Pictures above are of Paragon Garden Bouquet applique quilt kit circa 1974 - certainly a vintage find. This one doesn't appear often and is snapped up when it is. I was lucky enough to finally get one and show it here in it's unopened condition. The second picture shows the applique fabric and the bias binding which is included in the kit - this one will go fast!

Above is the first picture of my fabulous treasure! This is a vintage and partially completed Progress applique kit. It is Bowknot #1345 which does not bear a date but is clearly from the 1930's. The work on this lovely quilt kit is absolutely impeccable, but you will need to do some matching as the rest of the applique pieces did not come with it.

As you all know, Kona solid cottons have a range of over 200 shades and if you cannot find vintage percale I'm sure you will find something among the choices from Kona. Any of the online stores should be able to help out, but if you would rather, I can source the fabric from my local Quilt Shop for you at my cost to acquire it.

As you can see there will also be some simple embroidery required to add the finishing details to this lovely quilt. The bias binding will also need to be provided and should be a good match for one of the basic applique colours - what fun!!

The quilt is finished using the marked scalloped edge guidelines which are clearly visible, as are the quilting lines. This quilt top is remarkably clean but has one or two barely noticeable age spots and should be soaked to freshen and remove the guideline markings.

As you can see the picture on the front of the envelope is crumbled from age, as is the bag from a store called Pomeroy's which I presume is long out of business. I will enclose it in a transparent sleeve and support it with cardboard when I ship the kit.

What a treasure to find - I waited many years for this one!!! And I predict it will sell this week, so if you want it please contact asap to put a hold on this.

SOLD! June 30/09 Price: $295 USD including trackable and insured shipping, plus cost to match fabrics if you wish this done at this end.





Bucilla Jiffy Stitch Quilt Kit - Liberty or Americana Eagle

I now have this lovely Bucilla Bicentennial quilt kit back in stock after a long search!! This is the original version which was offered in suggested colourway of red and ecru, but having seen the kit for the version offerred as a premium for 16 Mule Team Borax, which was in red and royal blue, I'd suggest that colourway. This kit doesn't come with the thread kit, so it's your choice how you finish it and it will make a wonderful keepsake.

PRICE: $225 USD includes postage

Our national holiday - Canada Day - is on Wednesday and I am convening a quilt show that day, so please be patient with email requests, which I will try to answer within a few hours of receiving them. Celebrate Canada!!!

Labels: Bucilla cs quilt kit, Paragon Applique Quilt Kit, Progress applique quilt kit

Labels: Progress/Tobin Tree of Life quilt kit, Spartex Doublestencil quilt kits

Above is the sixth of a series of quilts I have made for a West Coast Canadian dealer in First Nations Art. I have made two bed quilts for him, and this is the fourth version of pieces of art he has asked me to do - again he is very satisfied and I am currently working on two more commissions he has entrusted to me. These pieces are an exciting challenge and it is hoped they will be exhibited in a textile show planned for the coming winter in Victoria BC.

Labels: 19th century quilts, First Nations art, one-of-a-kind handcrafted quilts

I have been going through my stash of solid coloured fabrics - mostly high quality Kona cottons for two recently received commissions, and can't help playing with colour combinations as I do so.

I found two jewel like shades of jade green with lots of yardage and of course put them together to return to storage; and at the same time started looking through my pinks, cerise and lighter purples, and found three more singing jewel tones!

I couldn't resist it - I had to make a quilt out of these clear and very lovely colours, and so of course, I did. This quilt will be priced at $950 USD , delivery to your door included, and will be closely handquilted in tradition amish motifs. Feel free to contact me mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: amish style strippy quilt, handquilted, jewel colours

The view in the above picture is what I see when I look out my back door these days - my woodpile covered in snow, a view across the road into a small woodlot, and my old wooden door with a plain balsam fir wreath on it. The snow dusting it is decoration enough - I don't need artificial glitter or kitschy ornaments.

I think this year, many of us will have a simpler, more frugal celebration. I for one will continue my tradition of a simple but tasty meal with special touches, simple gifts and an emphasis on reaching out to people with assistance through http://www.kiva.org/ an agency that accepts small investments of $25 and disburses the money to people who cannot access bank credit for their small businesses through microfinance agencies in the developing world. As it is repaid the money can be withdrawn, gifted to Kiva or re-invested. I have bought myself two loans this week, and will make purchases of gift cards soon for family and friends.

