Nova Scotia Quilts

Archive for the ‘customer service’ Category

 

These days I have some serious house repair and renovation going on, and a good part of many of my days have been spent in shifting my inventory from place to place in the house as the construction zone moves into areas I’ve used for storage.

I have gradually built up a collection of lovely finished quilts, vintage and antique, made from kits and pieced in the typical prints and solids of the late 19th century and earlier half of the 20th century.

These quilts were selected in particular as being in pristine condition – stitching is strong, “beauty spots” are very limited and bindings are intact. In many cases, I suspect these quilts were never used for anything more rigourous that display – certainly many have never been laundered. All are sweet smelling and unfaded.

It has become clear to me that I need to simplify and downsize, so I am offering these treasures at very attractive pricing and until May 31  shipping to any place in North America is free with tracking and insurance included. Quilts usually cost around $50, and sometimes more to ship, so I hope you will take advantage of this great offer. Payment can be made by requesting a Paypal invoice, or by mailing to me your personal cheque in USD or an International Postal Money Order also in USD. Contact me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to arrange purchase.

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Above is a photo of the front cover on the packaging of Progress #1553, Majestic. I sold this in kit form some time ago and haven’t been able to source it again, but I do have this as a finished quilt among my collection. Sized at 79×97 which was the standard size of the Progress kits, this quilt has been made by a very skilled hand and is in perfect condition. Dates to late 1950’s, early 1960’s.

The pattern is very similar to another Progress kit #1492 Tree of Life. Both are patterned on the palampores or bed spread sized hand block printed cottons imported by the Dutch East India and the British East India Companies in the early 17th century – these ‘indiennes’ fabric in very fine cotton took Europe by storm and in fact are still being made today by the den Haan and Wagenmaker firm in Holland. Check out their website for some luscious fabrics!  http://www.dutchquilts.net/EN_index_.html

PRICE: MAJESTIC  completed vintage quilt 79×97  $500USD  + ship free until May 31/13

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Above is the cover photo of Bucilla’s kit “Acorn Harvest”, done in cross stitch embroidery and then handquilted – design is based on a 19th century applique quilt motif and I have this lovely quilt both in kit form and in a finished quilt. Contact me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com

The finished quilt – in a double/queen size is in immaculate condition, and is priced at  $400USD and will ship free with tracking and insurance until May 31/13

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The finished quilt featured above is a winner! Again, in pristine unused condition; and again I have the kit as well as the finished quilt. The applique on this quilt is absolutely flawless – a real ‘girlie’ quilt without being over the top - maybe just in time for a graduating daughter or granddaughter?

PRICE: Bucilla The Living Rose in double/queen $450USD + shipping is free until May 31/13

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Above is a very early quilt made from a kit put out by Home Needlecraft Company. I recently featured this quilt when discussing the markings on the old kit and how to minimise what stamping tends to remain.

http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/01/removing-the-stamped-markings-from-quilts-made-from-kits.html

 

PRICE: SCATTERED MORNING GLORIES  $575USD + free shipping until May 31/13

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This one is a rare one!! I sold the only kit I ever had of this quilt many years ago and have not seen it since. I was lucky enough to find this finished one in the secondary market a couple of years and happy to tell you it has no issues – clean, unfaded and with skilled and sturdy stitching, this is Progress #1345, Bowknot measuring 79×97 – and ready to place on your bed. The quilt dates to the late 1940’s or early 1950’s and will make a unique statement in any collection.

PRICE: Bowknot  – Progress #1345  $575USD + free shipping until May 31/13

ABOVE: A closeup of Bowknot – enjoy!!

Contact me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to purchase

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 The quilt shown above is quite likely not made from a kit – I think I may have seen this pattern in a quilt magazine from the early 1980’s – whatever its origins it is lovely – a serene but colourful quilt executed with skill by a bold and confident needlewoman.  This Basket of Flowers sized at 60×60 would look lovely in a bright sunny bedroom with any kind of furniture, but can you see it with white wicker?

wow!! - a real winner!

