Skeeter's Family Heirlooms-World without End

Still Skeeter's family heirloom but this one came to Skeeter by way of her hubby, The Saint. It's a crib quilt made for the Saint by his great grandmother, it's a variation of World without End. I call it a a variation because the Saint's great grandmother carried each color through the center, and I like this look much better than the other.

World without End falls in the same category as the star quilts. The stars quilts are the chosen favorite for crib quilts or youth blankets. Young children enjoy the geometric effects of the star patterns and I see why this is called ''World without End."

This pattern can either be appliqued on a solid background or pieced with a second sized triangle fitting each star together.

I'm guessing each star in The Saints quilt is approximately 6'' when finished, it's made with 12 x 9 stars and is superb work.

My Quilting primer book suggest this pattern should be made with Early American cottons and linens, this crib quilt seems to display that quality quite well and is in great shape!

Thanks again Skeeter! C & G Design.

Ann + Andy vintage patterns

How fun is it to look back at older magazines? I'm partial to McCalls annual pattern issue, it comes out around Christmas and is usually full of different craft and sewing projects. I found this little treat in McCall's volume XIII.

Three different patterns, one for the dolls, one for the a-line pinafore and my favorite, the jumper. I like the doll pattern and this is the one use, its very simple and come in 15'', 20'' and 25''. The reversible a-line pinafore can be worn with checked bloomers or plain colored bloomers, the Andy decal is a badge,in comes in sizes 2-6x. The jumper (2-6x) with the large Ann is actually appliqued pocket. Ann is embroidered separately and it comes in 3 different pocket sizes. I think I like this one the best because you don't see that kind of an outfit on children anymore, reminds me of a simpler time.

Each pattern comes with their transfer. The pattern numbers are 2529 for the pinafore, 2530 for the jumper and 2531 for the stuffed dolls. My magazine dates to 1970 which doesn't seem that long ago.

Each pattern retails for 85 cents....been awhile. C & G Design.

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy birthday to meeee;
happy birthday to me he.

Happy birthday to me. C & G Design.

Quilting frame

I'm excited about this one! I purchased this about 20 years ago and I've never used because I've never had the room! Now I have the room! The first picture shows my quilting frame in the "put away" position and the second picture shows how it set so you'll be able to sit comfortably in front of it and quilt away! Least the slanting of the and myself standing up to photograph it, hid my dog!

The side mounts have adjustable holes so it can be placed at different heights. The cloth covered bars loosen and tighten so your able to roll and unroll your work as you go. The zig-zag laces keep your work taunt.

The rug came with the frame and I left it on it because I had the frame taken apart for storage, it just kept things together (like the screws pinned to it). I don't really care for the pattern on the rug and if I do anything with it, it'll have to be altered, the rug suffered water damage in somewhere in the 20 year travel, the frame faired pretty well, although it will need stain touch-up.

I almost forgot, the cloth covered bars that turn? You're also able to start your work by stitching it directly to it.

Anxious to use it. C & G Design.

Limoge

I'm the kind of person that doesn't like plastic in my house, in fact we refer to our vinyl couch as "pleather". Anyway, after deciding to invest in ceramic light switch plates, I ran across a few Limoges on E-Bay. They are marked Limoges.

Limoges is a white clay paste first discovered in China. Marco Polo named it for it's ability to retain it's pure color after firing. By the seventeen century Louis IIV ordered all silver to be melted into coins. Soon Europe discovered the imported China was to expensive, but much needed. A directive was released to anyone who could find the manufacturing of Limoges, they would be rewarded handsomely.

In 1768 Macquer, chemist for Sevres porcelain manufacturer, (state sponsored factory) discovered the white clay called "kaolin" in Limoges.

Limoges is the Capitol of Haute-Vienne in South Central France, they are known for medieval enamels on copper, 1900th century porcelain, and oak barrels used in the production of cognac.

The mining also produced metals from the kaolin and propelled Limoges to be the most popular porcelain by the late 1800.

In 1842 an American merchant, David Haviland, founded his own factory in Limoges, France. In 1880 he was awarded in the International Exhibition, son Theodore had held his own by 1890. Ever hear of Haviland china? Whoa, very costly and gorgeous.

By 1930, when the u.s. experienced a change in the global economy, elaborate Limoges production was ceased and a basic began. Still revered for it's translucent appearance and most always being hand painted, Limoges is still manufactured today, reproducing antique patterns.

You'll notice some screws are missing in my plates, that's because it came with detailed instruction to purchase "cushioned screws". The set came with a few, thank goodness because I wouldn't know where to begin!

It's a delicate thing. C & G Design.

Clothscapes-part 2

I've gathered the second grouping of embroidered work, to be included in my collective sampler.

This one is finished and was hanging in a picture frame, I like it so much I've included it.

