to travel and will be touring the United States for the next two years.

They are being photographed now and will be published in a Medallion Quilt book sold on Amazon. Be sure to pick one up to support AQSG.
I hope you’ll join the American Quilt Study Group and consider the Quilt Study Challenge. You can also support AQSG by hosting the traveling exhibit at your local museum or quilt show. These exhibits have been extremely popular with the public. The 2021 Medallion Quilts will start traveling soon. Spots are available in the exhibit schedule for your event.