No, your eyes are not deceiving you, that is cheddar orange fishing bird catching a fish on my antique quilt!
The blocks are a pretty standard Whig Rose or Rose of Sharon but that border is not standard by a long shot. You can see another Whig Rose quilt in my banner pic and type in rose in the blog search block to see more of the banner quilt and another in my collection.
This would have originally been a red and green quilt but the red was fugitive; see the rose center, buds and flowers and the 'ghost birds' in the middle of the border. Almost makes one want to find some turkey red (TR) and start appliqueing. Too bad the original maker didn't use a real reliable TR--maybe she got some fake TR, an unreliable synthetic dye or dyed it at home.
But the funky appliques more than make up for the faded reds. Here again, fish, bird and don't forget the cheddar rooster! Hand appliqued and machine quilted. Circa 1870. Large, 74 X 104 inches.
Oh those birds are fabulous! I love the rooster too. I can see why you would want to start an applique project right away. I feel the same when I see these pictures! Good luck on finding the book.
ReplyDeleteAn unusual border and very eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteLOVE those birds, I have become a huge fan of birds in quilts and on fabrics...ok just love that rooster and cheddar!!!!
ReplyDeletehow fun, thanks for sharing yet another
great quilt
Kathie
What a fun and interesting border!!
ReplyDeleteDon't know that I've ever seen such a border treatment! Wish I had time to hunt for the picture--I have several books of vintage quilts and quilt history--but no time today. Hope someone finds it!
ReplyDeleteA unique border - so fascinating. It's fun to find something a little "quirky" with antique quilts. Makes them more individual.
ReplyDeleteHi! Greetings from Finland! Your quilts are so fantastic! It's so nice to find other quilters all around the world! www.quiltworld2.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYours, Ulla