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I am a quilter living in Woodbridge, Suffolk who has made quilts since I was a teenager. I also ring bells! Both are great British traditions....I will try to feature some of my antique Welsh and Durham quilts, the quilts I make myself, my quilting activities and also some of my bellringing achievements. Plus as many photos as I can manage. NB: Double click on the photos to see greater detail, then use back button to return to the main page.













Tuesday 18 April 2017

Floral Durham Wholecloth Quilt with Strippy Patterns

I had to laugh with this quilt - the seller described it as a handmade Indian quilt sold in the 1970's
"oversewn with a pattern of stitches, willy-nilly but in a repeated almost shell pattern."

I had to laugh, as this is obviously a vintage Durham quilt. Perhaps it was bought at a charity shop, which took in donated items as well as selling third world goods? Anyhow, it is definitely not of Indian origin.

The quilt has a pinky/beige floral pattern with a mid brown reverse.


The quilting patterns are unusual - although a wholecloth, it has strippy or border patterns. Here you can see half a feather wreath used on the edge, with a running feather and a Welsh twist.


But, a circular feather wreath has been plonked down in the centre of the quilt - similar to the Welsh custom of always having a central "coin"!


Most of the quilt is done in running feathers, in a bellows pattern.



The top is an attractive floral fabric with rosy terracotta background and large brown and tan flowers.


The patterns are not matched (as the extra fabric for this matching could not be afforded) but is not so noticeable...

The floral hides the quilting patterns but the textures are pleasant to see...


The edges are machine sewn on the two longer edges - and - an unusual rolled edge to the two shorter ends. This is original and not a repair. The quilt doesnot look to ave been used much.


Another look at the two edge treatments.


The overall effect is attractive, and I can see why the seller bought the quilt in the 70's (probably for very little)...

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