PRICE: BASKET OF FLOWERS 60×60  $400USD + free shipping until May 31/13

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The next two quilts I’ll show you today were, of course, not made from kits. They are true pieces of our quilting past in North America and would hold their own in any quilt lover’s collection. This first one dates from the late 19th century and is made from indigo prints and a beautiful double pink print, offset by white and heavily quilted. It has clearly been used and loved, but well cared for. Fabric is still strong and stitching is intact, while the batting has not bunched up – the only sign of its age is a gentle fraying of the binding, but that binding is still intact and currently needs no attention.

PRICE: Indigo and doouble pink Geese in a Pond quilt 72×90  $575USD + shipping free until May 31/13

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Above is a Star of Bethlehem or Texas Star quilt with the unusual but totally charming addition of a strong 1930’s candy pink background which sets off and enhances the strong solid 1930’s colours making up the central pieced star.  I have checked this piece by piece and closed up a few seams where stitching had come undone, so it should be ready for display in your home. And what a display it will make! At 78×78, a very versatile size it can go on a double bed, or a twin and would make a strong statement hanging over the back of a sofa or over a door. Backing is the same wonderful pink!

PRICE: STAR OF BETHLEHEM  78×78  $450 + free shipping until May 31/13

Don’t delay! this won’t last – email me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to secure your purchase

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The last quilt I’ll show you today is one I made and is left over from last year’s invcentory. A one of a kind original design by me, it is made from repro 19th century fabrics in indogoes on white muslin and is enhanced by a shot of turkey red. At about 50×50, this would make a great table cloth at a 4th of July celebration, or if you’d rather not check its washability – which is just fine, you can hang it on the wall or over the back of the sofa. The patriotism is subtle enough, too, that this quilt will hold its own any day of the year.

PRICE: JANET’S INDIGO BASKETS – hand appliqued, hand pieced and hand quilted from fine 100% cotton through and through  $350USD + free shipping until May 31/13

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In addition to all these lovely quilts, I have a fine collection of bedlinens, vintage of course and many hand embelllished – all of which are made in the USA or France of either 100% cotton or linen/hemp – if you’d like to dress your whole bed vintage – contact me janet@novascotiaquilts.com and we can talk.

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Remember, too, to add your name to my list in order to receive my monthly newsletter – send me an email with ‘Sign me up!’ in the subject  line – janet@novascotiaquilts.com

HUGS! JANET

At the Quilt Show – Quilts at the Harbour – a few years ago – do try to attend if you are around the Hall’s Harbour area the last weekend in September – the 28th and 29th - it’s always a fun time!

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A FEW WORDS ABOUT SHIPPING: This past winter has seen an astronomical rise in shipping costs in both Canada and the United States. Of course this impacts sellers and buyers both! I know I look twice these days at costs  for shipping when thinking about buying online. A good rule of thumb is – how easily can I source this item locally? Can I source it locally at all? And finally if I can source it will the cost of gasoline to go and get it be just as expensive as having it shipped? I regularly order a 6 month supply of fair trade organic coffee from a local roastery who give a discount for larger purchases and will ship direct to my local post office – otherwise it would be a round trip of at least 70 miles and the use of several hours of my time – so buying online can be a real saving!

With a specialty item such as vintage quilt kits, your chances of sourcing the item you want in the local marketplace can be slim. My inventory, which is the largest in North America, offers you lots of options.

I have always charged less for shipping than the actual cost to do so, and have in the past offered free shipping to any address in North America. I am doing so again - it runs from today until midnight May 31, 2013. Buy one or several with no charge for shipping which includes insurance, tracking and airmail post. You won’t be sorry you did – this offer applies to any item currently listed on this site.

                  FREE SHIPPING TO ANY ADDRESS IN NORTH AMERICA UNTIL MAY 31/13!!

