Birds & Baskets. . . and lots of berries!

43" square
 My quilt photographed on black background

About two years ago, maybe three,  I visited the Wagon West Quilt shop in Wickenburg, AZ, owned by long-time friend Martha Walker.  

Her beautiful original designs are inspired by 19th century projects.

I liked one of the samples on the wall. Big ol’ baskets, simple one piece birds, big pointy star shapes. Easy, right?

 (How did I not notice the 1” berries. . . And those amoeba shaped blobs with finger-like protrusions all around? 

So I bought the book and got started. There are four quilt patterns and three wool projects included.



















I selected fabrics from my stash for everything except the stripe for the border triangles (which I think worked really well.) 

I made the templates and did needle-turn applique. 

I soon discovered that it wasn’t as simple as it first appeared, but I did get pretty good at round berries.

I looked at this close up photo and noticed I missed a quilting line!

Do you see it?

After all that handwork I decided it should be hand quilted. I outlined all the appliques then decided on a hanging diamond overall. That took more time but I think the result was worth it. From start to finish it was just under two years but I never work on just one project at a time. 

                                Here it is hanging on the wall in my entrance hall.

If you’re ever in the Phoenix area, take a drive up to Wickenburg. It’s a great western town with wonderful restaurants, a nice historical center, a cowboy museum and….the Wagon West Quilt Shop. 

Well worth the drive.

And don't forget to stop by the Prison Tree. From 1863 to 1890 prisoners were chained to this tree because they didn't have a 'hoosegow'. Escapes were unknown.  The wild wild west!

Luckily, I  was unshackled but my friend . . . 

https://www.wagonswestdesigns.com/

Red, White and Blue

Horseshoes and anchors 'conversation' print

I've guess I've had writer's block ....I haven't posted for awhile.  I've had a rush of appraisal work which takes priority but... I do NOT want you to forget about me so here's a quick peek at a recent red, white and blue addition to my vintage collection on this Memorial Day. (I have decided to quit saying that I won't buy any more quilts!! It just isn't working!)

49" W x 61" L

The small scale (5") baskets and overall size could mean it was made for a crib or youth bed.

A variety of shirtings serve as background to the different indigo baskets and red prints.

The lighter blue is a novelty weave; seen in quilts of the early 20th century and visible in some of the photos below. Though some fabrics may be from the late 1800's, I'd date this quilt c. 1915.

At a distance the blues look the same but the close-ups show the variety. The same goes for the reds.

 Click to enlarge.

woven stripe - the only non-indigo

Example of fading reds

'Garabaldi' red and black print

Red print with
widely spaced motifs! 

Hanging Diamond quilting

In remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country and in gratitude to the brave men and women who continue to serve. 

Thank You!!