Dressing Downton...

 

Our quilt history study group, aka Liberty Ladies, had the opportunity to tour the elegant Paine Art Center in Oshkosh last Thursday.

The craftsmanship that went into this Tudor Revival mansion is breathtaking, an overused word so often, but truly applicable to this structure. The woodwork alone with linenfold doors & carved stair railings done in oak leaves and acorns was fabulous - add in the beautifully appointed rooms with marble fireplace surrounds and a morning breakfast room to dream in - oh my! ....the icing on the cake though was the special exhibit of 36 vintage garments from the PBS series, Downton Abbey - of which I, like many of you, am a devoted fan.

 

No photos allowed, of course, but take my word for it, seeing these costumes up close was a total treat...heavily beaded, braided, tucked, and flowing - all examples of how clothing was designed and sewn at the turn of the century - by hand and with great attention to detail. From the quietly understated soft purple gown the Dowager Countess wore while mourning to the starched white apron that Anna wears as maid to Lady Mary - just an amazing exhibit and staged in a perfect venue.

The gardens were lovely and this fascinating structure is called a kaleidoscope garden..

By looking through one of the 3 viewing scopes ....

And turning the cylinder, you can create endless design compositions (I used to love the similar toys as a child)...I placed my iPhone up to the viewing lense...

Even hexies!

Our day out would not be complete without a quilt shop stop...just up the road from Oshkosh is Menasha - home to Lisa Bongean's Primitive Gatherings .

We had called ahead as 9 quilters showing up at once might require extra cutting hands. The staff had prepared extra goodies for us - they called us the Downton Abbey Ladies!

 

I ordered a copy of Irene Blanck's Focus on Applique, which they were out of, and a few pieces of fabric - could not find what I was looking for - imagine that!

A full day with friends - beautiful weather, good food - doesn't get any better for a quilter!

Wishing each of you a very lovely week.

Pat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Of books and quilts....

....and pea vines tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things....

Belonging to a quilt history study group for a number of years has brought me so much - friendships, attending events that focus on our state's history, quilting techniques and oh my - the sharing of quilt history is incredible. With 14 of us, we take turns presenting brief talks focusing on a particular aspect - right now we are following along with Barbara Brackman's weekly fabric choice. Cheddar, conversation prints, foulards, stripes and indigo - all these fabrics and more have become part of our vocabulary and given each of us a renewed appreciation for our own stash. An extra benefit is the sharing of books - someone brings a reference book as part of their presentation and if we don't own it, you can bet Amazon (I found a used book there - great condition) or eBay gets a quick visit! This is the newest addition to my own library -

Published in 1991, this reference book is perfect for anyone interested in vintage fabrics....

As for quilts...my Mountmellick Mystery quilt is officially finished - binding and all...

Not being a fancy machine quilter, I stuck to stippling, straight line and gentle curves machine quilting.

The bottom photo is of the backing - and I now know, thanks to that great book mentioned above, the reproduction print is called a cameo layout style of fabric.

And those pea vines tied up with string? There are 3 varieties in the garden now - shell peas, snow peas and these - Sugar Snap Peas - now over my head in height....perfect growing conditions!

And our group is off to the Paine Art Center in Oshkosh to see the exquisite clothing exhibit from Downton Abbey and...wait for it...a stop at Lisa Bongean's Primitive Gatherings in Menasha. More of my favorite things...

Wishing you a week enjoying your favorite things...

Pat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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