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A few typical items are shown below – browse all my entries for more, or use the easy search option on the site if you have a specific item in mind.

http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/04/vintage-paragon-applique-quilt-kits.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/01/wholecloth-quilt-kits-queenking-sized.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/03/beatrix-potter-holly-hobbie-and-walt-disneys-bambi-quilt-kits-and-more.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/05/vintage-quilt-kits-recent-finds.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/04/vintage-cross-stitch-qult-kits-with-floss.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2011/10/a-real-find-lee-wards-08-90541-pansy-vinjtage-applique-quilt-kit.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2011/03/vintage-progress-and-paragon-cross-stitch-quilt-kits.html

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http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2013/03/sneak-peek-sample-newsletter-march-2013-now-online-for-you-to-view-sneak-peek.html

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Please contact me to reserve any kits you want to purchase – janet@novascotiaquilts.com – you can ask for a Paypal invoice, or you may choose to mail a personal cheque in USD or an internatonial postal money order in USD.

I know my inventory will be depleted quickly with this special offer so I advise you to act quickly.

In addition – send me an email with SIGN ME UP in the title heading to subscribe to my interesting and popular monthly newsletter – send it to janet@novascotiaquilts.com

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Have a lovely weekend!! – Hugs from Janet

 

It’s time I  alerted you to some of my interesting recent finds of vintage quilt kits. I think there’s something for everyone here!

 

 

My first find is an unusual one – this is the first time I’ve seen this kit and I was happy to be able to snap it up. It would appear to date from the late 1960’s.

This is Paragon’s “Virginia Reel” , an unusual combination of piecing and cross stitch in a double/queen size.  This striking quilt kit comes complete with all fabric and the Peri Lusta floss kit to complete this lovely, traditional style quilt.  Colours of red and green make this a natural for an antique styled bedroom but is also very appropriate as Christmas decor in any room in the house, thrown over a door, the back of a sofa or arranged over the back of a rocking chair it will add a warm, welcoming ambience to your Christmas celebrations.

 

PRICE: PARAGON VIRGINIA REEL double queen complete with floss  $275USD + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance = $305USD total

Contact me  janet@novascotiaquilts.com to purchase this beauty

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Above is Progress #1516 Tree of Life to be completed in cross stitch. Size 90×103 so will fit a queen sized bed. I have one of these in my personal collection and the colours are striking when completed. Very similar to Progress’ Applique version of Tree of Life, #1492 which is also currently in my inventory. No floss kit with this one, but matching colours won’t be a problem.

PRICE: PROGRESS #1516 TREE OF LIFE cross stitch quilt kit, 90×103  $190USD + $25USD shipping, tracking and insurance = $220USD total  contact    janet@novascotiaqults.com to purchase

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 And the very desirable and very early Bucilla #1886, Morning Glories,  sized at 90×103, shown above, is on it’s way to me at the moment.  I will be able to get better pictures when it arrives. It is lovely, with strong pastel colours popular during the depression era and early 1940’s – morning glories climbing a trellis and surrounded with traditional handquilting motifs. Thois is a rare kit, seldom offered or seen on the secondary market. The seller told me it has a small amount of water staining – these stains can be reduced to a barely noticeable shadow with use of Biz or other oxy washing products – my price is based on there being such a stain - this is often a fact of life with the much older kits, and when properlytreated after completion will not be an issue.

PRICE: BUCILLA #1886 “MORNING GLORIES”  90×103  $425USD + $25USD postage, tracking and insurance = $450USD   contact janet@novascotiaquilts.com for purchase

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The following kits are very rare and unusual quilt kits designed and sized specifically for infants and chidren. These kits vary in age from mid 1940’s to late 50’s or early 60’s  and into the 70’s – vintage if not antique and reflect a sweeter and more sentimental treatment of babies and toddlers. These would all make a statement in a baby room with their retro styles and colours, and would also be at home on the floor as a play quilt, or even hung on the wall as a colourful focal point. What a sweet gift for a grandma to make for a precious grandchild.

