Artist Archives

Hand applique, machine quilted. I purchased this appliqued antique quilt top from the estate of Gale Wessel, a long time member of NSNG an chair of FAOF. Finishing this piece honors her and all of us who would wish for someone to finish our work.

Machine pieced and quilted. This piece is made of Laurel Burch fabric purchased on a shop hop trip. It will be a gift for my granddaughter Tyler when she graduates from college in May 2018.

Machine pieced. An NSNG class, led by Mary Ray, inspired me to start this jacket.

Machine sewn, binding sewn by hand. The color and texture of this wool attracted me years ago. I finally found a pattern to show off the wool to its best advantage.

Machine pieced & quilted. Quilting by Patricia Little This quilt is a wedding gift for my grandson Paul Schaarping and his bride Tiphanie. Paul works for the U.S Forest Service. The colors were chosen to compliment the couple’s home, the leaf and light theme to reflect Paul’s love of nature.

Machine pieced & quilted. This three dimensional “bow-tie” quilt is my traditional baby gift. I love lady bugs and was delighted to find this fabric and bought up all I could find. Sadly, this is the last of this. I learned this pattern at the Loving Stitches Quilt Shop in Stevensville, Michigan.

Machine pieced; machine quilted by Windy City Quilters. I learned the Crazy Quilt Stack and Whack technique in an Elizabeth Mini NSNG workshop. The blocks languished in a box for several years until I saw how Debbie Plato used sashing with her crazy quilt blocks. Christine Ischkum and Elisabeth Licata, friends from my weekly quiltingContinue reading “For Julie – With a Lot of Help from my friends

Gretchen Alexander

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The Sweet handkerchiefs on this quilt are part of my inheritance from my grandmother, mother, and my aunts. Some of the hankies are embellished with tatting, appliqué, and embroidery done by these Dear Ladies. I have made three butterfly handkerchief quilts; one for my Granddaughter Samantha, and Grandnieces Charlotte and Julia to continue the LegacyContinue reading “Legacy of Love

Gretchen Alexander

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Quilts for Cops is a national organization providing handmade quilts for police and other first responders who are injured in the line of duty. The Chicago group, hosted by the Chicago Police Chaplins Ministry, meets monthly! Come join us! (Machine pieced and machine quilted. Nancy Gonzalez is the long-arm quilter.)