Orphan Train: A Novel inspired Quilt

"Time constricts and flattens, you know.  It's not evenly weighted.  Certain moments linger in the mind and others disappear." -Christina Baker Kline, Orphan Train: A Novel

Orphan Train: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline is a story that switches between past and present to tell the story of two women with similarities who are brought together.  Vivian tells Molly her story of leaving New York City in 1929 on the orphan train to make her way to find a new family in Minnesota.  It is an interesting piece of historical fiction that will hold your attention from the very first page. 

One of the skills Vivian/Niamh learns is how to sew.  Sewing is important to Vivian throughout the book, and she even joins the quilting group in her town at one point in time.  Her quilting inspired me to give quilting another try.  

Materials:
-Light Colored Scrap Fabric
-Dark Colored Scrap Fabric
-Ruler
-Pencil
-Sewing Scissors
-Thread
-Sewing Machine

Directions:

1. Measure out squares of dark and light colored fabric 4 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches. Eight of each for the piece above.
2. Cut 4 of each of the pieces into four squares, 2 1/4 by 2 1/4.
3. Lay out the pieces in the following manner. Pin together and sew together.

  4.  Make 2 squares like the one above and two with the light color as the main fabric.  

   5. Attach all together to get the pattern.

6. Keep going if you want a full quilt or big wall hanging.  Sew pieces together and complete with binding, backing, and batting.

My fabric might be more updated, but the concept of quilting hasn't changed over time.