Embroidered Crib Quilts Part II

hand quilted

Here are a few more of my embroidered crib quilts along with one recent purchase that I assume to be for a doll.
Of the quilts shown in this and the previous post, you can probably tell which ones were kits; certainly those with pre-quilted backgrounds would have been and the central motif styles as well.
The individual blocks such as the previous Scottie and the others with miscellaneous animal images were probably available commercial motifs which were set in various ways by individual makers.

The Maypole

Applique combined with embroidery

35 x 48

Here is one that stands out as different from the other examples in a couple of ways. It's a bit larger in size and many of the blocks include a name or initials indicating that several ladies contributed to the work. 

51" x 70"

Unusual, too, is the setting which groups the bigger motifs in the central portion with the blocks on three edges quite different; all with small motifs that are unsigned. Maybe the maker wanted the quilt to be bigger but in the interest of time, those simpler blocks served to extend the size.


The elaborate lettering style of the names and initials lends a personal and decorative  touch but sadly, no one thought to add a date. Redwork embroidery was popular around the turn of the 20th century so I would date this c. 1910.

And last but not least is this little single layer of plain white cotton embroidered with the adorable Teddy Bear images produced by Willliam Pinch and the Rainbow Quilt Block Company in the 1930's 

 It is bound with what appears to be a commercial bias tape. 

17" x 20"

and....

Click Here

to see my blog on an embroidered top that I took apart and the

 'new' projects I made with the rescued blocks

Veering off-course....and February is over!

February has gotten away from me entirely as far as blogging but I have been quilt-involved in a number of ways.
Here's a brief report on the month with a promise to post more in March (how could I do worse?)

A couple of fun gifts got finished and delivered. For all my goals and priorities I admit that I quite often push all of that all to the back of my mind and proceed with something new when the spirit moves me.

First, another doll quilt. My dear friend, Laurel,  mentioned to me around the past holidays that she had  purchased a doll some time ago. She was shopping on her birthday when she came upon this beautiful doll...and her name was Laurel, too! She had to bring her home. She told me she had bought her a new outfit; jeans and a sweater and I asked her to send me a photo.

That's when I had a light-bulb moment. I knew I had to make a doll quilt for her.

58" x 68"

You may recall that I made Laurel a quilt when she retired (see this post) and thought it would be fun to make a small, related version for 'little' Laurel.

I used many of the same fabrics and simplified the border.

19" x 22"

I was thrilled when I realized I had some Dick and Jane fabric for the back.

Laurel is always so appreciative of the things I make - it was fun to surprise her!

Then I made a little scissor holder for one of my AZ quilting friends. She loves redwork and when I saw this pattern in Redwork Quilts and More by Laurene Sinema, I decided to make it for her.
She sets me up with one of her sewing machines when I'm in Arizona, generously shares her fabric stash with me, sends me home with her extra Ott lamp, makes iced coffee for our sewing days....etc. etc.

I used a red print from one of Laurene's fabric lines for the back. 

You have to look pretty close to see the scissors!

Lynn

On to my March goals...I'll try to say focused this month!

Red and White - Motivation!

I've decided that it's time to get into 2011 and learn some new things. Like what is a Blog anyway - and how can I have my own?! So, here I go -

My motivation to bite the bullet and just do it comes from the Red and White 'quilt talk' circling around the quilt world because of the exhibit later this month in New York. I have long loved two color quilts - especially red and white - but.... since I can't be in New York I  have enjoyed the quilts already shared by others and am happy to participate in this virtual quilt show of Red and White quilts.

.

Here is what I find in my collection; some vintage and some that I have made along with a bit of information about each.

Redwork Embroidery

This c. 1910 quilt exhibits fine embroidery in many familar designs seen on Redwork quilts. The handquilting is dense in triple clamshells. I think both the use of the double nine patch setting, which lends dramatic diagonal interest, and the small squares on point border make this a special redwork example. I love how she just cut off the border instead of fussing with perfection! It adds interest, makes me smile and gives me 'permission' to do the same.

TIMEOUT - I'm exhausted from getting this far - I know it will get easier but for now I'll say - check back tomorrow!