Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The Village Quilts

One of my favorite parts of visiting any living history museum, of course, are the quilts. I was surprised that I didn’t see anyone making one while we were at Greenfield Village, but I’m sure they probably do at some point during the year. My son, the budding blacksmith, was disappointed there was no blacksmith either, but I’m getting off-track.

I wanted to show you a few of my favorites from the trip. This humble little beauty was in the Mattox Family Home. Isn’t it darling? It reminds me of one I had when I was a little girl.

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I believe this next one was in the Noah Webster home, although I can’t recall for sure. I was so awe struck by the penny rugs I didn’t make a note of it. Penny rugs are generally made of wool fabric with small, hand-appliquéd circles stitched to a wool background.

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I can’t even wrap my head around the idea of doing an entire room full of them. But I’m glad someone did. It looks fabulous. DSC_4410

The boarding house had one of the finest examples I saw that day.

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Luckily, I had my trusty zoom lens, but I still can’t quite figure out the construction.

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I loved the scalloped fans on the edge.

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I wanted to move right into this next room and stay forever, but the guys insisted I continue on with them. So this next example went directly into my must-make  file. In celebration of finishing this semester of school I am planning to go on a quilt shop hop this weekend. I’m doing the math and calculating how much yardage I need to make this quilt. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for reproduction fabrics on Saturday. This one could go together quickly. Quick is good. I like quick.

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I’ll also be making one of these, which was in the Ford farmhouse. I love it. The math is a little harder on this one. I may just wing it and hope for the best. Hey, when school is out, it’s REALLY out around here.

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If you would like to see more of the buildings and decor at Greenfield Village you really must check out Historical Ken’s blog. He has done the most remarkable job of putting together the photos and history of each building. And if you ever get a chance, don’t pass up a visit, it is one of those places everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

christinesig

7 comments:

Tonia said...

OOOoooI love the quilts! I dontmake them but I remember as a little girl taking a nap on my Mawmaw's bed and picking out the fabric on the quilt that I had dresses made out of. I buy quilts every chance I get!

Unknown said...

Greenfield is a great place....been there on 2 fieldtrips with the school kids! I loved the pics of all the raised beds on your previous post. I love gardening that way....makes it much easier and it loves nice. Have you ever been to Colonial Williamsburg? Awesome gardening ideas!!

Whosyergurl said...

I love quilts. Quilts just say "home, love, comfort, warmth." Quilts are wonderful to sleep with...at night and nap time, too.
xo, Cheryl

Historical Ken said...

Thanks for the plug!
You really take some nice pictures.
Thought you might like this book - my wife loves her copy:
http://www.amazon.com/Fons-Porter-Presents-Quilts-Henry/dp/1890621919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273115189&sr=1-1

Lori said...

The museum looks wonderful and the quilt....lovely as usual!!

Benita said...

It's funny, you went to see quilts, and I go to stare at the weaving - especially that Jacquard loom they have there. Still, now that you have pointed out the quilts, I see that I'm going to have to pay closer attention the next time we go. The ones you took pictures of are lovely!!

I also love the glass blower, the potter, the trains (especially the round house), the animals, the shop,... okay, I love Greenfield Village.

Sandra Henderson said...

WOW~ Thank you!
I'd love to put a link to this on my blog, if it's okay.... Such great info. :)