Pink and Yellow Teesdale Quilt

Here is a nice Allendale type quilt in pink and yellow. This quilt came from a farmhouse clearance in the Cotherstone area of Teesdale. It perhaps was locally marked as the dealer has seen other similar quilts in an exhibition in nearby Middleton several years ago. The family knew nothing of its history, it was just in a cupboard. Size is 82 x 91 inches. The stitches are very neat and there is a line of machine stitching around the edge.

There were professional quilt markers in many villages; Allendale was the best known but there were other areas with their own local traditions. Quilters speak of Allendale quilts, Weardale quilts, Teesdale quilts and so on - local quilters did have their own repertoire of patterns that they used.



The central design shows a central rose or flower surrounded by flat irons filled with a stem rose motif. There is a large feather motif with a smaller outer running feather.

A better photo of the central area - I like the chevron infill that creates a strong star effect between the flat irons. Triple lines of stitching create a double outline to the flat irons - very effective. You can also see the outer feather infill.

The background diamond infill is neatly marked and stitched. The lined swag or hammock border has a rose atop each join and there is feather and curlicue/scroll infill beneath. There is a corner device of a larger rose plus a feather with scroll work which points towards the central medallion. The curved petals of the roses make me think that this is perhaps a bit later in date than some of the other stamped quilts.

The front is a rather faded and gentle pink cotton sateen, the reverse is a bright yellow fabric. This yellow is very strong and rather acidic in colour, being of a slightly greenish tint. Yellow and pink was a favourite colour combination in north country quilts.

The edge of the quilt with its double line of machine stitching.

A good example of a "stamped " quilt. You could either send your own fabric off to be marked, or you could buy tops ready marked. Professional quilters also marked and made fancy quilts for local people. It is hard to know what type of quilt this is, but its a nice example.