In the late 1970's we had an art league in our little town. 12 of us from the league started a little shop called the Village Gallery where we each took turns working. We were each other's best customers too. I made several of these table toppers, my version of a doily, all in the same pattern, Carpenter's Wheel. They were just the patchwork block, sewn pillowcase style with a poly/cotton solid color backing. This one, although it was my favorite, was the only one that didn't sell.I had used that "large" print in there in this time of tiny calico prints and it didn't appeal to any one. Now 30 years later I still like it.
Through many washings the 100% cotton block has shrunk a tiny bit and the backing hasn't so it doesn't lay flat any more. I think I will take the back off and put on a new one of 100% cotton.
Cathihas made a similar block and showed her progress the last few days and it reminded me how much I enjoyed working with this block. The traditional name for my block is Carpenter's Wheel which is made with diamond pieces. A similar block made with half square triangles is called Dutch Rose.
Yes, you were and are a trend setter. I like your block, too. Not many then would have put those prints together but it looks so good together. I haven't tried this block as yet. Are you familiar with Debby Maddy? She has books and patterns along this design without Y seams. I have a link to her blog in my sidebar on my blog.
Isn't it amazing how styles change? If you didn't still have that topper and the story that goes with it, most current viewers would never suspect how revolutionary the use of larger or unusual prints was in 1970's (and even early to mid-80's) quilts. And such a forward looking color combo too!
I must be hopelessly old fashioned because I love those old calico prints. I just acquired a stack of them and have been searching for a pattern that would show them off.
Isn't it interesting how tastes change over the years? I wonder how we'll feel about today's current "modern" prints in twenty years?
They say timing is everything... I wish I could tell you how to go to my flickr to see what I uploaded to day... (I plan on blogging it tomorrow - to busy today.)
Hi Wanda, Some of those prints look vaguely familiar; I wonder if I had some in a different color way. That block always looks intimidating to me. Do you remember having any trouble with the set-in pieces? Vicky F
I had used that "large" print in there in this time of tiny calico prints and it didn't appeal to any one. Now 30 years later I still like it.
Through many washings the 100% cotton block has shrunk a tiny bit and the backing hasn't so it doesn't lay flat any more. I think I will take the back off and put on a new one of 100% cotton.
I just was looking at Cathi's block and it's so much fun to come here and see yours! It's a beautiful block. I love the coloration in this.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful little topper! You were a trend setter- on the cutting edge, so to speak! Now everyone loves big prints! ~ Jennie
ReplyDeleteI love that pattern....will have to look up that block online. LOVELY fabrics, too!!! Thanks for sharing the photo with us.
ReplyDeleteYes, you were and are a trend setter. I like your block, too. Not many then would have put those prints together but it looks so good together. I haven't tried this block as yet. Are you familiar with Debby Maddy? She has books and patterns along this design without Y seams. I have a link to her blog in my sidebar on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI can see why this is your favorite table topper, a timeless piece that still holds its own.
ReplyDeleteWith my many yardages of tiny calico prints I can see how I want to use them now.
J~MT
Isn't it amazing how styles change? If you didn't still have that topper and the story that goes with it, most current viewers would never suspect how revolutionary the use of larger or unusual prints was in 1970's (and even early to mid-80's) quilts. And such a forward looking color combo too!
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised that it was your favourite - it's lovely!
ReplyDeleteHey, nice to see that some of the 'older' prints in my stash could come alive in a block like this one. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI must be hopelessly old fashioned because I love those old calico prints. I just acquired a stack of them and have been searching for a pattern that would show them off.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how tastes change over the years? I wonder how we'll feel about today's current "modern" prints in twenty years?
I really like it, & love the colours.
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is great. One of your first, uh. Very good.
ReplyDeletevery pretty, I remember some of these prints!!!
ReplyDeleteThey say timing is everything...
ReplyDeleteI wish I could tell you how to go to my flickr to see what I uploaded to day... (I plan on blogging it tomorrow - to busy today.)
Hi Wanda,
ReplyDeleteSome of those prints look vaguely familiar; I wonder if I had some in a different color way.
That block always looks intimidating to me. Do you remember having any trouble with the set-in pieces?
Vicky F
Well...I didn't KNOW this little
ReplyDeletenumber 30 yrs. ago, but I still like it too!!!