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 whimsical retro-style daisy print from American Jane.
The top itself was finished years ago but got set aside when I gave up doing handwork. It's such a shame to leave things like this half-done, but that was that, or so I thought. Earlier this spring, I brought it out to show my friend, Ruth, who graciously offered to finish it for me.
As you can see, the quilt was in the best of hands! Just look at Ruth's beautiful stitches and how the perle cotton subtly catches the light.
More than preserving a vintage berry, this quilt captured the essence of summertime itself. I look forward to pulling it out again whenever I need a dose of sunshine. Thank you to Vicki Haninger for her inspiration and to Ruth, of course, for seeing the project to fruition. I couldn't be happier with the result!
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15” x 17”
2019
