South Carolina was one of the original 13 colonies, established in 1663. Named after King Charles I, Charleston became one of the wealthiest cities in colonial America, due to rice and indigo plantations worked by enslaved Africans.
By 1860, South Carolina had more enslaved people than free people—the only state where that was true. The state’s economy was built entirely on slavery, and its leaders were slavery’s most vocal defenders.
On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union after Lincoln’s election. Fiver months later, Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, starting the Civil War.
Today, South Carolina is known for its mustard-based barbecue sauce and almost a half-million acres of salt marsh. Fun fact: quite a bit of “Forrest Gump” was filmed in South Carolina.
Quilt Block
While searching for a block for South Carolina, I came across several different quilt museums in the state. what I noticed in each was the predominance of quilt made with the Grandmother’s Flower Garden block. This block gives a chance to work on a little English paper piecing, a new skill for the Quarter Millennial Quilt.
The pattern includes templates for the six hexagons you’ll need to make, with a few extra to practice on. If you’re new to hexie-making, make sure to watch the tutorial to learn how to baste the fabric onto the templates, sew them together and make it into a block for your Quarter Millennial Quilt.
Quilt Shops
SewEndipitous in Rock Hill, SC consistently wins awards as a phenomenal quilt shop. Check out their website for their wide variety of fabrics and notions and put them on your to-visit list.
Quilting at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC offers panels, kits and patterns that are perfect for traveling visitors to take home as a souvenir along with classes and Janome machines.
I can’t wait to see what you make with the Grandmother’s Flower Garden block! If you’ve been to or live in South Carolina, tell me about your favorite quilt shops or places to visit there!