Basket of flowers was finished by myself in the late eighties, it was bordered and stretched on a picture frame, but because it's linen, it never did look square. Linen gives alot. Hopefully it won't do that this time, never did like it and I can't wait to incorporated it into this sampler.

This one is to die for! How pretty is that? I picked this one up at a second hand shop. It is almost done and if I have the colors on hand I'm starting with this one, it's already in a stationary frame.

I'm thinking I'll border each piece with unbleached muslin, I believe that would maintain an aged look and if I add on to it, I'll always find more muslin, also every piece has a neutral backdrop. I'm not quite sure how they'll fit together but I know these are a good start.

Keep your fingers crossed. C & G Design.

Wee Willie Winkie

Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town,

upstairs and downstairs in his nightgown.

Rapping at the windows, crying through the lock.

Are the children in their beds, for now it's eight o'clock.

Wee Willie is a fairy tale doll from Brinn's, he is dated 1988.

He has his original tags, and stamped foot. Many companies have different identifying marks and the bottom of the foot is common.

Brinn's Company was established by Samuel I Brinn in the early 50's, he was a manufacturer of wholesale sales involving art and dinner ware, pottery, jardinieres, teapots, glass and oven ware, novelties. Two decades later, still under family management, the company was listed as an importer of ceramics, novelties, dinnerware and dolls. By the eighties Brinn's was a frequent doll maker, the dolls are mostly porcelain but they did make a hard resin as my Wee Willie is.

Wee Willie is a limited edition and is marked on the base of his head. Besides Brinn, 1988, he has a hand written signature and the number 7500. I believe the signature is from the artist hired to design him, and the number is the amount produced.
Too cute. C & G Design

Skeeter's Family Heirlooms-Dresden Plate

This is the second installment of Skeeters quilts, and this is a favorite of mine. Dresden Plate, an old fashioned, expressive, very welcoming quilt.

It's really is hard to decide if the color of a quilt will flow, this one does quite nicely.

A mixture of cotton candy pink and dark mint green as the focal colors. Skeeter's grandmother spruced up the areas between the plate by adding a pinwheel design which add a charm to this blanket. The Dresden Plate has 12 to 16 pie shaped wedges, depending on the size circle.

The center should be approximately one fifth the size of the outer rim. The center can also be a appliqued piece of fabric or left for the background to be seen as in Skeeter's quilt. Skeeter's grandmother used a every other color pattern which is a excellent choice for a large size Dresden Plate.

Pattern making for the Dresden consist on a 2 fold piece of paper, fold length, then width, draw a 1/4 circle from one edge to another, divide 1/4 equally by 3 or 4 pie wedges, wa-la! Variation on the plate has included a pointed outer edge as in the case of my pillow sham.

A combination of both, one being longer then the other (usually the points longer), can create a flower effect. Once the wedges are stitched together, the plate is appliqued' on the main background. My primer pattern book indicated this is a good quilt for 16 to sixty year old quilters to make! Fun time by all.

Very nice Dresden Plate quilt. C & G Design.

Wall Plaque-baby Ann + Andy

It's Raggedy Wednesday and I have a wall plaque to talk about. My wall art is press board and it is labeled Macmillan, Inc. Near as I can tell the company made Raggedy items from 1985 to the early nineties. Macmillan, inc is a publishing company and didn't produce Raggedy novelties or dolls.

I believe my plaque is from the "Raggedy Baby" series as the dog depicted in the plaque looks like a puppy, let alone the young expressions on Ann and Andy. Raggedy Arthur became the cherished pet in the nursery, yes, the brother and sister had a family dog. The older version is more recognizable.

ALWAYS.... has a patch on his behind. C & G Design.

Clothscapes, part 1

Since I've moved into our new house, I've been itching to do a collective wall hanging. One that make good use of all the embroidered pictures I have hanging out. Being a long time stitcher, I've been given unfinished embroidered work, finished work, purchased work and started some myself! Some of the cloths are found and some are still to be found, some are done and some are not......here is the first grouping.

A pretty peacock, I'd was doing when I met my hubby, don't we all give up when that happens?
A completed church scene, beautiful in blue and pink.
This one is meant to be oval,and I have limited yarn left. I may square the bottom, frame the curved sides, and call it good for this cute flutterby.

The final one of the group is actually a bell pull, I thought it would look nice to frame a outside edge. Least it will give me reference of how big to go.

Second group coming right up! C & G Design.

Ps. I'll be back on Thursday!

Moonbeams

I think if I could....I'd corner the market on free moonbeams. Glorious moonbeams that happen twelve times a year. I've learned to remind anyone close to me to look towards the sky's and pick a star for the loved one/pet that has gone to the heavens. The vast world of space has fascinated myself, scientist and astrologist for several centuries and has been the subject of poets. Does anyone really know what's out there? Do the formation of stars and the line-up of the zodiacs mean anything? A dreamy state of a bright circular globe in the sky, it represents so much to many different people, nature camping, marriage proposals, cruise ship vacations, cozy fire pits, and to me.....the imaginary state of something beyond. I could live with the full moon forever.