Wishing you a very safe and blessed holiday season and a secure and happy new year, and above all may peace come to the world.

I wish to thank all my customers who have supported me and my vision by making purchases this year - you have made this my best year yet!

Labels: holiday wishes

For those of you looking for further vintage quilt kit postings, I recently acquired a fantastic Paragon Applique kit and will post it and some wholecloth Doublestencil/Spartex quilt kits in the next day or so.

Labels: doublestencil, Leo Naugler, nautical folk art, paragon quilt kits, Spartex

Labels: bucilla Tobin/Progress, Christmas Open House, Doublestencil/Spartex, holiday sale, one of a kind quilts, paragon

Because these kits so seldom appear on the secondary market, not too many people are aware of them. Doublestencil Spartex are better known for their extremely high quality wholecloth quilt kits and I can attest to that quality, having made several of these in the past. I currently have two or three of these in queen/double and will list them soon, but today I want to share these lovely applique quilt kits with you and offer them for sale in time for you to put them on your wish list and make sure Santa finds out - Lol.

Pictured above is the Pennsylvania Folk Art II queen sized kit - this kit is very like the many lovely hand appliqued quilt kits offered for sale on Amish Quilt websites and in Amish areas of Pennsylvania today. It comes complete with the vintage prints and solids, and will need your addition of a backing and batting. I believe I may have a Spartex backing in queen sized on hand - just ask and I'll check for you.

SOLD MAY 14/09 I am asking $175 USD for this lovely quilt kit.

In addition, I also have the crib sized or wallhanging sized quilt kit at $95 USD This lovely smaller quilt is displayed hanging above the bed in the picture.

As always, if you prefer I can make these kits up for you - check with me for costs and payment schedule.

My next picture shows Americana Tulips by Doublestencil in the wallhanging or crib quilt size - 40x40. This lovely vintage kit is in the tradition of red, green and yellow 19th century applique and reflects the practice of making a miniature classic quilt rather than one that clearly says "nursery". A few in this genre have come down to us and are prized and have found their place in museum collections. This version is based on a quilt in the Smithsonian Institution Collection.

My price for this lovely quilt kit is $95 USD and includes the backing and binding , and I also have a kit containing the two large rectangular shams for the same price - $95 USD backing included.

Last on today's list is is "Floral Album" by Doublestencil - this too is for the crib quilt/wallhanging kit shown in the picture hanging on the wall above the bed. I'm still hoping to find the full sized kit, but haven't seen one on the secondary market for over a year - I will keep my fingers crossed. This quilt kit, too, is based on a quilt in the Smithsonian Collection.

The charming small quilt kit that I have is priced at $95 USD.

Keep in mind that any of these quilt kits can be made up and completed entirely by hand and will use the very best 100% cotton battings, backings and thread. There is no time to complete these before Christmas but at the moment, I can promise delivery for early spring of 2009.

In closing I'd like to quote from an email by a recent customer: "The package arrived in good condition! Both quilts are beautiful and I'm anxious to begin a new project! Thank you again for your excellent service." Purchases are mailed as soon as payment is received and are insured and trackable.

Labels: customer service, doublestencil, Spartex, vintage apllique quilt kits

I want to remind folks in the United States of a currently very favourable rate of exchange. For close to a year the Canadian $ has been almost par with the USD. I've personally found this a lovely state of affairs as many of my purchases of fabric and quilting notions are made in the
United States. Fortunately, I have a stash that would supply me for several lifetimes, so I can forego purchases right now.

For residents of the United States, looking at purchasing Holiday gifts for their family and friends, I have some smaller quilts that currently are a very good deal. Check out http://xe.com/ for daily exchange rates. At the moment, for every $100 canadian purchase you make, you are paying only $81 US - and if you decide to purchase one of my completed quilts or commission a completely unique quilt for yourself I am prepared to offer free shipping in addition.

I think you will agree that this is a very attractive offer.

For example, my little Holly Hobbie 1972 Paragon quilt made from the original vintage kit is now priced at $235 Cdn or $190 USD. Pictured below, the little quilt is crib sized and has a hanging sleeve so it can be used as a wallhanging in the nursery, if you prefer.