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Printed panels or ‘fooler’ fabrics are not a recent invention by any means and were seen in 19th century sample books and in scrap quilts of that time. Printed chintzes or palampores are even older, being among the first fine block printed cotton cloth brought back from India by the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company in the late 16th century. Their novelty took Europe by storm and are still a staple of den Haan and Wagenmaker in Holland today. So this little kit, dating to 1944 and made by Hiawatha, which was a mail order needlework firm, takes it’s place in an historic tradition.

An idealized pair of happy, clean and well-fed toddlers off to bed and surrounded by fairy tale characters  and sweet animals – so very sentimental and reassuring during a time of war and social change!

PRICE: PRINTED PANEL WITH INSTRUCTIONS  for quilting $150USD + $5USD shipping, tracking and insurance = $155USD total           email: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to order

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Next up – two different versions of the bedtime story – Goldilocks and the Three Bears – each one very much in keeping with the time period during which it was available: Contact me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to purchase either of these sweet applique baby quilts.

Above is the Paragon Three Bears applique quilt kit – very 50’s retro style indeed, and including all the beloved scenes – who’s been sleeping in my bed, who’s been sitting in my chair and who’s been eating my porridge, plus the bear family out for a stroll. Bound to please with the brightly coloured appliques.

PRICE: $150USD + $20USD shipping, tracking and insurance = $170USD total

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Above is Progress Three Bears applique baby quilt – and again it is so reminiscent of the period in the early to mid 1970’s when small calico floral prints were all the rage – so much so that it was next to mpossible to find anything else! Three very colourful and happy bears out for their Sunday stroll in a country setting. What could be sweeter! Strong, bright colours will fade to softer shades as they are washed time and time again, or you can keep this one for display on a wall or over the side of the crib when baby is up.  This one’s a real keeper!

PRICE: PROGRESS  – THREE BEARS applique baby quilt kit   $150USD + $20 shipping, tracking and insurance = $170USD total

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The treasure shown above was purchased at Marshall Fields – a legendary department store in Chicago and judging by it’s sticker price and the art work of both the “Gerber baby”  and the Cinderella motifs it was available during the early to mid 40’s. It is 45×60 and the cross stitch motifs are stamped on fine percale in white – no floss comes with the kit,but requirements are listed so no problem to find matches.

The required pink bias binding for the scalloped edges is in the package. The art work of the cover deserves to be framed and hung in bab’s room too! This one is a true winner – almost a one of a kind find!!

PRICE: Bucilla #3283 cross stitch Cinderella 45×60 100% cotton w pink binding  $165USD + $20USD shipping, insurance and tracking  = $185USD total

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BE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – You will find intersting information on vintage quilt kits and always you will find a special offer for recipents of the newsletter only. Soit pays to be on the list – email janet@novascotiaquilts.com and put “SIGN ME UP!” in the subject box. Your name and email address are never sold – you will hear from me and me only and just once a month, and can unsubscribe at any time.

Thanks!! and enjoy all that eye candy above!  Hugs!  Janet

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It’s finally beginning to warm up and it looks like spring is almost here. I still need the woodstove going many days, but in a few short weeks the world will start to look as green as this picture of my home in springtime a few years ago. I’ve raked the leaves off the bed of columbines near the steps and this week will sow some mesclun mix in a big terra cotta pot for the deck – where I will just step outside the door for fresh salad leaves. And, of course, pulling weeds will come next!

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Meanwhile I’m going to treat you today to some classic Paragon Needlework applique quilt kits from the forties, fifties and 60’s. Some of these are extremely hard to find. I have seen them only once or twice in the secondary market and not at all recently. When these are gone, I am afraid they may be gone for good. All are in very good condition and have been stored carefully. Several have been started and have been done with great skill. Others are in mint condition, complete and ready for you to start.

