But I think
what I like most about the top is the fact that the piecer was really “making do". The design is nominally ‘A Trip around The World’. But, I love the way the
piecer appears to have really tried to keep the
design as symmetrical as possible with in the confines of her scrap basket.
In the center,
there were not enough of any one fabric to go all the way ‘around the world’
but the piecer matched colors and textures so you still see the pattern. Even the dancing Indian patches were
scarce, but they were placed in the 4 corners of the central section to keep up
the symmetry!
 |
| left side |
 |
| right side |
And of course
wouldn’t you save a treasured scrap for the middle? This patch with the little faces is put in that honored spot and is the only patch of that fabric in the top.
I saw an example of the center fabric in a vintage quilt in a show a couple of years ago dated 1935. And there's some peachy rayon fabric in it that could have come from my mom's bathrobe from the 1950's. Clearly a scrap bag accumulated over decades!
Even tho’ the
top was machine pieced I decided to hand quilt it. I figured I could practice
my hand quilting on a vintage top that was not of great consequence or value
but it would lend it some charm. Of course the quilting took me about 3 years! I ended up abandoning my hoop and just lap quilting the top. Consequently the overall texture and feel of the quilt is very soft and inviting. Even tho' I have collected many quilts and tops since that fated day in Sister's this remains one of my favorites! Cheers, CW
This is a sweet little quilt. I like your decision to practice your hand stitching on such a charmer. The general look of many of these fabrics is very familiar. I'm just a tad bit older than you, and they definitely say 1950s.
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I see you're a new blogger, already sharing interesting projects. And I bet you're leaving comments here and there. As soon as we can reply, then a dialogue begins and new friendships start. It's addicting! I love it, and I've learned so much this way. I've found so much inspiration, whether I'm just reading or having an online conversation. My blogging has become as important to my quilting as my local quilting friends. But it can take a lot of time out of my days, and I have to keep a cap on it. I want my quilting to come first, and my blogging is down the list.
lovely quilt and stitches.
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