Honeybee Applique Medallion c. 1840 Reproduction

This is a crib or lap size quilt I hand appliqued and hand quilted in 2007.  My handwork is a work in progress and small projects like this give me practice - and allow me to finish in a shorter period of time.

This is the corner detail of the bottom band.

I am working my way through the projects in the 1990 book:
"Great Little Quilts"
45 Antique Crib and Doll Sized Quilts
by Eleanor Levie
ISBN 0-8109-3353-5

I chose a stripe for the applique and a light print for the background.  Looks like is has been folded too long!  I think I finished this in 2007.   My bad...another with no label....

The fabrics are all In The Beginning fabrics, 'Antique 1800's Blends'.

It is hand appliqued and quilted.

It went together ok, and I think it is a timeless design that many fabrics could be used.  Wouldn't it be great in a scrappy version?

This is the center corner medallion detail.

It's been folded away never used or washed.  I think I could add some quilting.  The original has cross hatching fairly close together.  With so many curves I also thought about adding some echo lines around the motifs.

The original is pictured in the book and is noted as a circa 1840

39" x 51".

It is done in red print on a cream solid ground - light binding.

This is the backing & binding - same fabric line.

You can see I need to work on getting those hand quilting stitches smaller!  Always a goal....

I have a couple other projects from this book to share in future posts.  One project is basted ready for hand quilting.  If you don't already have a copy - consider picking one up.  Books such as this one are timeless.

However instead of hand quilting I have been playing with fabric!  Dreaming of future projects - hope you are too....

In the meantime I'll be starting #21 of Beyond The Cherry Trees.....
















Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by today.

Elongated 9 Patch Variation and Free Huswif Pattern Link

Nine Patch Variation

So many options!


I just love simple blocks, done in scrappy fabrics.  The composition of the whole is more important than any one block alone.


The simple block is "6 finished.  This particular quilt was the result of a block swap.  Swaps are a nice way to get a variety of prints and see prints put together you may not have thought of.  I added several of my own blocks to get a bed sized quilt.


I chose a medium colored border - stripe, but I think I could have left the border off for a more antique look.

Detail of the 6" Blocks

There are some duplicate prints in the quilt, but never combined with the same secondary fabric.


Some of the blocks are threes prints, others two.


Some of the values are medium and can be used as light or dark alternating colors.

The binding is also scrappy - two prints.


The backing is a Documentaries print in flannel.  It is all machine pieced and quilted.


I used to live in the 'North Country' and flannel backs are so warm - they keep the quilt on the bed too!


Ivory, white, cream and beige all work together.

Same block - not as scrappy!


The chrome yellow makes a stunning alternating block.


This block is also a nice option for a friendship quilt. where each light was signed.


Using only light corners, the secondary design is a diagonal line.  The blocks with red prints are all contained within the center of the quilt.

This is a reproduction sampler from The Examplarery (unable to find a link).  It is worked over two threads on natural linen.


I made the huswif with reproduction fabrics, and have made several as gifts.  Very fun project!


The thread paddle and needle safe are nice tools to keep threads in order. 


All nice little compliments for quilts!

Here's a closeup of the walnut thread paddle and the inside of the needle keep.


I chose a walnut tone reproduction fabric for the lining and a scrap of fluffy wool.


I have other pieces to this series I am still stitching; a pin box and a covered tape measure.





Thanks for stopping in - I'm off to the sewing room to play with nine patch variations!


Resources:
Book:  Masterpiece Quilts from the James Collection, International Quilt Study Center
   Chrome Quilt Example, no patterns
Huswif Patterns:
Free Huswif Pattern I used
Pockets and Rollups for My Red Cape Edyth C. O'Neil  (Must have book!!)
  I have a roll up from this book that was a special gift
Thread Paddle Kit
Museum Samplers Reproduction Resources:
   The Scarlett Letter
   The Essamplaire
   Traditional Stitches


 

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?

Virginia Medallion c. 1840 Medallion Free Pattern

Scrappy Corner

Medallion design, scrappy fabrics, reproduced from a museum original - hard to pass up!!

