Plain blue half blocks edge top and bottom |
I recently found this one-patch at a Tucson quilt shop, Cactus Quilts, the only shop I know of that is willing to use precious retail space to offer vintage textiles to their customers. If you are ever in the Tucson area you will want to stop in!
This one appeals to me because the 'lozenge' shape is somewhat unique and because I love scrap quilts - so many fabrics to examine and exclaim over.
Plaids cut on the bias add movement and interest |
Dots, shirtings, checks and stripes |
A range of time periods represented |
What about that green and orange geometric! |
This one is often called Improved Nine Patch. I guess that's a matter of opinion - I'm not convinced one can improve on the classic nine patch - but this variation IS a graphic delight with the stretched out corners of the nine patch block and the melon shape connecting them creating a circle.
Improved? or Needs Improvement? |
A nice variety of indigo prints |
It came out of the water fine - blue markings gone and no bleeding blue.
It was fun to discover that various whites were used - here's evidence of a sugar sack...............
........and several areas have pre-printed embroidery motifs - probably for a pillow case or dresser scarf. The 'use what you have on hand' philosophy!
I wonder if the assembly was done at a later time than the blocks?
However, upon closer inspection I discovered that it is NOT ready to be quilted.
This is actually a rather complex piecing project when it comes to setting in those melons....and this intersection, and quite a few more like it, tell me that this top needs 'Improving' before going further! I'll have to think about this one!
Do I want to put time into fixing those intersections or just use it as an example for my talk: Old Tops & Blocks: What to Do?
I'll post separately on the many options and considerations for those orphan tops and blocks you may have in your stash!
I love that improved nine-patch! It is in much better shape than the old top of that design that I purchased years ago, made by an elderly woman from her collection of aprons.
ReplyDeleteGreat tops Jean - you have such a great eye.
ReplyDeleteI think it is ecudactional to leave some of the tops unquilted because so much of their 'story' is on the back side...
Love the variety of fabrics in the one patch.
Wonderful quilt tops! Is the scrappy one a charm quilt, or just scrappy? Guess I could study the photo a bit to find out. Two-color Improved Nine Patch... lovely. It would seem to have a lot of lessons in it for your lecture. You are probably familiar with Tim Latimer of Quilts Etc. blog? He collects and hand quilts vintage tops with beautiful results... very inspiring.
ReplyDeletegreat tops! I love the variety of fabrics in the first one....and the "needs improvement" nine patch is very striking in blue and what...very bold. Looking forward to seeing how you decide to procede
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing them