Linen Closet: "I Spy" Quilts

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Linen Closet- "I Spy" Quilts
"I Spy" quilt measures approx. 53 inches square 

With all the quilt history I've been absorbing lately, it's become apparent that, like so many other aspects of culture, there are trends and "fads" in quilting. Quilts are a reflection of the era in which they were created; themes, patterns, techniques, and fabrics go in and out of vogue like everything else in life.

You will remember the "I Spy" children's books that were so popular in the 90's. Well, quilters naturally embraced this theme for their work. It makes sense that it would appeal to them, given the countless hours families have enjoyed searching heirloom quilt tops for favorite swatches and familiar fabrics from a loved one's wardrobe. With this new inspiration, quilters drew from the many novelty fabrics available to create pieces that deliberately encourage the "I Spy" experience.


These quilts were created in 1999. By then, the theme had probably been popular for awhile and may even have run its course. I'm guessing I saw one somewhere, knew two kids who liked the books, had a couple of novelty prints in my stash, and... ta da!

This would be a great project for a beginning quilter. (Honestly, it might take longer to accumulate the novelty prints than to create the quilt.) It is a simple checkerboard pattern in squares of 3.5 inches,- large enough to focus on a single item in the fabric's pattern. Items in the squares are oriented toward each of the sides, so there is something "facing in the right direction" when viewed from all four sides.

The time consuming element on these was the embroidered words listing the items in the center. If you aren't concerned about the "scratch factor," fabric paint would be just as effective for the words.


What child wouldn't relish some quality time with their favorite adult, connecting words with pictures and looking for their favorite squares? In fact, we could all use some low tech entertainment from time to time.


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