Three Classic Quilts
Dear Quilters
Three Classic Quilts is a book written to celebrate three beautiful vintage quilts. No matter what changes in our quilting world, we still are inspired by vintage quilts.
Our thoughts turn to the quilters who made these lovely quilts. They did not have the selection of fabric that is available today. Instead, they worked with what they had on hand, matching and playing with placement.
The first quilt, Rosebud, was first published in the 1920s. Rosebuds are very common on vintage quilts. In Britain, a young lady might be called an English rose, while in America, it was used to describe a debutante. Both uses were feminine in the use and indicated admiration.
Old Scraps Patchwork is charming in that scraps have a treasured place in quilters’ hearts. Finding a use for small pieces that have been tucked away delights. The pattern dates to the 1800s, and it has large 15″ blocks.
Star of the Bluegrass is an amazing quilt of stars. Found in an antiques store, it quickly had a home. Each star is different, adding to its uniqueness. In looking at the various fabrics pulled in, the maker used what was on hand, and the results are charming.
As the trio of quilts represent various patterns, placement, and styles, the common thread is the love for design selected by the makers. Study these beautiful quilts and discover tiny details on each.
Happy quilting,
Editor-in-Chief
Odd Scraps Patchwork
FINISHED QUILT SIZE:
80½” x 80½”
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE:
15″ x 15″
Isn’t this a charming name for a quilt block? This quilt was likely made in the mid- to late-1800s, and the moniker brings to mind an ancestor of yore going through her scraps of woven fabrics she used to make shirts for her family. The large 15″ blocks make it an ideal quilt for a beginner. Go through your “odd scraps” to make this cozy quilt. It would be equally appealing in your favorite modern fabrics or using school colors.
Rosebud
FINISHED QUILT SIZE:
75½” x 75½”
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE:
9″ x 9″
The Ladies Art Company first published the Rosebud pattern sometime in the 1920s. In its simplest form, a rosebud describes a young rose whose petals have not yet opened. Such are the fine points of this delicate block. We can imagine the larger portion of the block as a wrapping, enveloping the fine points of a rosebud that peek beyond its edges. In Britain, rosebud was sometimes used as a term of endearment for a pretty young woman. And in America, it was sometimes used to describe a debutante. What a lovely quilt this would make for a young lady or any special woman in your life.
Star of the Bluegrass
DESIGNER:
Unknown
DIFFICULTY LEVEL ‣ Intermediate
QUILTED BY:
Angela Taylor
FINISHED QUILT SIZE:
69½” x 83″
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE:
18″ x 18″
Although we don’t know who made this dynamic quilt, we admire her bold choice of fabrics and colors— especially the diagonal stripe in the sashing. The blue fabrics are perfect for a Star of the Bluegrass quilt. Was it pieced for her old Kentucky home? The quilt top was purchased by one of our editors years ago, and Angela Taylor of New Traditions quilted it. The original quiltmaker must have run out of her black cotton, because some of the diamonds were made with silk, which had significantly disintegrated. Angela carefully replaced those patches with solid black cotton before quilting it.
Backing and binding fabric provided by Riley Blake Designs. Backing is Stitch Cottage wide backing (WB10940-COTTAGE), and binding fabric is Tiny Daisy Teal (C6403-TEAL) from the Bee Basics collection, which coordinates beautifully with the flour sack floral prints used in the quilt top.