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Above is the illustration on the box front of Paragon’s #1057 Rose Wreath, sized 80×100. Quilt kits ceased to be packaged in a box sometime in the mid to late 40’s so I am judging the age of this kit to be at least 65 years old. It has been worked by a careful and very skilled quiltmaker and is ready for you to put on the finishing touches with embroidery and then quilt it. It will be an instant heritage quilt to add to your collection or to give to someone dear to you.

Here is a close up if the lovely work that has been done . There are twelve sweet, traditional rose wreaths

And above, an overview of the whole quilt – this one really gets the creative juices flowing, and every time I look at this kit I’m tempted to finish it myself – but I can’t keep them all!

PRICE: Paragon #1057, 100% cotton quilt kit for applique  80×100 - complete and ready to finish:

                                           $395USD + $30USD shipping, tracking & insurance = $425USD total

Contact me  janet@novascotiaquilts.com if you want more information

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Next, Paragon’s Rose of Sharon #1130. This quilt kit has been started by a confident and capable quiltmaker, but these is still a lot to do on this one.  This is another rare one, measuring 90×105 or a queen size. This dates it in my mind to the late 60’s when people began to move toward  larger beds – in addition, the illustration is in black and white – a feature of the earlier kits’ packaging.

The fabrics used are careful reproductions  of much earlier fabrics found in mid to later 19th century quilts, as is the pattern.

This is the lovely vining border of rosebuds and leaves – classic in earlier applique quilts in North America.

Shown above, the pieces to make one of the lovely large blocks

And above in this picture you get a much clearer view of the lovely reproduction fabrics – double pinks and a dark green with chrome yellow detail – and the painstaking applique stitches – this is going to be a family treasure!!

PRICE: PARAGON ROSE OF SHARON #1130 90×105 100% cotton, started

                      $395USD + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance = $425USD

  Contact me  janet@novascotiaquilts.com  for purchase details

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Shown above is a baltimore album style quilt kit by Paragon  – this is Garden Bouquet sized 82×97 0f 100%cotton. The colour choices have been softened and updated to those popular in the early 1970’s and this lovely vintage quilt kit will make a statement in your home and be a treasure to pass on to your children.

PRICE: Paragon’s Garden Bouquet – sealed in plastic 82×97 $395USD + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance = $425USD total

To put a hold on this lovely kit, email janet@novascotiaquilts.com

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And finally, two lovely patriotic quilt kits in applique, both by Paragon:

Above is Paragon American Glory 01147 this is worked on an ecru background in 100% cotton fabrics reproduced from 19th c quilt fabric and the design is a very old, traditional eagle and liberty bell in the traditional red, green and ochre so evocative of the mid 19th century.

 The specific kit shown above dates to pre-1963  and has been started, but in addition I also have an unstarted one.

 

PRICE FOR EITHER KIT: PARAGON  AMERICAN GLORY #01147, 82×97 $395USD + $30USD postage, insurance and tracking = $425USD total

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And finally, an early patriotic quilt kit probably late 50’s early 60’s, this is Paragon’s American Eagle #01128 , size is 82×97 and again, I have one kit that has been started, and one still in factory folds in the original package. This kit features the eagle surrounded by 13 stars of the original 13 colonies and is edged by a swag border in the 19thc style. Applique is done in ochre for a subdued and subtle statement.

Either of these quilt kits could be finished in time for the July 1 holiday and would look lovely in your home.

PRICE: AMERICAN  EAGLE PARAGON # 01147   $395USD + $30USD shipping, insurance and tracking = $425USD total

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A WORD ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE: all purchases are given my personal attention – answering your emails, sending out billing information, checking, packing and shipping each parcel. All items are adequately insured, have tracking numbers and move to you by airmail, and I watch their progress keenly until I know they have arrived safely.

I have the largest inventory of vintage quilt kits of any business in North America and if an item is not in my inventory, leave your wish list with me and I will try to source it for you.