The bright night spot in the sky. C & G Design

David

I think Jack of all trades and myself have a appreciation for fine art, we enjoy unusual objects from the past especially one that plays a role in history. Many of you will recognize the statue below....

Michelangelo's David, I believe the original is sculpture from marble and many feet high. We like ours and purchased it for the garden, unfortunately it is chalk ware and while looking for a female counterpart, David deteriorated in the elements and needed work.

We had to fill David's calf with plaster and repair a loose ankle, not to mention a new paint job. With the help of an up light, David fits the corner of my hallway, perfectly. My kids are embarrassed and don't realize what a gem David is, they are thinking of their company and how to explain it to them. To date, friends enjoy David and spend way to much attention to him!

Never did find a counterpart. C & G Design.

Shadow Appilque'

I'm finished with Madam P's dance flowers, it was a simple project that she will have forever. After the glue was dry on the flower placement, I sewed a running stitch around the outside edges of the flowers. I stitched on the edges of the top flower where they overlapped, and the edges of the overlapped flower.

Once all of my flowers were stitched in place with the running stitch, we chose a decorative thread and whipped around the running stitch, staying on top of the work. Applique' is defined as applied on top. Running stitch with the whip stitch is called "outline stitch"I used gold beading thread for the ladies. I needed something fine so it would show the limbs as limbs.

As you can tell, I beaded each shadow picture.

We fitted Luann to the frame then painted the front side black, two of the flowers fell outside the perimeter of the picture but it worked just the same. We glued the edges down, stretching the fabric as we went. Once the glue dried we fixed the picture inside the frame using long staples and bending them inward to hold the object it place. I signed and dated the back, indicating who it was for, and what it was.

I like the way the sheer fabric gives it movement.

C & G Design.

Pin Ponies

How cute are these! I went to the mail and found a package from Connie McBride Johnson at http://clothmatters2.blogspot.com/
Connie ran a contest and I won! Madam P spent way too much time saying "AWWWW", and she has already taken her pony.

Connie gave three choices of what to make these felt ponies into, I chose pins. She is a talented pin doll artist, creates cute mascots, and I'm amazed at her puppetry.

Check her out. C & G Design.

Skeeters Heirloom Quilts-Cathedral Window

I feel fortunate I have a regular commenter that is willing to share her quilts with me and I hope she doesn't mind I post on them separate. I don't think she will, Skeeter is also a long time commenter on my sisters blog.

This one is Cathedral Window and as I said before, a true stunner! Absolutely beautiful!

Skeeter tells me she made this with her Grandmother one winter after her Grandfather passed away. What a great gift for her Grandmother, in return, Skeeter has this heirloom.

Each color square is hand stitched in place by folding the edges of the white fabric over it. The squares are small and any fabric can be used. Skeeter can see her Grandmother's dresses in several windows, her Grandmothers work displays what an accomplished quilter does so well.

Highly sought after vintage fabric placed in random style. Take it from me.....if you look at the rows on a angle, the diamond pattern (including 4 windows) is what you begin with, before the last fold happens, each four square window fold is stitched together. That means the back of the windows are smooth, each first fold is about 8 inches and approximately 52 first folds comprised in this heirloom! Skeeter tells me it is heavy and essentially quilted itself. How true she is, there is no need for batting in between several layers of fabric, and since this is folded to create the window, it does become heavy at double size

I have NEVER seen a cathedral window in twin size and my opinion, Skeeter quilt is museum quality but, I'm bias, I'd like it for all to see.

Thank-you, Skeeter. C & G Design.

Morning Greetings

Have a candy, dandy, happy day!

C & G Design.

Dance Flowers

Madam has been taking dance lessons for 5 years now, she is pretty good at jazz, likes the tap but is so-so on ballet. We are fortunate the instructor is a soloist for the Maine State Ballet.

The school has a recital each year, it's a big thing for all the parents as we can't know what the group is studying. Well, four out of the five years a silk flower were put in the dancers buns, the fifth year they wore a lei. I've held onto this mementos, not figuring what to do with them.

A light bulb idea, shadow applique'. I've done it before with silk flowers and monogrammed it with the initials of who I gave the work to. Brilliant! I've always made pillows using the technique but Madam wants a framed picture. She took apart the flowers while I cut out some ballerinas from felt.




This is also a beautiful way to display cut work. Always start with sheer fabric and after the flowers are taken apart, place them in a pattern you like, they can overlap or be separate from one another. I let Madam place her own picture.



Normally I place the flowers between the sheer fabric, pin them and iron but because it's madam and a picture, I had her glue them. Here is what she came up with.


After the flowers dry, I'll place another piece of sheer fabric over the picture and stitch around the flowers. Here's a sneak peek.
Only the shadow knows.......C & G Design.