SOLD Holly Hobbie Quilt June 2009

I have another crib quilt, again with a hanging sleeve that is called Beach Teddies. Ordinarily I don't "do" what are called panels as I find they are so frequently of questionable quality, colour and design. This one, though, I fell in love with - from the nautical theme, the country colours and the very good design that Theresa Kogut is known for. This was "recreation" while doing a huge predominantly black Amish type quilt last summer and I was so delighted with the results. Usually panel quilts are only minimally quilted and often it is machine quilting. This one received my meticulous care and handquilting that brings out all the details. I will post a picture shortly. As always, 100% cotton materials - top, backing, batting and thread. Price: $195 CDN or as of today, $158 USD.

My last completed quilt is a small wallhanging or table topper I call Lavender Parterre. This is an all original design of mine that of course is hand appliqued and hand quilted. It would look exquisite as a table topper on a victorian tea table in your sunroom this winter, wouldn't it?

SOLD APRIL 19/09 Price is $175 Cdn, or $140 USD.

I will soon post many new listings of vintage quilt kits: Doublestencil, Progress/Tobin, Bucilla and Paragon. I have finished my inventory now and have a handle on my treasure trove!! After the Christmas rush I hope to start inventory on my vintage and antique quilt tops - there's another great project I'm sure you'll be interested in.

Labels: free shipping, holiday sale, holly hobbie, paragon quilt kits

My kit has lost it's colour photo and brief instruction sheet, but anyone wanting to complete it should have no trouble doing so. I will include cololur copies of the three photos shown here.

SOLD MAY 12/09 PRICE: $210 USD plus shipping

Labels: Bicentennial quilt kits, Progress/Tobin, tree of life

SOLD!

Above is a very recent purchase I have made - this is a very rare one and I have been watching for it for a long time now! Again, this is a double/queen Paragon cross stitch kit dated 1974 #01119 measuring 97x97. No thread kit.

SOLD April 15/09 Price: $200

Labels: Americana, Bicentennial quilt kits, Bucilla Quilt kit, Christmas Open House, paragon quilt kits

Above is the Paragon Baltimore Brides kit in double bed size(90x103). I am working a single bed size of this pattern right now and the colours are impressive as it works up! There is no thread kit and in all my years of collecting I haven't seen one for sale, but suggestions for colour and quantity are provided in two colourways.

Price: $125 USD

Above is a spectacular Paragon kit called American Heritage - jacobean tree of life design. It has been started and comes complete with an ample supply of luscious coloured thread to finish. The coloured photo sheet is there, but somewhere the stitch chart went walkies but I'm sure since it is started there are enough clues to finish it correctly. Size: 82x97.

Price: $170 USD for the complete kit including thread.

Have a great weekend and get out and see the harvest and autumn colours - spectacular!!!

Labels: Bucilla, doublestencil, paragon, Thanksgiving, Tobin/Progress

Labels: Leo Naugler

This lovely little kit was aquired some years ago and I had put it together over the winter and finished handquilting it and begun to bind it - so close, but not a finish until now. There is a regulation 4 inch hanging sleeve on back, with the piece of printed identifying fabric from the bottom of the panel attached - so its provenance goes with it.

Labels: holly hobbie, making quilts, paragon quilt kits, vintage quilt

Labels: how to quilt, learn to quilt, quilting giveaway, quilting lessons, simplequiltmaking

I thought today I'd give you a quick tour of my Quilt Studio as it looks to visitors. The first picture is of the large sign at the side of the road - it's taken from the doorstep. I made this new sign last spring and 3 of my friends helped to set it up one sunday morning.

Next picture is of the space in my porch where I pile firewood in the winter - this space holds about a cord and a half of wood that gradually dwindles over the course of the winter - more is on the doorstep and nearby. When the wood is all gone, a good sweep out and it becomes part of my display space for the summer tourism season. Most of my quilts are in the quilt studio part of the house, but I have lots of folk art, handknits and a few quilts out here - it's a very pleasant space.

The last picture is of a wonderful hanging basket of climbing nasturtiums I picked up at a farm market a few weeks ago - glorious colours aren't they? They're one of my favourite flowers - love the scent and the flowers and young leaves make a lovely tasty edible garnish.

Hanging in the doorway is a recently finished quilt top that hopefully I can get around to quilting very soon. It is a new project on my teaching website http://www.simplequiltmaking.com

The weather is glorious here lately - day after day of hot sunny weather, and lovely long and light-filled evenings. Couldn't be better!

