The little 19th century quilt is just a top now, because someone decided to separate it from its backing and batting. You can still see remnants of the quilting stitches (a basic outline pattern) and where the binding was attached. I’m thinking it was once a crib quilt because of its scale and size (43″ x 50″), as well as the whimsical look of the baskets with their cute squatty handles.
The quilter chose an appealing set incorporating the 3 1/2″ basket blocks into a 4-patch block. She mostly used the same prints for both the baskets and the plain squares, but not always, which gives the design more interest. The fabrics include madders, double-pinks, gingham and shirtings — I’ve always loved this combination of brown and pink.
Madders don’t hold up well over time, and I think you can see, if you enlarge the first photo, that some of them are torn and shattered. Those that are not already disintegrating are extremely fragile, so I covered the back with a piece of sheer weight, iron-on interfacing. I bought it despite these issues because I loved it so much, and now I’m going to make a copy using reproduction fabrics.
What a sweet quilt! Love those baskets.
What colors are you thinking for your version?
Lovely quilt! And such a sweet scale! Have a wonderful time with that project! Hugs, Mickie
Such a cheery quilt! Thanks for sharing.
Oh Martha, this is soooo sweet! I am so thankful that you have rescued it and will be reproducing it. I have never seen this done in a four patch like this. I just love it. I have one started with just the little baskets, but I do love the four patch setting.
Oh, I love this too! I might have to dip into my cw repros and make something like this. My basket won’t have handles though because I don’t do much applique.
What is it about these vintage fabrics that touch our heart-strings so? Love it!
So, row three, block three? I swear I just bought a quilt with that fabric as the set squares and every piece has shattered! Any chance I can see it close up so we can compare?
This is splendid!
Very cute blocks! They look very similar to the blocks in a quilt that my friend Randy (Barrister’s Blocks) purchased in Sisters Oregon a number of years ago. Her quilt had all pinks no browns so probably not as old as your top? those brown prints are fabulous!
I love the setting for these basket blocks. How kind of you to share!