1930's Sampler Florence Pitzer

One of my favorite blocks in the quilt 

It was never my intention to add a 1930's quilt to my collection...I think it was the embroidered name over a period of the 1930's and the variety of blocks that really spoke to my heart.

It is a sampler quilt by Florence Pitzer, with blocks dated 1934 - 1938.  I did Google the name (which felt rather invasive to Florence) and found some matches to the name but have yet to pursue them.  One of the matches would have her newly married in the midst of the depression embroidering the blocks for this quilt.

Sampler Quilt 1930's - Hand Pieced

The quilt is composed of 20 blocks, three of which are embroidered with the name Florence Pitzer.

Each pattern is hand appliqued to the cream background.  Even the Log Cabin block is appliqued on.

The blocks are hand pieced, appliqued and embroidered.  The quilt is hand quilted in motifs that change with each block.  It is not a quilt as you go or pot holder quilt.

The border was hand pieced and applied by machine.  The finished blocks also appear to be joined by machine.

Large variety of scraps in a pleasing sampler quilt!

Corner Detail

Closeup of the corner, each corner is a 'rounded kite' in a solid color.

Hand drawn quilting motifs vary in each block.

The crisp crease of the hand applied binding leads me to think it was commercial binding.  However, during the depression years she may have made it?
It is pieced in pink and yellow.

Whisker Guard Detail - Back

The top edge has a 'whisker guard or 'chin protector' hand basted in place with a large running stitch.  The floral motif is hand appliqued in needle turn style, then an outline stitch was added around the edges.  The leaves are applique as well, but have lost all their color.

The backing is a dot print in blue, red and yellow.

The wear around the edge of the protector allows me to peek in and the binding looks pristine underneath.  Seems the protection was well planned and the protected the quilt as intended.

Album block with date and signature

One of the three dated blocks.

This block is the latest, dated 1938.  It is embroidered with two shades of red thread, one for the signature, the darker for the date.   It isn't the 'last' block in the quilt - the lower right "bottom" block is dated 1936, and the first block, or upper left, is dated 1934.

Cross hatch quilting around this block mirrors the piecing.

Both rockers have similar gold cord cushions

The little rockers are for holding sewing supplies like scissors, spools of thread and thimbles.

The rocker the left is numbered 2100 on the bottom.  It has a drawer and the opening on the seat back is quite wide.  Packets of bias binding etc would fit, as well as scissors.

The rocker on the right has the letter 'C' on the bottom.  It has an arched top, no drawer

The green crochet sewing kit has thread and a piece of wool under the lid for needles.  The knit pin holder is rounds if knitting spiraled.

Did the maker have a sewing machine?

Like many quilters I like Feather weights.  I have two, an Egyptian scroll, and this 'newer' white version.

Both sew wonderfully and I invested in a quarter inch foot for each.  I will admit is not using them much!






Thanks for stopping by - have a great day!


References:
Make your own sewing rocker
One of many resources for Featherweight info
Free Knit and Crochet Pincushion Patterns
Florence Pitzer is this the quilt maker?