Hobo Quilts...

I thought you might like to know more about the Hobo Quilts book I have. Debra G. Henninger is the author, and it's a book brimful of designs and delightful stories. I've had it for a while, but have yet to start making blocks from it. I first wrote about this book HERE in 2011.

This is her design for the "Kind-Hearted (Woman) Lady" in her book. She refers to hobos as the "Knights of the Road", and there's a short tale to go with each block, along with photos from those bygone days. There are 55 blocks in the book, as well as patterns for assembling the blocks you create.

Here's the story she included for her "Kind-Hearted Lady" block. The hobos would simply draw the symbols on the gate posts or fences as a signal to other travelers whether or not the inhabitant of the house were friend or foe. There were symbols like "Bad Tempered Owner", "Catch Trolley Here", and "Doctor, No Charge". Whether or not I ever make any of the blocks, it's a unique look into our history. You might find it as interesting as I did.

More Hobo Quilt Love...

You might remember when I wrote this post about hobo signs and their popularity during the Depression. I had glanced at this book - Hobo Quilts by Debra Henninger - prior to that post, and decided that I should add it to my quilt library. It arrived two days ago and I couldn't wait to open it up and read between the covers!

I love the various blocks that go into the Hobo quilt, and have started to decide which blocks I would use if when I make my own. Of course, the "Kind-hearted Woman" (Lady) block would be first on my list!

I also liked the "At The Crossroad, Go This Way" block, because we all have had at least one crossroad in our lives, right? Most of us weren't lucky enough to have a "go this way" sign to guide us, either!

"Housewife Feeds For Chores". Yup. That's me! I'm a sucker for a handyman.

I've already decided that my Hobo quilt will only have happy blocks on it. No "Evil Man Lives Here" or "Dangerous" blocks in my quilt!

I'm really looking forward to reading all the stories the author tells about the lives of hobos (or tramps, as they were sometimes called), and the photos that go with them. Gosh! I guess I just added another quilt to my list, didn't I? That means I'm going to live a long, long life, right? I mean, I have too many projects to go anywhere anytime soon!