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.
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!
i've heard the rule of thumb when dating quilts is that they are as old as the newest fabric...
ReplyDeleteIn Robin's first quilt, the plaid sashing in the center of the photo appears to be cut on the bias. Interesting and to me indicates scraps. I would think the indigos are older and doubt Uncle Clarence had flower prints on his shirts. Probably many of the fabrics are from his shirts but not all. Old friend Dottie (1914-2017) just keeps on giving information. I have fabrics from her scrap bag that include some of her grandmother's, mother's, mother in law's fabrics. Deep scrap bag! Nothing went to waste. Thanks for sharing these interesting quilt tops.
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