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 doll quilt that features a charming embroidered strawberry. Perhaps you remember it from here.
Motifs like this are typical of the 1940s-50s when they embellished household linens such as tea towels, tablecloths and napkins. Also popular at the time, calicos, polkadots and gingham checks made the perfect vintage pairing. and bordered the quilt with a wonderful retro-style daisy print from American Jane Fabrics. Isn't it fun?
The quilt top itself was finished years ago but got set aside when I gave up doing handwork. What a shame, I thought, to leave something this sweet half-done. Apparently, my friend Ruth agreed, because when I brought it out to show her, she offered to finish it for me.
Just look at Ruth's beautiful stitches. She used perle cotton for the quilting which adds a subtle luster to the overall design.
It turns out a quilt was the perfect way to preserve that embroidered 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
