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. That was that, or so I thought until I pulled it out this spring to show my friend, Ruth. She was so smitten that she not only deemed it worth finishing, she offered to do it for me! How could I refuse?
As you can see, she's quite an accomplished needlewoman! Ruth suggested using perle cotton for the quilting which was something new to me. I like the subtle luster it adds to the design.
What started as a means of preserving a bit stitchery ended up capturing the essence of summer itself. I couldn't be happier with the result. Thank you to Vicki Haninger for her inspiration and to Ruth, of course, for seeing the project to fruition.
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15” x 17”
2019