Can you believe it is already day 7 of Christmas in July? ...As they say...time flies when you are having fun!
This month we are not only celebrating Christmas in July, but also our country's independence! We mentioned in the newsletter this past Thursday that the popular image of Santa was first made by political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, and served as inspiration for the Baltimore Christmas Quilt. Well, we became intrigued with the history around Santa and decided to dig up some of Nast's other work. So, today we celebrate Christmas in July and the rich history of our young country during the month of our independence!
First, the good stuff!
Baltimore Christmas is just GORGEOUS!
With our block of the month starting this August, you, too, can have this in your home! Designed by Pearl of P3 Designs, she created a 24" center medallion Santa block that is surrounded by twelve 12" album style blocks. The quilt is finished off with a lovely holly and berry swag applique border. Over the course of 13 months you receive all the quilt top blocks and binding along with the embellishments necessary to complete the quilt.
Now, for a little bit of history!
Thomas Nast was best known for his political cartoons during his time working at Harper's Weekly - he officially became a staff member in 1862. During the time of the Civil War, Nast made some of his most popular images - specifically, Santa Claus!
This month we are not only celebrating Christmas in July, but also our country's independence! We mentioned in the newsletter this past Thursday that the popular image of Santa was first made by political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, and served as inspiration for the Baltimore Christmas Quilt. Well, we became intrigued with the history around Santa and decided to dig up some of Nast's other work. So, today we celebrate Christmas in July and the rich history of our young country during the month of our independence!
First, the good stuff!
Baltimore Christmas is just GORGEOUS!
With our block of the month starting this August, you, too, can have this in your home! Designed by Pearl of P3 Designs, she created a 24" center medallion Santa block that is surrounded by twelve 12" album style blocks. The quilt is finished off with a lovely holly and berry swag applique border. Over the course of 13 months you receive all the quilt top blocks and binding along with the embellishments necessary to complete the quilt.
Now, for a little bit of history!
Thomas Nast was best known for his political cartoons during his time working at Harper's Weekly - he officially became a staff member in 1862. During the time of the Civil War, Nast made some of his most popular images - specifically, Santa Claus!
The image of Santa above is most likely what we all conjure up in our minds when we think of Mr. Claus. This was first drawn by Nast in the holiday season of 1862. While Baltimore Christmas Album quilts were made in the 1840s and 1850s, Pearl brought in the popular image of this Santa as the center medallion.
This cover is especially interesting - Nast drew Santa with his sleigh and he is delivering gifts to soldiers during the Civil War. This cover was featured in January of 1863. Below, Nast illustrates what the soldiers and their families went through during the holiday season when troops were unable to come home for Christmas. Quilting was so special during this time of our country's history. Quilts kept families and troops warm, guided travelers seeking freedom, and now serve today as story tellers of our countries history. 
We hope you enjoyed a little bit of history surrounding the folklore of Santa in the US and with Baltimore Christmas you can bring the history into your home!
Happy Quilting,
QBTB
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