A few years ago I saw a listing on ebay for some very unusual appliqued squares. Although the squares were listed as quilt blocks, I suspect they were originally a hand stitched child’s book. The edges were finished, and they had obviously been well-loved. The motifs were blanket stitched, but because the edges had not…
Month: April 2012
Appliqued Scottie Doll Quilt Top
This is Phase 2 of the doll quilt kit samples — one down, and two more to go. Years ago on ebay I saw a vintage scottie quilt with a similar diagonal set with the striped setting triangles, and I always wanted to try it. I think it turned out pretty cute. A couple of…
Three Doll Quilts in Progress
Here’s just a peek of three new doll quilts I’m working on — a feedsack dahlia, a scottie and a butterfly. The butterfly and dahlia blocks are traditional applique using the baste-pin-stitch method (although needle turn would also work). For the scottie quilt, I’m using a technique I developed for the Charley Harper Water Drop…
For the Industrious Needlewoman — Gifts for Baby
Looking through these early 20th Century newspapers is such fun. I especially love reading the directions written by Adelaide Byrd. These two patterns are definitely going in the queue for a future grandchild. It occurred to me that the cap probably needs to be printed in its original size. This is tricky because there are…
For the Industrious Needlewoman — Floral Centerpieces
Here are two pretty embroidery patterns which appeared in the Milwaukee Sentinel in 1914. Each week Adelaide Byrd presented a new full-sized embroidery pattern under the heading “For the Industrious Needlewoman,” accompanied by her suggestions for stitches, colors, and where the piece could be used. Apparently, in 1914 every woman knew how to make eyelets…
Crazy Doll Quilt Blocks
Because I wanted a break from cutting thousands of little kit quilt pieces, yesterday I decided to try some small crazy quilt blocks. In the past, I have used top stitching on my crazy blocks, because I enjoy making curved and odd shaped pieces. I do like the look of more weird shapes, but the…