Created to commemorate Juneteenth becoming an official federal holiday in the USA, Apremoo is a modern take on a traditional African-inspired pattern. Representing thunder and lightning, the design symbolizes both power and resistance, while reminding us to continue to fight for our rights. On the surface, Apremoo is a simple pattern, almost log cabin-like. It allows the quilter to either piece or foundation paper piece the blocks depending on their skill and comfort. Although both methods will prove to be challenging, and demand patience, the result produces a fun and lively quilt, reminiscent of African symbolism.
Meet TaMara Howard
Inspired by the many colorful stories she had heard about her great-grandmother, Maggie V. Folk McClellan (1879-1967), TaMara was called to follow in her footsteps by pursuing what she considered to be the craft of quilting. Without even a sewing machine, she began studying patchwork techniques, color theory, quilt layout and quilt design in 1996. Since that time, her love for quilting has evolved into a deep and genuine passion for the art form. Her work fuses the old with the new, the traditional with the modern, and the recently woven with the recycled.
When she’s not quilting, she enjoys canning, making sourdough bread, and attending all her kid’s sports, dance, and music activities. As a member of the Pittsburgh (PA) Modern Quilt Guild, you can find more of TaMara’s work on Instagram at @folkquilts.
Photos by Rebecca Kuritz
This pattern is available only to members of The Modern Quilt Guild. Not a member? Learn more about joining here.