Skinny 'T'

A post from the December 2017 archives of Petite Quilts by Annette Plog was the spark for the back quilt of Devil Stars (the quilt top from my recent posts).  Here is a link to purchase Annette's pattern (no affiliation).  If you're not familiar with Annette's blog, you'll enjoy reading thru the archives.  May 2018 posts include her trip to Paris and Nantes to attend the Pour l'Amour du Fil show with Betsy Chutchian, a featured artist this year.

I've always loved Skinny 'T' antique quilts.  My blocks will finish at 8.25", so the pieces are large and sew up quickly.   I'm exchanging the center square for an hourglass on eight of the blocks and for a four patch on the center block.  I'm planning on five rows of five blocks - 25 'T' blocks.  I was originally planning on setting block -to-block, but I like the look of the cornerstone and sashing.  I have another block in mind for the next round, but haven't decided on specifics.  Sorry for the rough picture, but it is a 'work in progress'.

Update on our new family member, Jacks - the vet puts him at 1 to 1 1/2 rather than 3!!  He's a good boy, but did chew the library audio plastic book case when left alone - Uh Oh.  At least there was no damage to the disks.  Not looking forward to returning it :(

Thanks for stopping by!

Beginnings



Meet Jacks, a 3 year old rescue dog we adopted last week.  He immediately made himself a part of the family.

I completed the quilt top, but it doesn't look much different than last week's pic.  I didn't find another name for the block pattern. Please leave a comment if you recognize it.  I've decided on the specifics of the quilt back and have started to pull fabrics.  I hope to get a sample block sewn today to test cutting directions. 

Jan and I visited the Chicago Art Institute yesterday.  I have a few items to share that caught my eye.

This French wool and silk tapestry weave dates from 1756 to 1763 produced at the Manufacture Royale de Beauvais.  It depicts the arrival of Princess Psyche at Cupid's Palace.  (Accession nbr 1943.1237, 67" x 140.75")

A silk and cotton plain weave ikat (warp-resist-dyed) Woman's Chapman/Robe from Bukhara, Uzbekistan edged with silk twined embroidery (1840/60, accession nbr 2005.606)

Roman bronze, silver and copper Busts of Silenoi (part human, part goat) dated from mid 1st century BC to mid 1st century AD.  They represent the desires released by the magic elixir of the wine god Dionysos.  They adorned the sides of an elaborate couch used by high society at lavish banquets.  (Accession nbr 1997.554,1&2)

The first two items can be found on the Art Institute online collection using the accession numbers.

Devil Stars

The top is not complete, but getting close.  My design wall is hung down my main hallway, so I can't get a straight-on shot.  This quilt has been a lot of cutting and unit piecing, but also a lot of fun.  It's large - 94" before quilting.  The inspiration quilt is from the May/June 1991 issue of Lady's Circle Patchwork Quilts pictured on page 45 - an 1890's Devil's Claw in the collection of Bernice Stone.  A quick look in the Brackman 'Encyclopedia' didn't find a match, but I'll do a more thorough search later.  Now, I'm headed out for a day of birthday fun!

Cheers

V & A Textile Tour

Happy 4th and Happy Birthday to my firecracker hubby!

 If your travel plans include London, I highly recommend the 'Antique Needlework Tour at the V & A' hosted by Ann.  There are two ways to book the tour - thru Airbnb and Eventbrite.  The Airbnb search engine doesn't bring up the tour, but an online search of the tour title will bring up the airbnb link.  Or, visit Ann's beautiful website at antiquelacelady.com and click on 'Textile Talks Itinerary Page' and then 'The Antique Needlework Tour' which links to the Eventbrite site.  Be sure to check out Ann's  blog from the menu dropdown.  She introduced me to pieces I would have never stumbled across on my own and her stories enriched each piece.  This cover or wall hanging from Bohemia (dated 16 October 1790) was hidden in the elevator alcove.  It's appliqued in wool and silk.  Amazing!

The black raspberries were prolific this year.  The abundance of rain was good for something.  Batch four and five are pictured below - a record 42 jars of jelly this year!