A friend and I are travelling by train and bus once a month to get to Quiltsmith for classes with Sue Ross to make a version of the Auntie Green coverlet. This one has been whispering in my ear for years so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it. I've never done a medallion before so it'll be a new experience.
It's most recently been pictured in Annette Gero's book, the fabric of Society. There is no pattern for sale so this is strictly an in class pattern where we follow our own applique methods and fabric preferences.
I'm going for an old look so it could turn out quite muted but who knows, I'll choose fabrics as I go. I'm using a cream background but the others in the class are using a more taupe colour which is equally as nice.
For the leaves I've chosen some teal fabrics and I only have a section on the left to finish off.
Hopefully I'll be able to get to some prep over the next few days so I can make a start on the center applique.
My word for this year is focus so I'm determined to make better use of my time and get better organised with my projects. Next week is set aside for drawing the next vine panel for the Susan McCord quilt.
About the Auntie Green coverlet.
It was made around 1860 by Mary Ann Wellen, Stepney, London.
Mary Ann was known as Auntie Green by those who knew her and the coverlet was made for her niece Anne Kirby who travelled to live in New Zealand.
It was left to Anne's Australian niece, Mabel Williams who then passed it onto her niece, Mavis Roberts who is the current owner.
The coverlet uses a linen background and is unlined.
There could be as much as fifty metres of what looks like bias in the borders but is actually fabric cut on the straight of grain. There are consequently lots of tucks and ruffles in the borders.
It measures 96.5in x 91in
Until next time, Janet
Wow! This is going to be another stunner! Makes me want to ignore the 20 UFOs I have and start some applique.
ReplyDeleteoh, wow!! that is going to be magnificent. i can't wait to watch yours progress.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent is right!! I'm like you get lost easy, hardly any sense of direction - gps helps me a lot.
ReplyDeleteJust knew your project would be something wonderful - and it truly is. One of my stitching friends is doing the Auntie Green also with a group of appliquers that she meets with once a year in Nebraska - "Baltimore on the Prairie"
ReplyDeleteSome of the ladies fly over from Australia!
Will so enjoy watching your quilt grow.
Driving in Sydney would be a challenge. When I was there in 1994 my husband's cousin took us everywhere & I could sit back in awe at what a beautiful city it was (and still is)
Janet that is absolutely an amazing quilt. Then again all of the beautiful work you do is amazing. I am in awe that you are doing it without the pattern. Will be looking forward to watching its progress.
ReplyDeleteYou like to think big! An amazing pattern. I have no sense of direction either, and understand completely how you feel.
ReplyDeleteIt will be gorgeous! Have fun & enjoy the process!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is going to be stunning! Have fun focusing!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt! Can you believe I started it once...long ago and gave up. I was too much of a beginner. Have fun! I look forward to seeing your progress.
ReplyDeleteYou will have fun with this quilt, I can tell. You also must be up to the challenge because that looks like a lot of small pieces. I'm starting an applique project of Edyta Sitar's and I am not fond of small pieces. Guess you are much more focused than me. Look forward seeing your progress.
ReplyDeleteI admire your enthusiasm Janet! Not being able to navigate the streets of Sydney would pale into insignificance making this beauty! I will watch and marvel at your skill!
ReplyDeleteYou and your friend will have lovely train journeys into town, much better than driving in Sydney!! That coverlet is really amazing. I think it's great that you're following the photo and making your own patterns. This is going to such a treat for us to watch as it grows.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful pattern, can't wait to see it finished! So, focus!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic project. It should keep you out of trouble for ages! I look forward to watching your progress.
ReplyDeleteJanet I have spotted this quilt off and on in blogland too and it has often tapped me on the shoulder. I love this quilt and i know with your talent and perception on fabrics and color you will make it stunning. I look forward to your new adventure.
ReplyDeleteI am "green" with envy, i so want to do this. I have the four issues of APQ that has the pattern for the centre and first round of bouquets. Wished i lived close enough to come to class
ReplyDeleteAuntie Green is one I've always been tempted to try, so glad I'm going to be able to live vicariously by watching yours! Looks lovely so far--I love anything teal! So lucky to have a class (somewhat) near you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a stunning project to work on!! Lucky you!!
ReplyDeleteRose-Anne
OH, MY, Janet ! The Auntie Green Coverlet ! That's an absolute dream for so many quilters (including me)... I'm gonna follow your progress avidly, knowing that you're going to make a masterpiece ;>)
ReplyDelete(so you're designing it by yourself, dear ?)
XOXOXOXOXO
NADINE
Wonderful and you've already got a good start! I can't wait to see this project come alive under your capable hands.
ReplyDeleteI'm just learning how to applicate and when I see your leaves.... wow.. I have to learn a lot will I ever be able to start making this gorgeous quilt.
ReplyDeletein awe, so jealous LOVE your fabric choices .
ReplyDeletebeautiful..........
