You can read about the original antique quilt in an earlier post. Because my blocks are slightly smaller (3″ instead of 3 1/2″), I decided to make the quilt one block longer and wider. My version ended up at (50″ x 57″) — a bit larger than the original. Also, I lost the template I made for the handle, and the replacement I drew was obviously narrower. I didn’t notice this right away, and when I did, I decided not to care. Maybe when I’m dead someone will look at this quilt and wonder why some of the handles are fatter than others — a quilt conundrum.
For the prints, I used small pieces from Civil War scrap bags I ordered from a quilt shop a few years ago — the bags contained what appeared to be scraps left over after making their quilt kits. I tried to order more scrap bags, but unfortunately they no longer offer that service. Too bad, because those scraps were perfect for projects like this.
The original quilt is back to being just a top, since someone separated it from its batting and backing. There are still threads left, though, and you can see that the quilter simply outlined both the plain and basket squares, with no quilting in the interior of the squares. I’m pretty sure I want to do something a little more elaborate, but have no idea what that might be.
Here are the two quilt tops, side by side.
Very very nice! I really can’t see a difference in the handles, but I’m sure you know it’s there. lol Beautiful!
Love, love your basket quilt. I have quite a fondness for basket blocks and these done in the repro fabrics are just perfect.
Really lovely quilt, Martha. It’s such a sweet design and you’ve captured the charm of the original. Those scrap bags sound wonderful, wish they were still around.
I love them both, but I have to say that I think I like your repro just a little more! What a treasure. Thanks for sharing and have fun quilting it.
That is really gorgeous, Martha! And the two sizes of handles makes it the humble quilt way! LOL I love that!!
I like that the handles are different. I really didn’t notice it until you wrote about it! 🙂
Martha, I miss you!
Dear Martha, I miss you, too.
Miss reading your daily blog. Miss the free embroidery patterns. Miss looking at the beautiful things you create. Come back when you can.
Love this — and I think your handles are perfect!
Dear Martha, I hope you are doing well and everything is fine with you. As I miss you as much as the others do I had hoped to find you somewhere else perhaps on instagram or some other social place. But I couldn’t find you. So I will leave my very best wishes for you here and wish to thank you for your many interesting and beautiful posts and all the inspiration I got from you.
Don’t you miss your blog? I do. I use the apron you made and I think of you when I wear it. Jump back on here anytime, I check every so often. Hope you are well.
Since manuscripts are subject to deterioration
I’ve just found your blog and am saddened to see that there haven’t been any posts in years. It’s a wonderful resource as a new quilter. I hope there can be new posts soon, or others who find this place are inspired to pick up where you left off.
I found your amazing blog several months ago and have just bookmarked it so that I can read through every post. Like Claudia, I have tried to find you on other social media platforms. I hope that you are doing well.
I enjoy popping in to see this beautiful basket quilt! Love it!
So glad your website is back up and running! Thank you to your “help” that was able to get it up and running again! Many thanks!