Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Red Floral Quilt ~ 1855



Quilts have been on my mind. Somehow I've been pulled into stitching two new quilt tops. I always feel like I have accomplished something if I complete one, and now I have two that I am sewing on at the same time. A little bit here and a little bit there.  I wonder --- will I actually achieve my goal of two completed quilt tops? Of course! Both are king size. I am motivated and both are Bonnie Hunter designs. I am enjoying learning her techniques and I really enjoy how there is a flow and ease to stitching her patterns.

Speaking of quilts, I thought I would share pictures of a quilt I found at an old flour mill and restaurant recently. It was on display along one wall of the eating area. The stitching is amazing! All hand-quilted, each stitch looks perfect to me, and I admit that I examined the quilt for awhile. The hand applique was also stunning. This quilt was made in 1855. It's easy to envision that the stitcher of this quilt was a pioneer who came west on the Oregon trail. Imagine the hours and hours of work that were spent in careful creation of this practical project. Don't you wish you knew the whole story?

Although it's not my place to worry about things like lack of protection from light and dust, I was concerned that it was displayed in an open area where it could be touched and handled. The note pinned to the quilt with an old pin concerns me as well, as it looks to be on the verge of rusting. What would you do? Would you talk to the business owner about care of the gem of this antique quilt? Sometimes it is really tough to mind your own business when you have appreciation for the stitching of another. An inquiring mind wants to know.

9 comments:

  1. It is beautiful. I know what you mean about whether to say something or not. I designed and coordinated the making of a large quilt for a previous church I attended. Everytime I visit there and
    see the sun shining on it I want to say something, but don't. The stitches on this beautiful quilt are indeed amazing.

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  2. Hi! Of course your quilts will be done! A little here and there will work! As for this beauty of a quilt. First, if I had the money, I would ask if I could purchase it. If not then I do this that I would say something to the owner anout the historical value of the quilt and that it might be Irreversibly damaged in it's present location. What a treasure it is... Still so vibrant !

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  3. Perhaps the windows are low E...hopefully, they are. I don't think anyone would mind a sweet person like you expressing concern. Enjoy doing your quilt tops. That would take me forever!

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  4. I think I would offer to buy it and save it...but...they probably wouldn't be willing to sell it.

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  5. I seem to be into quilting now too! I flip in and out of the crafting I love to do....never enough time for it all, right? I share your concern for the quilt. I think I would have to say something....it is such a treat. Maybe you could go prepared to answer their questions?

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  6. It's a dilemma! I'm not sure what I would do, but I'm glad you saw it to love it!

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  7. I believe you should say something....and I know you can present your thoughts in a very sweet manner! Perhaps the management doesn't have knowledge of quilts and the things that can bring harm to them over the years. It's just stunning! I can't imagine charging $4 for something like that, but then I guess that was a lot of money at one time! Do we get to see your quilt tops in progress? *Smile*

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  8. Beautiful! I love to see the artistry of ladies in years past. Like others, I think you should offer to buy it and rescue it.
    ~Adrienne~

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  9. Hi La Tea Dah, what a lovely quilt did you post. I do remember the Sun Bonnet Sue quilt of your mom. Do you still have it. I never made one but I still really love to do.
    Hugs, Lucy

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