Quilt Traditions Made Modern with Victoria Findlay Wolfe
Sewing With Nancy guest Victoria Findlay Wolfe has one foot in Minnesota and the other in New York City. She ties her two lives together through her amazing quilts. The second episode of Double Wedding Ring Quilts is this week’s Sewing With Nancy online video feature. Watch the 30-minute TV show online.
Victoria Findlay Wolfe uses the Double Wedding Ring quilt pattern as a palette to tell her life stories. During this episode, watch and learn how to assemble all the pieces of a Double Wedding Ring design.
Victoria’s Quilt Showcase
Greatest Possible Trust
The featured photo is of Victoria’s quilt, Greatest Possible Trust. If my grandmother and I were able to make a quilt together, this quilt—Greatest Possible Trust—is what it might look like, explains Victoria. The design, a contemporary Double Wedding Ring, combines modern and traditional quilting and brings two worlds together. The quilt is also on the cover of her newest book, Double Wedding Ring Quilts.
Remembering Christmas Past
Remembering Christmas Past is filled with images from Victoria’s childhood. The concave square of the Double Wedding Ring design is the perfect palette to showcase memories using fabric. With this quilt as the backdrop, learn her secret to piecing this traditional design.
Retro Poly Mod
If you asked most quilters, “What’s your go-to quilting fabric?” My guess is that polyester double knit will NOT be the response. Yet, polyester knit is what Victoria chose for this quilt! The look is modern; the stretch in the fabric makes piecing curves a breeze, and the durability is second to none.
The inspiration for the above quilt, was a design created by Victoria’s grandmother, Elda, again using polyester double knits.
Bright Lights Big City
One hundred and fifty fabrics make this scrappy quilt extremely lively. The Bright Lights Big City quilt vicariously tells the story of Victoria’s move to New York City and the life she built there. It also is a study in pushing a design, combining the New York Beauty quilt element with a Double Wedding Ring design. This quilt defines the term Improvisational Quilt!
Watch Double Wedding Ring Quilts (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Bye for now,
Lynda Adair
The double knit quilt sewn by Mrs. Elda has brought back fond memories of my childhood. My mother’s mother, Nana, was a treadle machine sewer/quilter, who used double knit scraps from family sewers, to make warm bed quilts. She also would free hand embroidery flowers and decorative stitches on the plain pieces of knit fabric. I still have the brightly colored quilt that she made me around 1970. She was a very frugal person, and would purchase a “second” (a cotton sheet that had obvious flaws when woven at the mills) flat bed sheet to back the quilt with no batting because the knit fabric made the quilt heavy and warm. It is the warmest quilt I own, obviously made with lots of love. I would not trade this quilt for anything!
Carol Pollock
I have always wanted to make a double wedding ring quilt for my sister as that is what she has always wanted. My mother also quilts and one of her first quilt was with double knit fabrics. Many decades later it is still around and in great shape.
Ilana
I would like to make a Double Wedding Ring quilt and I really love these interesting takes on the classic design.
Sharon K
I watched part 2 of this series on line just this morning as my PBS station is a little behind. This took some of the mystery out of this style of quilt. I have always been in awe of quilting and have only just recently tried my hand at it after sewing for about 50 years. This demo showed how it was a lot easier than one would think and I am hoping to try this style of quilt in the future.
Sue Anderson
I really love the style of the quilts in this post. I would love to learn how she picks and combines her fabrics.
Francisca
I love the modern double wedding ring but it looks really intimidating to me to make.
Sandy Curtis
My mom made a crazy quilt out of polyester double knits and I made one using the crossed canoes pattern in the 70’s. They were both very heavy and warm.
Bev M
Wow, I really like the Memories of Christmas Past quilt. I have inherited my love of sewing from my grandmother. I have a few of her quilts, her treadle machine, and quilt frames, which I cherish.
Nancy Olson
The combination of traditional and modern style speaks to me. I’d love to make this combination in a quilt that I would never attempt on my own.
