Now that Christmas gifts have been unwrapped, I'd like to share with you this red and green antique quilt that my husband gave to me.
It's one of my favourite patterns in my favourite quilt colours. I know it as Whigs Rose but I'm sure it has other names depending on the political affiliations back in the day.
It was made around 1860 and was definitely pre-loved as the red fabrics and binding are looking pretty worn.
No worries about how to turn the corners on the borders, it looks like they were just placed at whim, I love that but I'm not brave enough to do it to my own quilts.
The applique stitches are tiny and even, done with beige thread stitched in an overcast manner. I think this quilter must have been an accomplished sewer.
I put my hand in the photo to show just how tiny those berries are. This will be a quilt for display every Christmas now.
I can show you what I had been busy making for the grand children for Christmas now they've received them. I think they have a competitive streak when it comes to soft toys and cushions on their beds so these were well received.
It started off with this wee fella. The patterns are from Little Cotton Rabbits. I've always secretly coveted the rabbits Julie makes to sell so I was very happy when she started releasing the patterns which you can find here.
It didn't take much to talk me into making one for each of the kids despite never having made a kniited soft toy in my life. Every one came out looking a bit different depending on the wool used for the rabbit and that also seemed to determine the size and shape of each one.
Until next time, Janet
Happy New Year Janet! Your Christmas gift is gorgeous. He certainly knows your taste! Those rabbits are to drool over as well. Lucky kids!
ReplyDeleteHugs Nat
I don't know what I love more- that stunning vintage quilt or those adorable knitted bunnies! They make my heart melt!
ReplyDeleteThat quilt is so very beautiful!! My favorite,colors too :0) Your DH knows how to buy good gifts! That quilting is so very marvelous. I would not have the patience for triple lines like that but I wish I did. This quilt has found the perfect home at your house. Thank you for sharing your new treasure.
ReplyDeleteThe bunnies are darling. The little pink shoes, the flowers on the dresses, the cute little faces - all the little details are wonderful.
Well that DH of yours is a keeper. What a lovely thoughtful gift and those bunnies are adorable .
ReplyDeleteIs that the best Christmas gift ever? How wonderful for you to be the owner of something so old and beautiful, a real treasure. Your rabbits are adorable, and I can't believe they are your first knitted toys. Were they very difficult to make?
ReplyDeleteThose rabbits are adorable !! maybe not just for kids either...
ReplyDeleteAnd what a gorgeous quilt! I do love the border placement - so full of character - you lucky girl :)
Hilda
I wish you a very happy, healthy and productive year, Janet. Wow, your husband did well with your Christmas gift, didn't he??? And the rabbits are just adorable. I can't believe you never knitted any soft toys before. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt and what wonderful rabbits....
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! What a stunning quilt - so beautiful. Cute rabbits.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year. What a treasure your Christmas quilt is! And your rabbits are just adorable. You are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous husband you have there Janet. Is he for hire? Love the "new" christmas quilt. I actually quite like how it has been quilted. It would probably be much quicker to quilt it like that. Love the little bunnies. May have to knit a few of those for a certain little pair of hands.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.x
Your quilt is beautiful I love that pinkish red. I would be tempted to keep it our year round!
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt -- is it an American one? That style was certainly very common in the late 1800's.
ReplyDeleteI love your new quilt - I too like how the corners flow - I like to do this on quilts - I prefer free-flow to very organized and precise although a current quilt that I am applique goes precise - but mine are never perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting pictures of your new quilt. It's lovely and interesting! I think we don't quilt like that any more because we have better batting--but it's really neat to see.
ReplyDeleteI have the Cotton Rabbits pattern and I can barely knit. I haven't attempted them yet but I was very glad when the patterns came out. Your rabbits came out very cute!
Your little cotton rabbits are so sweet. My DD made me one for Christmas and her ears flop to one side so we calling her Flopsy! :o)
ReplyDeleteI love the rabbits, especially the boy with more than one color for his body, but I would love any of them if I got a gift like that-so adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt-your DH is a keeper for sure
What a beautiful quilt your hubby got you. I know it will be cherished. Those little bunnies are simply adorable. Lucky little grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure gift! It is a real beauty Janet!!
