Textiles and the Triplett Sisters

I recently gave a Study Center on this topic at the American Quilt Study Seminar. I had lots of questions and requests for information after the program. I certainly won’t give the whole presentation, but plan to explore the topic through a series of nonsequential blogs. (I’ll intermix other topics, so no one gets bored!) Military quilts (sometimes called soldier quilts or war quilts) are traditionally made from fabrics used in the production of military uniforms. The colorfast wool uniforms made for brilliant color with fabric that didn’t fray which allowed for distinct choices to be made in construction and design. Tailors used scraps from making the military uniforms to create their works of art. Soldiers used the uniforms to create the bedcovers as a form of therapy when convalescing or as an alternative to stave...

My sister has just completed her version of the Triplett Sisters 1856 Huguenot Friendship Quilt. Since she already has the original antique quilt in her collection, she wanted to make her version completely different, and she decided to add cute applique squirrels into the corners. I love squirrels and can’t help but think of the dog from the movie who is easily distracted by SQUIRREL! It did make me wonder when squirrels first started appearing on quilts. Afterall, I’ve researched the presence of giraffes, (here is the link to that blog article) so why not squirrels? Squirrels have appeared on quilts via applique, embroidery, pieced, printed, hand painted or inked. Pick your technique and you can probably find one. Several crazy quilts have squirrels embroidered into the quilt, but those are late 19th century. So, not...

I’ve been researching Pennsylvania/New Jersey Chintz quilts to see if there is a basis for a regional quilt style theory. (If you’d like to re-read, follow the link to article 1, article 2, article 3). I’ve also been researching the origination of Anne Varley reproduction fabric, one of my favorite Dutch Heritage fabrics in a Quaker Woman's Sewing Suitcase. (Here is the link to check out that article.) So, imagine my surprise, joy, and pleasure in finding one of the original fabrics in a chintz quilt! The style of the chintz quilt fits the regional style I’ve been studying. So, when I found the block with the Anne Varley fabric which was found in a Quaker sewing collection…I was thrilled to learn that the block made by Mary Ann Bond was also a Quaker woman, but...

We have a new adventure planned for those who like to explore a different avenue to learn or be inspired. We are creating video content for the C&T Publishing online vehicle: Creative Spark. These classes and lectures can be accessed in your own time and from wherever you prefer. Up first is the West African Indigo Resist Dye Class, which is a great intro to the techniques and history. This class is perfect for: 1) those who want to try the techniques with guidance. Both video and written instructions are provided, simply order the dyeing kit to get started, 2) those who want a refresher to remind them of the info, and 3) for those who don’t really want to get into the mess of dyeing, but still want to learn everything, can simply watch and...

The fourth bi-ennual Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival took place June 17-19, 2021. It was a momentous event for multiple reasons, primarily because it is the first major quilt show that took place in person in over a year, instead of virtually. It is also remarkable because it is organized and run by 13-16 quilt guilds working together (depending on the year.) Quilters seemed ecstatic to be re-connecting with each other in person, talking to friends, walking the vendor mall, and of course looking at lots of quilts. In the judged portion of the show, the perennial favorite Janet Stone won best of show, 1st place in applique with her quilt “Crazy for Ewe.” Janet Stone is a super talented quilter who has won just about every show in the nation, so it is appropriate for...