Tammy Navarro
My Great, Great Grandmother, Great Grandmother, were quilrers. My Aunt was a Master Quilter. I absolutely loved all of their work so much that I am now learning the skill to make quilts for my family and friends. I recently finished a t-shirt quilt of college t-shirts for my daughter for Christmas. She loved it. What a joy that brought me. I also have wanted to do a double wedding ring quilt from the first time I had ever seen one at our local quilt show. I know it will take some time to do but I am looking forward to starting soon. I truly lovr the design.This book would be very helpful, and I would be so excited to win it. Thank you
Tammy Navarro
My Great, Great Grandmother, Great Grandmother, were quilrers. My Aunt was a Master Quilter. I absolutely loved all of their work so much that I am now learning the skill to make quilts for my family and friends. I recently finished a t-shirt quilt of college t-shirts for my daughter for Christmas. She loved it. What a joy that brought me. I also have wanted to do a double wedding ring quilt from the first time I had ever seen one at our local quilt show. I know it will take some time to do but I am looking forward to starting soon. I truly lovr the design.This book would be very helpful, and I would be so excited to win it. Thank you.
Elaine Williams
Bright Lights Big City stopped me in my tracks! Love something with 150 fabrics. It’s above my skill level, but I love it. Priceless.
Carolyn Vickery
I love the new “visions” for the old traditional patterns. I wish I could see them in person. I’m sure the book is full of great instructions and ideas and would love to win it.
LUCY
The Retro-Poly Mod quilt looks like a great way to use the polyester fabrics that I have held onto for years! I also noticed that it is tied. Is that the preferred way of quilting it? Thanks for the idea!
Marilyn Logan
This is a beautiful quilt and something I think I could do.
Pat Dyke
Looks really hard to me.
Kathleen
Wow! The double wedding ring is on my bucket list, but it’s been a bit intimidating. This may be my inspiration, along with opening up a new way to think about color!
Wendy
I like the concept of putting a modern twist to an old traditional pattern. Great idea!
Donna
How very inspiring! And how wonderful that Victoria has now shared what she’s learned through a book!
Lori Chvojka
The way the artist mixes new and traditional in really unique, I love it! I really think I could do this modern twist to the traditional Wedding Ring!! Thanks so much for showing this wonderful creative concept!!
Cindy Wienstroer
I love her ‘made fabric’ and how she follows rules yet makes her own.
Anne Schafroth
WOW — those quilts are incredible! What a great modern twist on a true classic.
Linda Straka
I like Victoria’s style. She is very inspiring and I will be looking at polyester very differently now!
Sylvia
Wedding ring was my grandmothers favorite pattern,she made one for all her children and every grandchild! I love the modern remake, of the wedding ring. I wonder what my grandmother would think!
Janey
Our seven sons chose the pattern and helped construct the quilts we made for them from double knit scraps back in the early 90’s. They even took them to college and the quilts are now with them in their own homes, keeping their children warm and toasty. Love Victoria’s designs.
Valley
Love the Db Ring Wedding quilts. Really want to try this.
Valley
Really love the Db Ring Wedding design. Want to try this one.
Carol Brown
This is different. I’m trying this one.
Linda Phillip
I love the colors and patterns that were used.
Linda S
To have the imagination to be able to do this beautiful, modern, stimulating work–what a gift! Love these ideas.
Kathy Luehrs
I love Christmas Past – reminds me of a quilt my grandmother had on her bed.
Sheila Kester
My Granny make double knit quilts for both of my boys when she was alive. They wear like iron! I love the Bright Lights, Big City quilt pattern. It is so lively and you can see the “ring” in the pattern. Who would havae guessed that you can do so much with the double wedding ring. Ms Findlay-Wolfe is amazing.
Delaine
These quilts are stunningly beautiful! This book looks awesome. Thanks!
