07.09.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Antiques, Quilt History at 12:20 pm by Administrator
The bed cover you see above was languishing in the corner of an antique store and begging me to purchase it. Actually, my first impression was that I did not want it. As any two color quilt would, it photographs well. The tufts of yarn that hold it together create a secondary interest. The main motif, for some reason, reminds me of a Ship’s Wheel. However, I have not had time to research any published names for this pattern.
We purchased this on the same day that we bought the spanking clean, never used, nineteenth century, sixteen-patch, hand-quilted quilt from a Connecticut estate. The two textiles are decidedly different in workmanship, but one quality that they share in common is that are both finished. That’s a good word - “finished.”
Nineteenth century browns, double pinks, and chrome yellow prints were used to create this 19th century gem.
Hope you enjoy seeing this kinds of pieces of the past.
Patricia Cummings
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05.01.08
Posted in Antiques, Quilts at 10:53 am by Administrator
The “Prince’s Feather,” sometimes called “Princess Feather” appliqué design has captured quilters’ imaginations for quite a long time. Recently, I had reason to find out more about its history. After exploring book after book in my personal library, I happened across the research paper, “The Princess Feather: Exploring a Quilt Design” by Carol Williams Gebel in Uncoverings 2007, a publication of the American Quilt Study Group. I was happy to find an extensive article that answered all my questions, and more!
Coincidentally, I found this beautiful example in an eBay auction:
1860s “Princess Feather,” 86″ x 86″, eBay auction 360006141983.
Quilts of this type are often set in a four block format. The colors of this particular quilt strike me as unusual. The only antique quilt I have seen in this style was rendered in red on a white background … and was so decrepit, I left it in the antiques store.
A certain amount of skill in appliqué is needed to work any variation of this design. The radial extensions or “plumes” are representative of the hat of the Prince of Wales. If you are at all interested, I’d suggest that you read the thorough treatment of the topic in Uncoverings. Only two of the hundreds of quilts studied by the author had a yellow background.
To make your own, smaller version of a Princess Feather design, download the free instructions offered by Windham Fabrics, with Debby Kratovil’s design, and Gerald Roy’s beautiful line of “Regency Dandy” Fabrics.
Do something fun today!
Patricia Cummings
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04.07.08
Posted in Antiques at 9:53 pm by Administrator
Lately, I’ve often been asked about old unfinished quilt tops. I have several that I bought. One is too old to withstand quilting. The other would never lay flat, as it was pieced incorrectly. Usually, I don’t even think about finishing quilts started by other people. It would be surprising if I complete my own unfinished work, both embroidered pieces and quilt tops.
The most important consideration, if you are thinking about turning a quilt top into a quilt, is how old the fabric is. If that is from 1935 or later, chances are good that you will be able to hand quilt the top with no trouble. A student of mine did just that with her grandmother’s quilt, and I was pleased a few years later to see it hanging in a quilt show.
Remember that cotton is a natural fiber. It dries out, over time, becomes brittle, or will turn to dust, with the slightest provocation.
Quilt Tops are popular with collectors. They are easy to store. The purist would not consider finishing any antique item of this kind, or any kind. Think about what will happen when you no longer are the caretaker of the top. Will it be thrown out by someone who thinks it is of no value because it hasn’t been finished into a bed cover? Or can you leave written instructions about its value, as a teaching accessory for lectures or classes?
My best advice is to consider the final use of the piece. Do you want to “use it up, and throw it out,” or do you want to preserve a piece of history, as is, without superimposing machine quilting (Heaven forbid!), or your work, which may or may not have reached a standard equal to that of the original quilter.
The choice is yours, and heaven knows, you own the quilt top. Do whatever makes you happy. You’ll just want to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. As always, no quilt police will be sent to your home, if you make a poor decision. No matter the outcome, you will have to live with it. Good luck!
When did you say you were starting a new quilt of your own?
Patricia Cummings
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