First

Questions about Aunt Nelle's Quilts

 

Good morning and how are you?

I just love when a topic creates so many comments!

Robin sent me an email with these photos.  She inherited Aunt Nelle's quilt tops that were as Robin put it, "supposedly made from Uncle Clarence's work shirts."  Aunt Nelle passed away in 1961. 

Robin learned to quilt on this first piece:

Robin said, she loved the use of the chambray in this piece below:

For some of us who have studied antique quilts, these examples may present even more questions.  Without the back story of these pieces, I would have sworn each was from the late 19th/early 20th centuries.  

Aunt Nelle had what we call "a deep scrap bag."    This term doesn't appear often in current modern quilting articles.  The term implies that the fabric used in the quilt appears to span a few different decades.  In this case, fabric might have been passed down in the family or gifted from friends.  And by the way, it isn't that unusual to see a quilt that fits the description.  

Chambray which is the alternate block in the nine patch was very popular in the early 20th century because calico quality had diminished.  Chambray and gingham were the two most popular cotton fabrics because of the durability those fabrics provided.

Bow tie quilt from my collection, other photos of this quilt can be found on this post.

In the case of the first quilt, I wondered if orphan blocks had been handed handed down to Aunt Nelle.  Certainly the sashing in the first quilt appears mid-century.  

Robin is interested in hearing what the readers insights might be--especially those of you with some quilt history background.  

As she put it, " I agree that Aunt Nelle probably inherited fabric from her mother, sisters, and her aunt who was a dressmaker." 

I also wondered about the indigos that appeared and Robin said,  "It could be indigo, I inherited a hand pieced indigo and white quilt as well."

So let us know what you think.  One thing is for sure, the quilts are lovely and look so soft and comforting, don't they?

Have a safe and happy day!

Lucky's Gotcha Day

 

Happy Monday!

Today marks the first anniversary of Lucky's Gotcha Day--a celebration of when we adopted our pupster!

Been a year of learning and guessing since all we know about his past was that he was microchipped and abandoned on the streets of Allentown.  The first time the Humane Society found him, his owners via microchip came to pick him up.  The second time--well the people had moved and disconnected their phone.  

Lucky was so matted that the vet had to anesthetize him to shave him down.  He was also terribly underweight--a mere 17 lbs instead of the recommended weight of 25.

Lucky at the pound.

The boy didn't know what a treat was or how to play with a toy.  We've taught him all this and more but there is still a bit of a wild streak in him.  

We suspect he is part terrier (and most agree Jack Russell fits the behavior).  He jumps up and mouths us even though he KNOWS at this point it is not good pup etiquette.

I like to say he puts the "terror" into terrier.  😁

But we do love and adore him and that is all that matters.  He's gotten quite comfortable with us and by September I knew he had realized he is in his forever home. 

We are happy to have him in our family and enjoy all his antics.  He is one hilarious fellow!

Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!

Friday Finishes

 

Happy Friday!

 I've gotten some finishes completed this week!  They are nothing fancy but at least they are done!

A sports themed quilt for my cousin's girlfriend son.  I can't really give quilts to Jeff's girls without including ??  I don't even know his name and have never met him.  Nevertheless, the 7 year old boy who loves sports is getting a quilt!

I have two of these quilts and I will probably be binding the second one Friday morning.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the quilts.  I was simply trying to use up charm packs.

But then my cousin called and she is having a get together the day after Christmas.  The 30s prints remind us of Nana and she was close to Nana too.  So I know she will get this one.  I had a little piece of vintage fabric from Nana's stash and used it for the binding.

Lastly, I decided to keep the teal tree UFOs and make them home decor for the holiday.  These will be hung at or placed at various places in December.

I'm actually looking forward to decorating with these!

Wishing you a fun and happy weekend!

Thimble Thursday: Halloween!

 

Happy Halloween!

Have a safe and happy day!

1950s Cotton Fabric: Men's!

 

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Monday's post seemed to hit a chord with people.  Sue's email though was the funniest:  "I agree the fabrics are reminiscent of men's PJs, but they also remind me of my Dad's boxer shorts which I had to iron.  My ironing wasn't good enough for his shirts.  I was smart.  My younger sisters got the important ironing. Surely there's a lesson there."

I too had to iron my Dad's hankies around age 6 but I don't remember Nana making us do Pop's boxers.  I think she probably wanted us playing and not underfoot.  When and how did you start ironing?

But this conversation got me thinking.  There were times during the history of quilting that men's wear fabrics were a big part of quilting.  Most prominently, shirtings.

I have always thought this top was circa 1900 although it is difficult to say for sure.  The top is comprised of men's shirtings which gives it a nice airy look.

The top also features conversation fabric like below.  This kind of shirting was popular in the late 1800s for men's shirtings and often pieces of the fabric can be seen in quilts during that time.

Later, maybe in the 1990s (can't remember for sure) there was reproduction fabric made that featured conversation.  All I know was that I bought some and later made this quilt from the fabric.

Then I thought about quilts I had seen from the 1950s...and even earlier.  I can't remember many masculine prints being featured in any quilt.  Yet I know that lots of women sewed and there must have been more fabrics suitable for pajamas and boxers at fabric stores and factory outlets.

I think that women gravitated to more pretty prints (maybe?).  Or didn't want people to think that Dad's boxers had been recycled in the family quilt.  😁

Still some of the prints from men's pajamas back then were pretty neat.  Take a look at these:

Would you include any of these fabrics in a quilt you were making?

Have a safe and happy day!

Tuesday's This and That: October 29, 2024

 

Good morning and happy Tuesday!

It's the week of Halloween and I have to say that Lucky will be relieved when the festivities are over.  He doesn't like a lot of the neighborhood decor and in particular blow up figures that wave in the wind really startle him.

I don't have the heart to tell him that there might be some inflated Turkeys coming and then the real neighborhood decor lights up with Christmas decorations.  

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I've been seeing this blurb pop-up on Pinterest and thought I would share it--especially for the new quilters and sewists.  Superior threads has an article on "Bad Habits Quilters Need to Quilt" and it's an article that all new seamstresses should read.  You can check it out here.

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Louise T. is also dancing with her stash.  She sent me some photos of mini-notebook covers she has been making.  What a great way to use scraps!  She even has orders to make some holiday ones!  Way to go Louise!  These are wonderful!

Thanks Louise!

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Have a safe and happy day!