Phyllis McCord
The double wedding ring quilt was always relegated to the “too much work for not enough pizzazz” part of my brain. Time to rethink!
Sandra Balliet
I have my grandparent’s double wedding ring made for their wedding. It is well over 100 years old. I am looking forward to seeing this program. Always wanted to give this pattern a try.
Judy G
The first quilt I made was a Drunkard’s Path variation done in a polyester double knit back in 1979 or 1980; a gift for my oldest daughter. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to re-bat and re-back the quilt as the over 30 years of dragging it around had pretty much destroyed the backing, while that poly-knit showed little wear. As the original quilt was done completely by hand, I re-did it by hand also. I think the “new” quilt looked even better than the original and now it is good to go for another 30 plus years.
Cindy Schultz
Wow, these quilts are beautiful. I love that you combined so many different fabrics and colors and they look stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Norma Jean C. Phillips
I “sew” enjoy your site and love reading all that is there. I watch your show all the time on Maryland Public TV. I also record it if I am not going to be able to be up by 7 AM. The quilt that Victoria’s grandmother made reminds me of the beautiful quilt that my great grandmother made for me when I was small back in the 1940’s. It was pieced of old dresses and such things made from cotton but she passed before it could be quilted and my great aunt had it quilted for me. Only one piece of material did not wear well and it was yellow and I am in the process of trying to find a yellow very small print to use in repairing it. Thanks for allowing me to share my memories. NJCP
Alice
Victoria’s quilts are amazing! Thanks for such fascinating programs. Can’t wait to try her techniques.
jacqueline deitsch
so beautiful ,my daughter getting married this spring what a nice keep sake . we have lost this with wedding keepsakes thru the years . I have a hand crotched full/queen bed spread from my grandma and also hand crotched table cloths which will be passed down to my children . the love will be cherished for generations to come . would not trade for the world .
Melody DeGraziano
I LOVE the wedding ring design but have always feared it. Now that I see these non tradional quilts, I want to make one!
venita abel
I have always admired the double wedding ring quilt but have never attempted one, I do like the new modern techniques and probably make one of them. Really like Christmas Past
Ell
These remind me of my grandmother’s quilts that are now mine. I want to do something similar with the fabrics I used for my daughter’s clothes when she was a little girl.
Pat
What a wonderful twist on the traditional double wedding ring. Thanks for the inspiration!
Rochelle
Absolutely stunning quilts that span a breadth of styles and fabric. Thank you for showing them.
Jeanne Brown
I love the double wedding ring , I have not tried to make one.
But I do have one made by a special aunt for me .
Julia Thoel
I have made the wedding ring but this blows my mind. What an interesting twist on that basic pattern.
Debe
I really like this idea! In our machine embroidery club we are having a “scrap exchange” that was suggested by a few members, & many ladies were skeptical about what to use the scraps for. I can show them these ideas as many are quilters. My Grandma made me a tied polyester quilt, also. =) Love it & am encouraged to see that a well-known quilter isn’t afraid to showcase still using that fabric.
joD
The new look to te wedding ring pattern looks interesting and fun.
Too bad I no longer have any polyester in my stash….. my grandmother actually used it all up making scrap quilts very similar to these. Seemed embarrassing back then to have the poor man’s quilt. Fun now.
Sandy Szucs
This quilts are just beautiful.
Starla
I love the “bright lights, big city” quilt.
Kelly Sasman
I love the combo of traditional with modern so popular now. Why can’t we mix the two?!? Such a great feeling when we do.
Debe
I really like this. I have a polyester, tied crazy quilt from my Grandma, also. What a treasure. Glad to see that someone who has a “name” in quilting has done this & doesn’t “snub” older ways of doing things. Refreshing! Thanks for this series.
Arlean Fry
I would love to win the book to learn different methods of
doing the double wedding ring. My Grandmother made some.
