Sunday, March 18, 2012

Russian Sunflower and stars top finish!

For the last couple of months I have been working on interpreting a circa 1840 crib quilt that belongs to Bill Volckening. It has been an interesting journey!

It amazed me how many design elements and sewing technique the original maker put into one 39 inch by 39 inch quilt. Last night after appliqueing the last circle on the last corner I took a deep breath, had a celebratory glass of Guinness with my husband, and then started drafting the quilting design.
And not to worry, the glass of stout came nowhere near the original quilt...while it is in my house it sits safely behind glass doors in the dining room cabinet!

I was happy to see there is a real Russian Sunflower. They were popular in American gardens the last quarter of the 19th century. A bit late for this quilt. I got some seeds and will try them in my side garden this year. We back up on a preserve and have lots of birds who will really enjoy them! (Like they do my blueberries which I never get netted in time!)

24 comments:

Elaine M said...

Fantastic quilt, love the fabric you selected.

Teresa in Music City said...

Great job - that is beautiful!!! You will have your own treasure to be handed down for generations when you are done.

Loris said...

Oh! Your quilt turned out so beautiful! What a treasure! Your choice of fabrics are perfect and I love, love, love the sunflower block in the middle. Absolutely lovely!

AnnieO said...

Beautiful! What a wonderful piecing and stitching journey you've had so far with this adventure. Congratdulations!

Tonya Ricucci said...

Congrats! I have to admit, I'd have been using colors closer to the way they are now. I like those lighter green and pinks... what a surprise, eh. Driving around yesterday with a friend, we came across 4 different St Paddy's celebrations. Everyone wearing shorts and enjoying the 80 degree heat with breezes. much better than freezing and having to wrap up in blankets!

Nifty Quilts said...

Congratulations! It is a gorgeous quilt, and I'm sure your quilting will make it even better. What a fun trip through history you've had. Those stories of old quilts are such great mysteries to ponder.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Fantastic quilt top...oh so many complicated little pieces...you've done a great job!

antique quilter said...

OH I just love this quilt, you did an amazing job I have so enjoyed following you on your journey of making this quilt
thanks for sharing and thanks to Bill for lending it to you
kathie

Bill Volckening said...

I'm speechless!

Impera Magna said...

Congratulations on such a fantastic finish... brava!

Richard Healey said...

That is a neat quilt its so fun to do things like that.

Merilyn said...

Your quilt top is a credit to you and your creativity, very nicely done!!! I'm sure the original maker of the quilt would be quite chuffed to see that you were inspired by her work!!!!

regan said...

Your interpretation is stunning! I love the pops of cheddar in it! It's awesome!

Janet O. said...

You did an incredible job! I stand in awe!!

Kimme said...

Just beautiful! I've enjoyed watching your progress :-)

McIrish Annie said...

It came out beautiful!! and you did it sooo fast. It would still be just a thought in my head!

Dawn said...

Well done! It has been great fun watching your progress and see the reproduction take shape. Looking forward to seeing the quilting. So fun!

Kyle said...

I've been enjoying the journey of your crib quilt and all the different piecing techniques you used. The top looks fantastic.

cityquilter grace said...

very beautiful, a great achievement....

The Civil War Quilter said...

Simply beautiful. I'm sure the quilting will only "gild the lily" even more!

Sandra said...

I'll say it again-- YOU ROCK! Great job and so fast especially since you were also figuring out techniques. Quite impressive.
Have you decided on the quilting?

Purple Pam said...

Your quilt is fabulous. What a great trip through quilt history. Your rendition is great!

Taryn said...

What a cool and fun top! You've done it justice.

Vivian said...

Wow, love that you got this one done! I also thought about making it and had drafted up the design but was still looking for fabric along the lines of the original but I love your version and colorway.

Great job on this!