ReplyDeleteLove the bunnies!! Happy New Year!
Wow! What a beautiful antique quilt. Your husband is very smart! No one could appreciate that more than an accomplished quilt maker like yourself. LOVE those little rabbits. If I knit, I'd be looking up the pattern right now!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and thoughtful gift from your husband. And I'm especially impressed with your knitting skills, knowing these are your first soft toys to make. well done!
ReplyDeleteHappy Nrw a Year to You Janet...what a Lovely Gift! Well Done.
ReplyDeleteYour Bunnies are Gorgeous ...Hope you are a Feeling OK xx
What an amazing quilt! Your hubby picked a winner for sure! And those knitted bunnies are just adorable! Thanks for the link to Little Cotton Rabbits......her work is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is gorgeous...what a special treat! Love those rabbits!
ReplyDeleteYour husband has good taste. As for the bunnies....love, love, love them. I might have to make myself one since all I have are grandson. So cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a special gift from your hubby, such a beautiful quilt. I must say though that rabbits are my fav, just adorable and love the little outfits!
ReplyDeleteThat gorgeous quilt has found such a loving home where it will be appreciated. A truly special gift!
ReplyDeleteYour knitted bunnies are delightful - love the feet on the little girls and the little boy bunny with two different colored ears - adorable!!
Happy New Year and may you have endless hours of creativity.
What a wonderful Christmas gift you received!! I love when the quilts have that triple quilting. I would like to try it myself but haven't finished anything worthy of such effort yet. Your knitted bunnies are so cute. It sure doesn't look like you were new to making them. My favorite is the yellow one.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, Janet!
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Look forward to follow your creations of 2014, as you always seems to inspire me with lovely makes. Your husband is a clever one, what a beautiful gift!
Umm, does your husband provide mentoring services? That quilt is to DIE for- red and green quilts are my favorites and this is a beautiful example. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Janet.
ReplyDeleteLoved your bunnies, they are so sweet.
The new old antique is over the moon wonderful! What a wonderful gift from your santa husband.
Happy New Year. WOW! your husband sure does know how to pick out a great quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful gifts for the grandchildren. So cute and super snuggly. Best!!! Beautiful quilt, Janet. Thanks for sharing AND highlighting those berries...whew!
ReplyDeleteOMG Janet the rabbits are just darling. I wished I knew how to knit. I bet the kids were in heaven after receiving these. Your husband did great with your gift. It is a beautiful quilt. What a treasure. Not sure what you mean by the overcast stitch. Will have to look that up.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and I am glad you are back at blogging.
The mister did very well scoring this treasure just for you. It couldn't have gone to a better home. Oh my goodness your wee rabbits are the cutest ever and each with their own personality! You seem to master whatever craft you touch.
ReplyDeleteThat amazing quilt is so You!! It's wonderful to see all it's amazing details up close. Those berries are so tiny they almost dont look possible, and the quilting is beautiful. The bunnies are all so cute! I love the way each one has it's own personality. I can just imagine the smiles on Christmas day as your grandchildren opened their gifts.
ReplyDeleteLucky you, the quilt is beautiful. Glad it's found a good home. The bunnies are so cute but way above my knitting skills :).
ReplyDeleteWow -- what a treasure of a quilt! It's so beautiful -- I love looking at the workmanship of those old quilts. It makes me sad that we're in such a hurry that we rarely take time to make such treasures today.
ReplyDeleteAnd you little rabbits are adorable. I've had those patterns on my to-do list now for a long time -- I need to get with it (or find someone to make them for LOL!)
Red and green quilt was a very thoughtful gift. A real treasure. Love the bunnies so much, I ordered a pattern. Hope to get it down by Easter for a gift. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love those rabbits!
ReplyDeleteSeems that everything you touch comes out beautiful, I just love those little rabbits, and just may have to invest in a couple of her patterns. Thank you so much for sharing your work with your Blog followers. Heidi in Houston, TX
ReplyDeleteYou made those without ever having done a toy before? I am so impressed! I have the patterns and had a start on the mouse head. After much fussing I ran into a problem and stopped. I need to start over because I really want one of those toys so I can make clothes for them. I hope you are feeling much, much better these days.
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