Kathie
Wonderful start to this magnificent quilt. It is on my some day list too...
ReplyDeleteYou are so LUCKY!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with this quilt the first time I saw it.
:o)
Your leaves are lovely! I can't imagine sewing down all those pieces!
ReplyDeleteOh, Janet! What a perfect project for you! It will be so fun to watch your progress. Interesting that she used straight of grain for the design in the border...I assume you plan on using the bias? Amazing Janet!
ReplyDeleteJanet, it already looks magnificent!
ReplyDeleteOh how you take my breath away. ...and so happy you're taking a class. The new experience - thrilling that! Enjoy and we will watching.
ReplyDeleteLooking lovely. This quilt is on my list for 2013.
ReplyDeleteThat's an amazing coverlet. I am sure yours is going to be equally breathtaking. Wow!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to it's growth.
OOOOHHH es maravillo ese proyecto .
ReplyDeleteMe encanta la elección de telas para ese centro .
Besitos !!
Makes me want to put down my Mrs Billings and start this again I have done 1 side of this quilt and the middle circle scares me mine turned out wonky and it went back in the hat box
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA totally stunning quilt. I know your skill, perfection, and amazing stitches will turn out a true heirloom.
ReplyDeleteLove the teal leaves. Pretty and unexpected.
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is one of our quilt treasures, I have always admired it. It will be fun to watch your progress on it.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Really beautiful quilt. Sue is such a great teacher. I had the pleasure to meet her when I lived in Sydney in 2009. I will be in Sydney in a few days and I can't wait. Keep us posted on your progress. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow Janet! What a stunning quilt. I love that it has such a well-kept history. You have all the best classes down-under! I can't wait to watch this project of yours unfold!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible project!! It will be so fun and motivating to be making it together with a group. I love the flowers and basket in the center - I look forward to seeing your applique of that! Later this year I hope to be using your pattern for panel #10 :0)
ReplyDeleteJanet, it is magnificent indeed! You don't ever work on anything not magnificent, do you? ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Quilting.
Wow, what a great adventure. Love the colours you have chosen. I am not brave enough to venture on this one without a pattern, so I have bought the one Irene Blank has made. Looking forward to follow you on this journey.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is "oh wow!" that is going to be gorgeous and a lot of work, too. But oh so worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteNever mind living where you do, it would be an even longer trip to the shop where I am. I definitely live in the wrong part of the world. I am just envious but at least you share your lovely work with us to ogle shamelessly. In your capable hands it will be stunning.
ReplyDeleteOh Janet, you are so lucky to be doing that in a class, I have Annette's book and a pattern for the centre medallion, but it would be nicer to do it with a class.
ReplyDeleteI just know your quilt will be amazing!
Julia ♥
Wow, this is a magnificent new project. I'm going to enjoy your journey right along with you. :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely start - just can't wait to see your progress on this one. Really adore medallion quilts and hope to have some in my future!
ReplyDelete(rubbing hands together) Oh YES, starting a new project!
ReplyDelete(licking lips) This one is just simply delicious!
I. LIKE.
Hi Janet, well, this is another beauty! I'm really looking forward to following your progress on this one. Thanks for sharing. xx
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I look forward to seeing it grow. This year is also 'focus' for me. We shall get a lot done!...;o)
ReplyDeleteThat IS magnificent. I look forward to watching your progress
ReplyDeleteThat is a great description magnificent. Along with the other one we are working both working on. Quiltsmith blog I follow. I am beginning to think it is a good thing I do not live down under.
ReplyDeleteAround my area we do not have challenging or reproduction classes. I always look but I do not need a class on how to make a hand bag.
That is my size quilt. Have fun creating.
Lovely quilt - have long admired it in Annette Gero's book. Am looking forward to seeing your progress and am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteHilda
Every Stitch
gorgeous new project! You will do it more than justice and it is sure to be a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteenjoy
I have that book, "Fabric of Society" that was gifted to me by quilters from St. Mark's Anglican Church in Sydney, after teaching quilting there. I cherish the book, and wonder if any of those quilts would be effective in modern prints. I've pretty much come to the conclusion though that I'm not a hand appliquér, and I don't know that such a quilt would look good machine appliquéd. You've sure made a beautiful start on the center of your medallion.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing piece of work! It will be fun to see it develop on your blog. Best wishes to you and your classmates as you undertake this project.
ReplyDeleteWow! Janet, it is magnificent! I will enjoy watching your progress. Your applique is always magnificent too.
ReplyDeleteWow Janet, great work! Looking forward to the full quilt.
ReplyDeleteJanet, forgive me for not knowing - I am sure you have mentioned this in previous posts, but are you doing needle turn or fused appliqué! This is going to be a gorgeous quilt!!
ReplyDeleteAs always your technique is fabulous. I understand about the class thing. I sometimes want to take a class but fitting it in and getting there can be tricky.
ReplyDeleteWoweee! This will be amazing! xo
ReplyDelete