Celebration Under the Freedom Tree is my latest addition to my growing Juneteenth Quilt collection. I tend to enjoy collections. To date, I have a red and white quilt collection and a Christmas quilt collection.

When I think of summer celebrations during my youth in my small town, there is always a big shade tree involved. Most people did not have air conditioners so time was spent on the porch or under a tree to escape the sweltering heat. So when I think of a Juneteenth celebration, in my mind, it would certainly take place under a tree.

The center panel of the quilt by Sue Penn provided the perfect solution for my need to make a quickie quilt. I loved the muted colors, and the fact that it did not appear to be an ordinary tree.

I appliqued words to the leaves of the tree and the word “Juneteenth” to the trunk. Four borders, including one made from African fabric and a yellow one to symbolize happiness, make the tree measure 48 X 58 inches.

After Celebration Under the Freedom Tree was machine quilted by Maxine Moore, I added little “free” charms throughout the tree.

The back of the quilt is a yellow and blue African print. There is a hanging sleeve for easy display and a label that documents the quilt.

I signed the quilt on the front and added a “Free” charm. This quilt is one-of-a-kind and will make its public debut June 15th at the City of South Fulton Juneteenth exhibit at the Southwest Arts Center. Stay tuned for future posts about the exhibit.