Labels: how to quilt, learn to quilt, quilt studio

Labels: folky, funky, gardening, hand stitched quilt, locally grown food

The first picture is of Leo Naugler's "Flying Fish" - this is a large carving which will be extremely expensive to ship as it will need careful and well padded packing to ensure no damage occurs - perhaps this is better as a pick up! There is a stable crack along one side of the body due to drying and curing of the wood. This does not affect the integrity or strength of the piece.

The next picture is of David Stephens "Beach Flowers" an impressionistic and exciting folk art painting.

Third picture is of an an embroidered, beaded and appliqued wallhanging on green blanket/duffle cloth by Mary Tookomee. This form of art has been a longstanding decorative form used on duffle coats/parkas and parka covers for generations by Inuit women, and more recently wallhangings have also been made. This piece is exquisite. Sednas are a recurring theme in Inuit art and folklore.

The fourth picture shows three significant pieces currently in my collection: a Tom Rector bird tree; Free Willie, a beautiful polychromed carving by Jean-Marc Poirier; and Leo Naugler's fun and funky birdhouse.

If you are interested in any of these pieces, contact me at: mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: Benjamin Chee Chee, bird tree, David Stephens. Mary Tookomee, Free Willie, Inuit Art, Jean-Marc Poirier, Leo Naugler, Nova Scotia Folk Art, Tom Rector

I've had several inquiries recently about my folk art pieces, especially those of Leo Naugler. I am posting pictures today of the pieces I currently own and inviting inquiries. Above, starting with the first picture, is a funky Leo Naugler birdhouse - wouldn't that be a fun addition to your covered porch?

Next comes an older piece of a type that used to be common but has become quite rare. This is an earlier Cape Islander boat rigged with sail in addition to motor as these fishing vessels used to be. This piece was collected from an old cottage on the Northumberland Strait shore of Nova Scotia, near Amherst. The boom needs to be re-attached - an easy fix, but I will leave it to you.

And lastly, for this post, is a carving of a harness race horse and driver, done by Wilf Gaudet of Prince Edward Island. Harness horse racing was a very populat hobby among farmers and working class men 40 or 50 years ago and almost all the larger communities had tracks. I remember watching harness racing in the winter on the North Commons in Halifax when I was a child, and some years later bought a retired mare and trained her to saddle.

Blogger won't allow me more photos on this post, so will make several postings today. Thanks for looking! Contact me for more information.

mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Labels: Leo Naugler, nautical folk art, Nova Scotia Folk Art, Wilf Gaudet

Labels: begining quilting, how to quilt, learn to quilt, simple quiltmaking

Labels: hand quilting, my designs, quilt studio, tourism, tutorial

Labels: 19th century quilts, hand piecing, hand quilting, one of a kind handcrafted quilts, repro quilts, special commissions

Recently I have been checking through my inventory and also reorganizing leaflets, patterns and books. I have located several items I knew I had, but could not remember where they were stashed. One of these items is this sweet little kit that proves to me that the nicest things come in small packages. The box containing this kit is about 4 by 4 inches and no more than an inch high. Dating to the 30's and containing a lovely nile green backing and enough precut yoyo's in prints and solids to complete the project, the colours are nile green, warm white, lavender and some green, yellow, coral and lilac prints. The kit was marketed by ABC Chicago (Ideal) and is the only one of its kind I have seen. It is in clean mint condition, along with quaint Art Deco instruction sheet, the only flaw being that two sides of the little box have broken down - I have not repaired this, leaving that as your choice. How darling this kit will look as part of a vignette of vintage sewing items beside your old Singer machine!

Price $89.95, airmail postage included.

Labels: ideal ABC, vintage kit, yoyo

Labels: amish quilts, antique quilt tops, applique, calico, fabric for quilting, hand quilting, Nova Scotian Folk Art. Elmer Killen, quilt restoration, smalls, teaching quilting, vintage quilt kit, wholecloth

Labels: quilting, quiltmaking, snowfall, tutorials

Labels: handmade quilts, schooner Bluenose, season's greetings, top quality quilt

Labels: applique, art quilts, baltimore album kit, Benjamin Chee Chee, collectibles, custom ordered quilts, quiltmaking, vintage quilt kit

Labels: applique, cross stitch quilt kits, paragon, quilt kits, vintage

Labels: Atlantic Provinces, bird tree, cape islander, Christmas, harness racehorse, Maritimes, Nova Scotia Folk Art, polychrome

Labels: country store collecticles, hand-dyers, hooked mats, hooked rugs, memoribilia, rug hookers