462 Cherries Later...

 Give or take 1 or 2...it seemed more like 4,062...

At long last, the final border has been completed and all 4 have been attached to the quilt top...could not resist counting all the cherries that were made...maybe I should count the leaves too:o)

It has been quite a journey to get this project to this stage and now, after a final clean up of stray threads, a good pressing and decisions about how to quilt it - off the top goes to the long-arm quilter who will machine baste the top, batting and backing together in preparation for the next phase...wish me luck as I make an effort in returning to old fashioned hand quilting...

Have not posted anything for weeks...there has been so much going on - hope to return to at least a weekly form of blogging in the near future.

This Memorial Day Holiday, remembering all those who have given so much. And to the family members I love so dearly who have served...Grandpa - WWI, my Dad and Father-in-law - WW2, my husband of 45+ years - Vietnam and our dear son - Bosnia. 

Cheddar Quilts - Part 2

 Finally was able to post Part 2 of the Cheddar Quilts - our internet has been down since late afternoon yesterday. Sometimes I wish it wasn't so convenient, but when it is unavailable - I start to whine...so, anyway, back to more quilts featuring cheddar fabric...

ROSE WREATH - 1860 - IOWA (ESTATE OF THE HICKEY FAMILY)

FORGOT TO GET THE INFORMATION ON THIS QUILT - NOTE THE CLOSELY SPACED HANDQUILTING AND THE FEATHERS USED ALONG EACH SEAM LINE

SUNBURST, WHEEL OF FORTUNE VARIATION C 1855 - NORTH CAROLINA?

WE WERE TOLD THAT ROUNDED CORNERS SOMETIMES INDICATE A SOUTHERN MADE QUILT.

ALTHOUGH THE QUILT WAS MADE C 1855, THE BORDER FABRIC DATES TO EARLIER IN THE 1800'S - THE QUILTER PULLED FROM HER STASH!

LOG CABIN - STRAIGHT FURROWS - C 1880 FROM HARRISBURG, VIRGINIA - MENNONITE?

COMPASS  POINTS/MARINERS COMPASS (480 POINTS!)

The rest of the photos were taken during the presentation of an antique quilt and the reproduction quilt that was made by our Liberty Ladies group. Geri owned the antique quilt and, both were donated to the museum. The original quilt was made by a group of ladies in Illinois for a shoe store competition and promotion. Fabrics were chosen which closely duplicate the antique quilt. The museum plans to hang both later this year and our group hopes to visit again and have our picture taken next to the quilts. 

GERI

(A LITTLE BLURRY) WE EACH WORKED FROM A PAPER PATTERN LIKE THIS.

THE ORIGINAL QUILT - HAND APPLIQUED AND ECHO QUILTED

THIS BLOCK WAS "SIGNED" BY THE INDIVIDUAL WITH THE NAME OF "PLOW (OR PLOUGH) EVEN THOUGH INSTRUCTED NOT TO SIGN THEIR NAME ON THE BLOCK. THE DARK BROWN FABRIC HAS ALMOST DISAPPEARED DUE TO THE ORIGINAL HARSH DIES THAT WERE USED.

SIDE BY SIDE - THE ORIGINAL IN FRONT AND THE REPRODUCTION TO THE BACK.

 Hope you found this visit interesting. If you have the opportunity to visit the Museum, treat yourself! It is well worth it. 


I will leave you with a beautiful link - Judy over at Shade Tree Quilting has posted this - words of wisdom from a lady who is 90.

http://www.shadetreequilting.com/2012/05/life-lessons-from-wonderful-woman.html

Have a good rest of the week - and thank you for dropping by! I really enjoy reading all your comments.

 

Cheddar quilts at the Wisconsin Quilt Museum - Part 1!

On Thursday, May 3rd, our quilt history study group - Liberty Ladies, traveled to Cedarburg, Wisconsin and toured the Wisconsin Quilt Museum.  A number of years ago when our quilt guild originally visited the proposed site, we met in the barn that was going to be converted into the museum. With rough-sawn floor boards, creaking doors and daylight pouring through the barn walls, it was difficult to envision a textile friendly environment.

Fast forward to 2012...a beautifully restored building greeted us with an addition that is the perfect fit. 

The fragrance of freshly finished wood and light pine floors along with the hand-hewn beams was a feast for the eye. But the best was yet to come...an exhibit of antique quilts - all featuring cheddar fabrics!
The Curator, Carol Butzke, has loaned her personal collection of cheddar based quilts for display until July 8, 2012. 

Carol Butzke on right, Louella Doss on left

What could be more appropriate for our state of Wisconsin - in the barn...

Carol is a Certified Quilt Judge (she has been a judge numerous times at our own guild's biennial shows)  and is very knowledgeable about vintage textiles. 
 I took a number of photos (no flash permitted) and this will be the first of a 2 part blog posting.

Indianapolis (Brackman #2456) Circa 1890

Pine Tree Variation C. 1880 Possibly Pennsylvania and Mennonite

Lady of the Lake C 1890 - Pennsylvania

Oak Leaf and Reel C 1880 Pennsylvania - possibly Mennonite

 

Orange in Pennsylvania is considered a "neutral."

Detail of hand quilting in feathers on border (green fabric with fine print)

Displayed on an antique bed - cheddar, navy, red and conversation prints.

Ceasar's Crown C. 1855 - Classic turkey red and green with cheddar

Detail of appliqued border

Coxcomb Variation C 1855

Detail of applique and hand quilting.

Hope you are enjoying viewing these quilts...there will be more posted in a few days and will also include a little report on a special presentation to the Museum and one of the reasons our group anticipated making this trip...so plan to come back soon...maybe you will find a quilt with cheddar that just calls to you...Stay tuned for Part 2!