Summer is quickly turning to fall, but I’m just not ready for the change of seasons. I'm still focused on this summer’s project, a mid-century inspired doll quilt that features a vintage embroidered strawberry. Perhaps you remember it from here.
Motifs like this are typical of the 1940s-50s when they adorned household linens such as tea towels, tablecloths, and napkins. I added calicos, polka dots, and gingham checks for vintage charm and bordered the quilt with a retro-style daisy print from American Jane.
The top itself was finished years ago but got set aside when I couldn't do the handwork. What a shame to leave something this sweet half done. Apparently, my friend, Ruth, agreed because when I finally showed it to her, she offered to quilt and bind it for me.
Ruth is quite an accomplished needlewoman. Just look at her beautiful stitches! I love that she did the quilting in perle cotton which adds a subtle luster to the overall design.
As it turns out, a quilt was the perfect way to preserve that vintage berry. Thank you to Vicki Haninger for her inspiration and to Ruth, of course, for seeing this project to fruition. I couldn't be happier with the result!
Strawberry Preserves
15” x 17”
machine pieced, hand quilted
2019
