Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Long Time, No Post

Vicki and I made the trip to Milwaukee to see the Winterthur quilts that were exhibited there. If you are anywhere in the area, do try to see these fabulous antique quilts. Many of the quilts that are in the book were displayed, along with samplers, and the gorgeous block and cylinder printed fabrics shown below. Textiles that I had only seen in books were here. For example...John Hewson printed fabrics, including a Tree of Life that was used predominately in a quilt; the Penn Treaty toile, and George Washington toile that was used in the bedhangings, also shown below. Definitely one of the best, if not the best, exhibit I've ever seen. I know that is saying a lot, but these are some of the oldest, and most beautifully sewn quilts that are in any collection anywhere.
















































The little sweetwater basket was on sale in the museum gift shop for just $7.00. I plan to put it to future use in the sewing room, for little blocks. The box here and the fabrics all came from The Quilt Merchant in Winfield, Illinois, one of our stops along the way. Vicki took pictures of the shop, and the many samples there. She will be posting about this in a few days.
The last two pieces that are identical prints are from a new line from Blue Hill Fabrics, a recent manufacturer of quilt cottons. This print also came in a deep blue. The designer of this particular line is the daughter-in-law of the owner of The Quilt Merchant. She also designs many of the quilts shown in the shop. Just wait until you see them! What a teaser, right?!

























11 comments:

Karen said...

I'm in love with that red toile print.

Meredith said...

They are great. I am lucky I live near there. Did they have any of his cutter quilts on display? I was floored by how many they have.

Marilyn Robertson said...

I too have visited The Quilt Merchant and loved it! Talk about a reproduction heaven!

MJinMichigan said...

I went to the exhibit on Saturday. It was worth the drive from Michigan. I especially enjoyed studying the chintz and English paper pieced quilts up close.
That red toile was recently reproduced.

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ann hermes said...

The Winterthur quilts are lovely. I saw them a few years back during a quilt symposium held there.

Lori said...

Lucky girls! It looks like some terrific quilts! So much inspiration and beauty!

antique quilter said...

lucky you two! you always have great quilt adventures
of course now I want to know about the quilt shop!!!!
Kathie in Indiana right now!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jan, Gorgeous fabrics - I especially love the elegant birds beneath the palm tree in the first photos - can you tell me what fabric line it is?...I would love to get my hands on some!

Supergoof said...

Thanks you so much, for the beautiful pictures, I love them!

Byebye from The Netherlands,...
www.supergoof.web-log.nl

Barb said...

The Quilt Merchant is my favorite shop in the mid-west. Aren't those ladies the best?
Love the post - that Washington toile' is one of my favorites!