Hand-Me-Down Inspiration
Hand-me-downs, cast-offs, and found objects are wonderful sources of inspiration for artists, but sometimes it’s hard to know just what to do with these beloved objects. This beautiful early twentieth century quilt made the journey from New York to California, and is a well-worn family treasure. Threadbare heirlooms like this one are sometimes too delicate for everyday use, but they may be honored in a reproduction. We can read the meticulous stitches and innovative patterns like a lesson book passed down through the generations. These objects pass along something more than just techniques; they teach us to recognize the spirit of ingenuity, the inimitable touch of the handmade.
If you’ve stashed away some antique needlecrafts for a rainy day, there are many great books that can help reproduce the elements that you love. Stitch patterns, colors, and shapes can be copied directly or used as a base for a new design. For new quilts based on old designs, check out Kansas City Star patterns. Vintage-inspired fabrics and palettes from the 19th and early 20th century are fun to incorporate with new designs.
The Robertson family quilt uses a simple pattern that can easily be reproduced. The hand-quilted stitches give it an earnest quality that is soft and timeless, but you can certainly piece these triangles on the sewing machine. We've put together a lesson on sewing perfect triangles that would come in handy for this quilt.
Visit our Triangle Tutorial to learn more.
August 8, 2006
Reader Comments (5)
Your Triangle Tutorial is awesome and very useful.
I LOVE the Robertson Family Quilt! I love the happy mix of colors. Is this quilt featured in any book? Oh how I wish I could see the whole quilt...
Your knitting and quilting websites are great!
Love the addition of the fabrics to the site, especially the fabric bundles... fabulous for instant inspiration. My wish list is getting long.