Priceless!
carol m. lamon
I began quilting just last year & am loving it. The double wedding ring & the cathedral window were always favorites of mine, even before I knew what to do in order to have one. I may ust give it a go if I win.
Sarah Roberts
Victoria is precious. Her quilts are exciting AND comforting. Such fun.
Linda Rupe
I’m truly amazed by our shared experiences. My grandmother made a quilt of polyester double knit for me because it would be warm and durable. I now teach quilting and someone asked if I thought it would be acceptable. I told her that quilt is over 40 years old and has endured a lot of wear while my cotton and silk quilts have frayed and required repair.
Margaret Zupfer
Love the Bright Lights Big City quilt.
Jo
I once cut a double wedding ring quilt but putting it together did not go well the dvd would really help I have one from my grandmother and would love to figure it out and give one to my daughter
janedrewel
I love the brought red. I want to make one.
Millis
I love Victoria’s work and this new book would really kick start my ability to open up to more creative ideas on making the traditional patterns modern and relative with today’s families. Hope I win it! Can’t wait to get inspired!!!
Barbara R.
I love the use of non-traditional colors in the double wedding ring quilt!
Linda
Victoria’s quilts are just filled with joy—-I have a family quilt too made of poly fabrics—-and it was just what was needed when my mother was with me when she had alzheimer’s—it was warm and survived all the years we needed it.. And still doesn’t look too bad…. What else can you wash a thousand times???…I would so love to win the DVD–thank you for this great show….Thank you ,Victoria for a fab book…
Ruth Lutz
Hi Nancy,
The moment I saw this post I was smitten! I love red and white… and Victoria’s feature quilt spoke to me in a way I can hardly describe. The flow of red into white with the perfect sprinkling of contrasting color is simply breathtaking! Frankly, all of her work is beautiful and I know I am now inspired to add more quilts to our home! Thank you for highlighting this talented artist!
Warm regards,
Ruth Lutz
Diana G
What lovely colors she has in her book. I would love to learn to make a double wedding ring quilt and teach my granddaughters how to make one as well .
Thank you for the give away!
Grace
Oh, I’m such a fan of the way Victoria melds modern with traditional. I’d love to make a double wedding ring quilt of my own someday… and I’d love all the help from VFW I can get! I’ll definitely check this book out when I get a chance.
Barb Mader
I heard Victoria speak in Henderson MN in November. It was so interesting and inspiring. I made a Christmas table runner for my mother from “made” fabric. So much fun to come up with my own design. Some day I want to make a Double Wedding Ring quilt.
Judith
Beautiful!!! I especially love the “Bright Lights Big City”.
In the ’70’s the ladies of our church made lap robes out of polyester double knits for the ‘old folks homes’ in our area. Such fun!
Judith
Beautiful!!! I love the “Bright Lights Big City’.
Dorothy Van Pelt
I have been wanting to make a Double Wedding Ring Quilt for a long time for my daughter. I also would love one on my bed also.
Cheryl Masters
I have been wanting to make a double wedding ring quilt as I can remember. I’m 66 now and still have a very strong hankering to go for it. I don’t think I’m too old. All I have to do is stick around long enough to make it and finish it. I have been told it is much better to finish something than to be perfect and not finish. Yes, I would really like to win this, just to break my record. I would like to let you know how much I appreciate your help. Sincerely,
Cheryl Masters
Jennifer Fried
Dear Nancy and Victoria, How adventuresome, really bold moves. I also was inspired by the Crazy quilts. I have some that I grew up with from my Great Aunt Evy, made from cotton, and an old one, made from velvets, satins and such, that I bought at an auction when I was in high school. ( So many years ago. ) I am fond of the Christmas past quilt. I love these shows and blogs that you have Nancy. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer Fried
Shirley Wells
The first quilt I ever attempted has curves like so many of these that are featured in this book. Maybe I’ll be inspired to finish my 43 year old UFO!
