Darlene C. Christopherson

"Valiant"
 

Designed and hand sewn by Darlene C. Christopherson Machine quilted by Sue Nickels [Sue also did some machine applique on the 5 pointed stars] Made for the International Quilters Association raffle quilt 2006. Patterns available in April from IQA and Darlene. quilts.org Machine piecing instructions written by Jan Krentz Price $23.95 98" x 98"   Click here to place an order

“Valiant!” is presented to the International Quilt Association by Darlene C. Christopherson and Sue Nickels.  Darlene is the designer of the quilt. She collected the fabrics without asking manufacturers for donations, over a long period of time gathering just the right combination to create this spectacular affect. Sue and Darlene were room mates while teaching at an event a couple of years ago and when the topic came up Sue immediately volunteered to be a part of the project. Sue wanted to give back to an organization that has done so much for Quilters and encourages creativity and respects all forms of quilting from hand work to machine work.

Sue used 100% cotton thread to machine quilt this quilt including Superior King Tut "Tone on Tones".  Sue spent over 90 hours working on this project which included designing and marking the quilting patterns and then machine quilting the beautiful quilt top.   

Hobbs Bonded Fibers contributed the 100% washable wool batting used in “Valiant!” as both ladies use their products and requested it. “Rosewood” and “Symphony” fabrics by Jinny Beyer were used in the borders as well as the eagle. The glowing background fabric is a Hi-Fashion, Patrick Lose print. A hand dyed fabric by Leo9 Textiles contributed to the star units

Some other fabrics used are: Hoffman “Blooms”, Northcott “Rose Cottage”, Timeless Treasure-Maggie Walker “Feather and Song” several Batiks, Moda “Calypso”, and more.

Sue machine buttonhole appliquéd the five Texas stars to the top in the masterful way that she is so well known for. Darlene hand appliquéd her design in the needle turn method that she shares in classrooms around the country.  The patchwork star units were hand pieced by Darlene. Jan Krentz has agreed to write the machine sewn instructions for the pattern that will be offered for sale.

A careful eye may notice that the stars that arch over the eagle’s head count nine and eleven.  This design was derived form one that Darlene drew on September 11^th, 2001 named “Nobel Eagle”. The name “Valiant!” came from the proud and glorious appearance that the quilt began to display. As it turned out Darlene and Sue were busy working on completing this quilt in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The quilt will serve to give back to an organization that did so much to help the people who found comfort in Houston, Texas.