Here is a pink and green Welsh quilt which is in good condition, apart from some fading to the green side. The size is 76 x 66 inches, not including the frill. The quilt was bought from a lady in Hertfordshire as a Durham quilt. It had been bought as such from a dealer at an antique fair. She did not know anything more about the quilt. When I told her that it was in fact a Welsh quilt she was cross - she knew that Welsh quilts generally fetch more than Durham quilts - simply because there are fewer about, as Wales had a much smaller population than the North Country.
The patterns are typically Welsh. (As always, click on the photo to get a close up view, the patterns will become clearer then). You can see that the central medallion is of four beech leaves with two scrolls around this. The filling stitch is a scale pattern. Also seen are bees wings? paisley pears? I'm not sure what to call these propellor shapes - but they are fun.
You can see that there is a nice contrast between the light and dark sides. The frill is of two fabrics so that it matches each side.
The pink is the "right " side and the green is the "wrong" side. How to tell? The thread is pink and on a wholecloth quilt the thread usually matches the top side. Also, the top stitches are more regular and the fabric smoother, whereas the underside stitching is slightly more irregular, stitches somewhat smaller and the quilting more sculptural or puffy - sometimes the quilting designs are not as clear on the underside.
You can see that there is a nice contrast between the light and dark sides. The frill is of two fabrics so that it matches each side.
The pink is the "right " side and the green is the "wrong" side. How to tell? The thread is pink and on a wholecloth quilt the thread usually matches the top side. Also, the top stitches are more regular and the fabric smoother, whereas the underside stitching is slightly more irregular, stitches somewhat smaller and the quilting more sculptural or puffy - sometimes the quilting designs are not as clear on the underside.
There are attractive fans and also a border with spirals.
This quilt is nicely worked and has a good density of stitching. The wadding is of carded wool. Altogether a good, typical Welsh quilt.
This quilt is nicely worked and has a good density of stitching. The wadding is of carded wool. Altogether a good, typical Welsh quilt.
omething to trasure-cottonreel
ReplyDeleteLovely. I have a weak spot for beech leaves and spirals on the same quilt. The beech leaves in paricular always look like they must be so satisfying to quilt.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that you might write about the differences between welsh quilts and durham quilts more--maybe showing some pictorial differences? Fascinating!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt!
Lynn, I will try to do this...please see previous post on quilt edges....I will also post a simplified "How to make a Durham quilt" picture story at some point....Pippa
ReplyDeleteI love it and I am greatful you are willing to share with all of us. I enjoy hand quilting and these keep me inspired.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt! I love this typical Welsh style and the clear arrangement of patterns like leaves, spirals and fans. These designs deserve it to keep them alive, not only in antique quilts. It's one of my biggest heart's desire to sustain the tradition of Welsh and also North Country wholecloths in my own work and I do my very best to achieve it.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to know the differences between Welsh and Durham quilts; this one is gorgeous
ReplyDelete