I rarely buy kits, but this one really 'spoke' to me.  It was also one of those projects I started, and couldn't put down - including the hand quilting.

Isn't this corner interesting?  Scrappy fabrics, many reproduced from the original quilt, some added from my stash just to make it a bit more scrappy and unique for me.

I think the pinwheels make it look a little contemporary.

Can you find this corner in the whole quilt photo?

Entire Quilt - Quilted & Bound

Mariann Simmons, in cooperation with the Virginia Quilt Museum, created a free online pattern for Quilting Treasures fabric company from the original quilt.  How lucky are we?!?!

The original is at the Virginia Quilt Museum, and is thought to be c. 1840.

Note the scrappy backgrounds in the flying geese round.  One side uses the gray/blue as the light while the other sides have the background varied with light prints.

I would like to do this one again in some brights, or maybe indigo blues?  So many possibilities - makes this a timeless design.

I like how the outer round just cuts off at each corner.

Little Star Corner

So many opportunities to play with bits of fabrics.

The little star corners are so dainty.

The stripes are fun to mix and change the directions.

I could never pass up a great paisley so used a couple colorways of this one - including the beautiful red for the backing and binding.

The pattern states it is for Expert Level - but I think the instructions are so well written it would not be a problem for anyone, I did - give it a go!

Red backing and tag

I did get a tag made for this one, which I vow to get better at labeling my projects!  At least I have it pinned on.  Will have to stitch it down before this one goes back in storage.  I think I'll get to it, or remember the details...and my best intentions go out the window with the start of a new project.

Speaking of a new project, I've been trying to hold off, but I have a few in mind...sighhh...never enough hours in the day.

What's your favorite museum quilt?
Has a pattern been reproduced?

Double thick yet 'soft' goat skin thimbles

Last but not least - these are my favorite thimbles.  They are goat leather and handmade.  I've worn one out (through three tops).

These are my two new ones - one for DD.

I need to 'feel' and these are thick but still allow me to feel more than a metal thimble does.  I know... all personal preference.   I've been working more lately on my hand quilting and these are really working well for me.

The first I bought at a quilt show, but these I ordered directly from Elaine.  Wonderful service.


Thanks for stopping by!
I hope you decide to make this quilt.

References:
Free Pattern
Virginia Quilt Museum
Double Thick Thimbles

Crazy - My Heart is Glad Because of Thee

Happy Mother's Day whenever and wherever you celebrate.

This crazy quilt piece and sampler sum it up for me, "My Heart Is Glad Because of Thee"
Even when we get a little crazy my DH and children fill my heart.  Maybe even more when we are crazy!

Italian leather pin/needle holder
Bone crochet hooks (one double ended)
Reproduction hat pins and holder

My Heart Is Glad Because of Thee

Sampler detail
Linen over 2 - silk & metallic thread
Brass heart charm
Would love to give the designer credit - can't find the chart!
I've made several - all different designs.
I simply must get better at LABELS!

Vintage 'crazy' quilt square, hand embroidered with pearl cotton in various pastel colors.  Base fabric is muslin, decorative fabrics are cotton and linen.  Maybe 1940's?

Detail of the hand stitching intersection, multiple florals and stripes.  This is the only pastel Crazy I've seen, but it much later than the 1890's heavily embellished style of a 'true' crazy.
It is very basic, no figural embroidery or motifs.


The back is labeled #6 so it probably came out of a larger project.  I think it had been finished at some point because the seam allowances have threads and signs of being turned under.

Some of the hand stitching runs along seams, others are stitched over the top.

Beautiful roses and soft stripes.


I bought this piece in the 1980's in the Chicago suburbs.   My DD used it for a doll quilt for years, so it has a few special memories.

I think it makes a pretty dresser scarf as well.

Hardanger detail of the small runner under the pin holder.
Hand crochet trim in matching pearl cotton #8.
A little course for crochet thread, but it is a unique piece I made.

Glad I chose a timeless neutral ivory shade.

About 6" x 18"

Love the stripes with the large flowers.

I think the pink graphic in the bottom stripe has a deco look.



Have a soft and gentle week and weekend however you decide to spend it.

Regards,

Dawn