From time to time I can also provide other quilting supplies, like quilting thrad, 100% cotton Quilter’s Dream Request brand batting and wide quilt backs. This service is offered to those quiltmakers who live in areas not well served by local quilt shops.

Payments are accepted using personal cheques in USD mailed to me, or International Postal Money orders, again in USD, also mailed to me. If you prefer the speed and convenience of Paypal, just ask me to send an invoice to you and you can choose to pay from your bank account, Paypal balance or a credit card through Paypal. All shipments re made within a day or two of payment and there is no waiting for your personal cheque to clear.

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SIGN UP FOR MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER! This newsletter is informative, picture rich and contains attractive special offers and a peep at the very newest inventory before it has been posted for sale on my site.

          Email me:  janet@novascotiaquilts.com with “SIGN ME UP!” in the subject line

The next newsletter is coming out later this week – make sure you get it!!

BYE FOR NOW!  JANET

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Recently I have sold five wholecloth quilt kits! I’m delighted, of course, that my customers are choosing these lovely kits, but I’m at a loss at the moment to re-stock. I spent the day contacting all my sources and came up empty – none available at the moment. In addition to these three possibilities below, I currently have several Benartex queen sized kits in stock – Floral Bouquet, and Feathered Pineapple come to mind – ask me about them: janet@novascotiaquilts.com

Today I want to post about the versatility of several vintage quilt kits I have in my inventory. One is designed as a wholecloth quilt kit and the other two can be finished in the wholeloth style or with applique as well. Two of these lovely kits are available with coordinating wallhanging or baby’s quilt. More details below:

This interesting kit is  inspired by a mid-nineteenth century quilt in the Smithsonian’s Museum collection. It is a Baltiimore Album style quilt measuring 88×114 inches . This size kit does not come with backing, but the wallhanging/baby’s quilt kit shown above the bed in the picture  is available in stock too and comes with backing. All coloured fabrics are contained in the kit.

PRICE: Floral Album queen/king size 88×114  $395USD + $30USD shipping tracking and insurance

                 Floral Album baby’s quilt/wallhanging 40×40  $175USD + $20USD shipping and tracking

                          COMBINED SHIPPING for both kits $30USD tracking and insurance included

  contact: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to order with your personal cheque, an international postal money order or your Paypal account

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Another Spartex/Doublestencil is the lovely Pennsylvania Folk Art II Kit. I have this design available in double/queen which comes with no backing, and in the baby’s quilt/wallhanging size of 43×47, complete with backing. These kits could be done using the fabric for applique as shown and supplied, or you might decide to choose your own fabrics. I have seen both quilts done as a wholecloth quilts and I’m inclined to prefer this very simple and subtle treatment.

PRICE: Pennsylvania Folk Art II  double/queen kit $250USD + $30 USD shipping, insured and trackable

                  Pennsylvania Folk Art II baby quilt/wallhanging $175USD + $20 shipping, insured and trackable

                                Combined shipping for the two items: $30USD w tracking and insurance

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And last: the very lovely, formal and classic Hagerstown Feather , which was produced by Penn Prints, another name under which Spartex/Doublestencil traded. So all three kits are from the Spartanburg, South Carolina textile mill, made of finest quslity 100% American made and grown cotton. This firm is long out of business, the mill that was the lifeblood of this small southern city silent and vacant now.

These kits  rarely shows up in the secondary market and I have acquired very few in the last year or so.  Interest remains high in these classic vintage kits, judging by he inquiries I receive.

PRICE: Hagerstown Feather double/queen size top  $250USD + $30USD shipping, insurance and tracking

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Contact me: janet@novascotiaquilt.com to order and arrange payment by personal cheque, international postal money order or your Paypal account – I offer great customer service with a friendly personal touch.

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And don’t forget to email me to SIGN ME UP!  for the monthly newsletter with all sorts of interesting informatin, special offers and listingf the newest vintage kits acquired before they are posted onlone.  janet@novascotiaquilts.com

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Happy Easter and happy spring!!   Janet

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