Jennifer Daly
I absolutely adore Bright Lights, Big City and every other quilt I’ve seen from
Victoria. I consider myself to be a traditionalist but her quilts are making my brain move in another whole direction! Beautiful, energetic work!
Enid
I love the double wedding ring.
Shirley Clark
That first quilt is amazing, and what a conversation piece! My mil used to make Double Wedding Quilt tops. I love that they are all so unique.
Ruth Lutz
Dear Nancy,
I was completely smitten from the first moment I saw Victoria’s red and white “Greatest Possible Trust”. What an incredibly beautiful piece of artistry! I am indeed inspired to add a new quilt or two to our home… I LOVE red and white! Thank you for all the ways you have influenced my sewing and my life.
Sincerely,
Ruth Lutz
Sandra Cantrell
What inspiration. I want to start on my second quilt!
Beres
All the quilts are inspiring and so different but I think Bright Lights Big City is just ‘outside the box’ . It is stunningly beautiful, so colourful interesting and so eye catching . I find I keep going back to it, I just love it. Thank you Victoria
Colleen Bergin
Our guild in Madison, VA held a workshop based on Victoria’s first book and we had some pretty amazing results! Loved the show with Nancy & Victoria that I caught this am. Can hardly wait to get my hands on her new book!
Deb
I LOVE Victoria’s style and her quilts!
Virginia
I’ve been quilting non-stop since 1988 when I retired fron teaching but still love seeing and learning and trying new things., Am thoroughly enjoying Victoria’s work.
Pat Allen
Double wedding quilts have a special place in my heart. Over 70 years ago my great grandmother made her last double wedding ring quilt as she was going blind. At the time I was not born but that quilt was made for me as she had done for all her great grand kids.She lived to see me with her failing eyesight. I cherish that quilt and it will be passed down to my only grand daughter Her stitches are beautiful and a work of art.
Jen L.
I love the retro poly mod. The large pieces and fun colors just make me smile. I think that is the whole reason to quilt…to make you happy.
Diane C
This DVD would be great. I want to do a double wedding ring. I also like the retro poly mod design.
Janet Scragg
I absolutely love the double wedding ring style and have been toying with the notion of creating one in the new future…, this blog post and the show have inspired to me to make that a reality rather than just an idea.
Peggy
I love the double wedding ring quilt, but haven’t attempted to make one of my own. Victoria makes it look so easy sewing those curves that I may just have to jump in and make one. I have a double knit quilt that was a gift and have had it for 20 plus years and it still looks new and oh so warm. Thank you Nancy for bringing these talented people on your show to inspire us in doing something new. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us also.
Rebecca
I haven’t entered the world of quilting, but I really would love to. These quilts are especially beautiful. I plan on one day making a double wedding ring quilt with the excess fabric from my wedding.
Judi
I’ve never tried a Double Wedding Ring quilt, but would love to try this. I love the colors you’ve selected for the different projects. Thanks Judi.
Janie
I love the look of the modern Double Wedding Ring quilt. I would love to have the CD. Thank you so much for your inspirations and the giveaway.
Dei Woodson
I just watched the Part 2 Quilt Traditions Made Modern – I have to say this has been my favorite Nancy show. I am inspired by Victoria’s artistry, innovation and reverence for the traditional. I enjoyed the marriage of the new with the old with uninhibited color and fabric choice. Very liberating!
Kate
Eight weeks after my wedding, 21 years ago my mother in law past away. A double wedding ring quilt top, made of original feed sack was in a box under her bed. My sister in law has been the owner for 21 years. It is still just a top. I have collect reproduction feed sack material for many years. I have signed up for double wedding ring classes for them only to be canceled due to lack of interest. I teach family and consumer science, sadly no more sewing classes. I found your book while surfing the web Black Friday. I would love to have the CD to accompany the book I purchased on Amazon.
Jasper Hunsucker
Might want to blur out Charlotte’s last name on the minifig. Would be pretty easy to figure out her e-mail is quite possibly [email protected]