Have I ever shown you this quilt? This quilt, that I call Auntie's Flowers, was made by three generations of women in my family. Remember, I come from a long line of needlewomen. The embroidered flower blocks were started by a Great Aunt during the depression in the 1930's and were continued and finished by my Auntie who was about 16 at the time. I set the blocks and quilted it.
Some of the embroidery patterns were printed in a newspaper and others were drawn by my Great Aunt Sue. Susan was an artist who studied at an art conservatory 'back east' and graduated in 1904. The green used in the alternating blocks is some of 'that green' (I think it is called Nile Green?) from the same time. I searched antique shops and old quilt(y) merchants at quilt shows until I found enough yardage. I supplemented it with a bit of the Aunt Grace fabric of the white daisies on a green background. The backing is more of the Aunt Grace. The finished size is about 45x60".
Can you believe that I have another complete set of the embroidered blocks? I am currently coloring them in with crayons. I figured why not? It was a technique used in the day.
On another note: I was in Denver-town the past several days. My niece was in town for a conference and I picked her up from the hotel. She and I spent the night with Auntie and took her out to dinner. It was a nice familial interlude and great to catch up with Peach and to see what a beautiful and caring young woman she has turned into.
Now I'm off to a quilt retreat so I'll talk to you when I get back. Have a wonderful weekend!
The quilting is as beautiful as the embroidery.
ReplyDeleteA true treasure - and a bonus of knowing the history that goes along with it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great retreat weekend.
What a wonderful quilt, history and workmanship both so special. I adore embroidered blocks.....finished some lovely baskets last year and they are in the "block pile" with all of the fabric to put make them into a real quilt.
ReplyDeleteMost excellent quilt, and so full of family memories. I love the Nile Green squares--they are perfect!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt!!
ReplyDeleteThe history that accompanies this quilt makes it so special. It's quite a family heirloom. I really found the facts you shared about the Great Aunt Sue interesting. Now I'm waiting to hear about that retreat...
ReplyDeleteHi Paula, what a wonderful thing to own, some of the needlwork of generation of your family. Wish I was that lucky *VBS* You've done a neat job of turning those blocks into what they could have been all those years ago. Even authentic green...impressive.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing your great booklet about the crocheted rugs. I looks like a real treasure. I've seen very little in print about crocheted rugs, but am not silly enough to think I was the first...LOL. It is pleasant to make them however, and I'm glad I started. Hope the retreat was fun! Hugs, Finn
A long line of needlewomen - that's wonderful. I don't know how far back the needlewomen in my family go - my maternal grandmother was an excellent seamstress (didn't need a pattern); my mom is an excellent sewer as well; she also embroiders and crochets. My paternal grandmother loved to crochet. I wish I knew more! Sigh!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your embroidered quilt - it's a real beauty.
This is truly an heirloom. A great family treasure. And nice that you could catch up with family as well. I hope that you have a great time at the retreat.
ReplyDeleteI received the challenge fabric. Thank you so much! I'll have to make something special with it. I already have my other three fabrics picked out, but don't have any idea what I'll do yet.
what a lovely quilt. Thanks for sharing the story behing it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful treasure with a terrific history. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have a quilt that spans generations. I just love 'that green' it always reminds me of the 30's.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
You've created a lovely garden with Auntie's Flowers, fantastic! This is a treasure for your family...I'm eager to hear about your retreat.
ReplyDeleteThat is truely a family heirloom, and a treasure for generations to come! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is as if was a treasure, in it the whole love of a family is contained! Great; Paula :)))
ReplyDelete