My friend Cyndi (Busy
Thimble) and I are in charge of the antiques section of our statewide show
“Maine Quilts 2016” this summer. This year’s exhibition is a bit different. We
invited quilters to choose a favorite antique quilt and reproduce it in a
smaller version. I found this quilt last spring and thought it was so unique.
I think I really chose it because I thought
it would be an easy one to reproduce -
ah - NO! First of all I found a fabric that I thought would work for the teal
stripe, but it was off in color so I dyed it. Nope, that didn’t work so I
bought more and dyed it another color. Closer, but not perfect.
Then I had trouble finding
the right fabric for the brown. Seriously, how hard could it be to find a
reproduction brown? I finally chose this wonderful print designed by Judy
Roche. Again, it isn’t perfect, but I like it and I like Judy, so it is now a
win, win.
I wanted the stripe look in
the serpentine vine as in the original,
but when it came to the leaf appliques
I found that the pieces were so small that the strip looked odd. So I pieced
the fabric in order to have a big enough piece to make an entire leaf in teal.
I backbasted the vine for placement but did my usual semi random placement of the leaf and berry motifs because, well, it was easier!
I realized after taking
waaaaay too long to start this project, that maybe I should have chosen
something I really loved. Not that I don’t like it, but I should have realized
that a two color quilt would be far too bland for me. Thank goodness I have my
cheddar background Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album Quilt blocks to work on
too!
Cyndi is reproducing a
potholder quilt in the collection of the Maine State Museum. She posted some of
her blocks (here) .
What a cool antique quilt!! I love that the vine is striped and I didn't notice it until you pointed it out. It is a fantastic color combo I think but I hear you about the need for variety :0) how is the original quilted?
ReplyDeleteI will post a picture of the original today to show the quilting. Thanks for asking.
DeleteWhat an interesting quilt to reproduce. Love the stripe for the serpentine vines. It's so appealing. Looking forward to a great finish!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing quite well in doing a close to original look with your fabric choices. Love the stripe vine. A very interesting choice of quilt. I thought the main body of the quilt was pieced fabric and not a stripe pieced. I look forward to seeing more of the piece you are working on.
ReplyDeleteI'm posting a close up of the original today so you can see the stripe more clearly.
Deletequite a challenge...look forward to the exhibit!
ReplyDeleteMe too Grace.
DeleteWhat a fun challenge! I'm sure the exhibit will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt! Can sympathize with the tedium of the stitching, but the outcome is going to be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for the show. Your quilt is really interesting and I would have thought the same thing that it would be fairly easy to reproduce. I'm sure your persistence will pay off with a visually exciting quilt.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful Wendy - love this one and the colours! What size will yours be? Sounds like a great show coming up - wish I could see all the reproductions.
ReplyDeleteHilda, Believe it or not I'm not exactly sure how big it will turn out to be but roughly 36" x 40". The little half square triangles in the border finish to 1" if that helps with the scale. I am posting a close up of the original today.
DeleteThat is a wonderful quilt you are recreating--so unique!
ReplyDeleteI can see, however, that it has been a challenge. I hope you will love it when you are finished. Sounds like such an interesting display you and Cyndi are putting together. Wish I could be there to see it!
We wish so too!
DeleteFabulous quilt, I'm sure it will be beautiful. The exhibit is a great idea and maybe, just maybe a few of us will make it there.
ReplyDeleteI hope so! I was hoping to get to the AQSG seminar this year but might have to wait until NH next year. Surely would love to see you in Maine this year!
DeleteHow lovely and restful the original antique quilt is! And in such good condition, too. Thank you for all your great tips and tutorials, especially pressing onto terrycloth.
ReplyDeletethat is a very unique quilt and I think you are doing a wonderful job reproducing or replicating it! I hope I can see your show - sounds great.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a show, yours efforts are paying off.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt!! and all your work! I may have to try to make the trip to visit - the show looks promising!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful. You did a great job on it.
ReplyDelete