Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Antique 1880 Hexagon Mosaic Medallion

Hexagon Mosaic Medallion
circa 1880, Ohio, 86 x 70"
 This graphic antique quilt gives the impression of being sewn in wedge segments but is done in staggered straight rows.  Each row is cut from one fabric but a few fabrics are used in two rows.  2" Hexagons.  Purchased from Cindy Rennels.  A great mix of madder reds and browns alternating with black and white shirtings; small scale prints, clearly a well planned quilt.

Detail of center -- don't forget to click on it to see the fabrics up close.  The floral in rows 3 and 5 is especially charming.

Again, you'll want to click on pic to zoom in and see the upper row shirting, it is a delightful cherry heart design.  It is interesting to note how many elegant 19th century quilts have one or a few stripes or plaids, like the blue and cream stripe on the last row and the printed plaid below.  They add interest and are a great element to add to make reproductions look more authentic.

This detail shot shows the interesting quilting- straight line grid through the blocks rather than the traditional outline.  If I ever make a hex quilt, I will use this method -- much less work than stitching around each individual hex.

8 comments:

  1. ow! A true beauty and so much work involved in that wonderful quilt. You are lucky to own in!!

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  2. I love it, and how it was quilted in a non tradition form.

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  3. This is a real beauty. Wonderful fabric. I saw an usual quilt pattern for a hexagon quilt. Hard to describe here, but they just went down each side of the hex and did not do the top and bottom of each hex. So it did this curve line from top to bottom of the quilt. I am sure this does not make sense.

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  4. I'm very jealous of you! What a great quilt - I love those old fabrics.

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  5. This is a great hexagon quilt. The setting is really cool, mainly because wouldn't it be easy to sew together?! Just keep joining the pieces in rounds! I didn't realize about the frequent use of plaids, and shirting, and will be on the lookout for them.

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  6. Lovely quilt. From what I read recently, quilting through the seams is also a way to ensure that the quilt is much stronger. Hard work though.

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  7. Thanks everyone for the great comments. I'm glad you are enjoying seeing this quilt and it is interesting to discuss the quilting.

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Thanks for visiting and commenting.

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