Nova Scotia Quilts » doublestencil

Smaller Wholecloth Quilt Kits plus a recurring question

janet — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:45:19 +0000

It’s Sunday morning here on the east coast of Canada and the leading edges of Irene brought rain last evening and the storm will be starting in earnest later this afternoon. We don’t know yet how severe the weather will be but I’ve run off water in case my pump can’t do it in a power outage and will go pick up some more bread and tinned goods shortly. We had a category 2 come ashore in Halifax a few years ago and as a child living there there I also experienced several pretty significant ones. All in all though the two nor’easters we weathered last winter did a great deal more damage than most hurricanes do this far north. Watch me have to eat my words! I hope not!

40x54 Anchors Aweigh by Holice Turnbow for Benartex

I’ve been talking to a lot of quilters lately who want to do a wholecloth quilt and I always encourage them to give it a try. I find the activity calming and helpful in getting me centred and more productive and it is certainly conducive to improving handquilting skills.

If you haven’t tried a wholecloth before, my tip to you is to go for a smaller quilt to start – then you can move on to a larger one later.

The above wholecloth kit is one I sold to a customer recently, and because she lives in an area that has no quilt shop within 75 miles, I also sold her the 100% Quilter’s Dream request weight batting and threw in a high quality spool of YLI off white quilting thread – she only needs a needle and she’s good to go – the smaller kits come complete with matching backing and enough fabric beyond the design to supply binding. If you too have trouble in sourcing Quilter’s Dream at the Request weight, since I have a bolt of it in stock I can supply you, too.

I still have one of these lovely kits left:

BENARTEX ANCHORS AWEIGH BY HOLICE TURNBOW 40×54 complete with binding and backing PRICE $120USD + $20USD Shipping = $140USD

40x40 traditional feathered pineapple by Holice Turnbow for Benartex

A classic treasure that I currently have in stock: this feathered pineapple design by Holice Turnbow has been a favourite among wholecloth quiltmakers for 200 years, and again is complete with backing and binding in an eggshell or ecru colour.

PRICE: Benartex Feathered Pineapple wholecloth quilt kit,40×40 $120USD + $20USD Shipping = $140USD

Above is the smaller version of the Doublestencil Pennsylvania Folk Art quilt kit – it is the one hanging on the wall behind the bed – and measures 43×47. I actually have the queen sized one as well. These kits are very versatile, offering you a choice of doing the quilt using the applique pieces provided, or you may choose to use your own fabric to suit your colour scheme, or you may decide to simply do the quilt without applique, thus producing a classic wholecloth quilt.

PRICE: Doublestencil Pennsylvania Folk Art II 43×47 $120USD + $20USD Shipping = $140USD

Doublestencil Pennsylvania Folk Art II queen $250USD + $30USD = $280USD

If you wish to purchase any of the above classic kits, get in touch with me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to put a hold on your choice, as these classic kits are scarce now and increasingly difficult to source.

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Now to some tips about these quilts and in particular a response to a recurring query I’ve had lately about removing the coloured inked lines on both wholecloth kits and the classic vintage applique and cross stitch quilt kits that I sell.

Many quilters as they work on these kits tend to become obsessed with the question of whether they will be able to remove the ‘wash-out’ lines printed on their kits. Some to the point where they start spot treating to see if they can and invariably such spot treating doesn’t work, and leads to more anxiety.

I want to reassure you that once the quilt kit is completed and quilted, and then properly laundered using an oxyclean washing agent all or almost all the lines will disappear on first wash. You MUST not use the coloured thick and gloppy detergent based products you use for your regular washes.

Set your machine to gentle and do a soak of about 15 minutes first, agitate on gentle for just a few minutes, rinse out twice and then transfer, supporting the weight of the wet quilt in your arms, to the dryer on a warm and gentle cycle ending when the quilt is damp dry – dry on a covered porch or over your shower rail in the bathroom and keep turning and re-folding the quilt until all portions are completely dry. On one occasion I was able to significantly lighten a blood stain the previous owner had put on the partially finished work and in my experience the blue lines have always come out too.

a small wholecloth quilt completed for a customer

For newbies, I offer a service of support, ideas and tips and I know you will be absolutely enchanted by your experience with wholecloth quilting techniques. Above is a shot I took of a customer’s small wholecloth “American Star” while I was quilting it for her. She was so pleased that she has ordered a queen sized one as well!

Just think how lovely any of the smaller quilts would look as the christening blanket of that new grandchild!! Also keep in mind that since these quilts are eminently washable, they make the ideal baby quilt and also a lovely quilt to put down on the floor or the ground to protect your sweet baby! These are a very practical luxury!!!

More vintage applique and cross stitch quilt kits

janet — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 22:47:20 +0000

Seeing old friends back in inventory again is always great, but it’s even better when I find some items I’ve wanted to get hold of for years with little success because they so rarely appear on the secondary market: take a quick peek at what I have in stock and on its way to me

This one above – Cross Stitch American Eagle by Bucilla a double/queen kit is sometimes called Liberty on some packaging. This was a kit developed from a traditional pattern and was presented in time for the US Bicentennial in 1976.

PRICE: $225USD + shipping

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Below is a picture of the wonderful vintage PeriLusta thread kit that goes with American Sampler

this beautiful Paragon #01171 double/queen cross stitch kit. I know the picture says it’s a single, but I just keep one picture on file. This kit is harder to find these days too, so I’m happy to have it in stock again.

PRICE: $265 USD includes the thread kit + shipping will be about $15USD

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Above is the lovely Whig Rose cross stitch Paragon kit back in stock – this time in a king sized kit – 108wide by 103 long – this will make a fabulous statement on your bed!

PRICE: $225USD + shipping

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Above is “Acorn Harvest” by Bucilla #3218, size 81×108 another traditional pattern based on 19th century heritage quilts.

PRICE: $200USD + shipping – SOLD Feb16/11

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Another lovely vintage cross stitch kit by Bucilla – #2323 “Briar Rose” a double/queen at 90×103

PRICE: $200 USD + shipping SOLD MARCH 5, 2011

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Above another Bucilla #3022 Williamstown a double/queen too, 90×103

PRICE: $200USD + shipping SOLD Feb16/11

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Above is a rare find – this is the rarer version of two applique kits done by Bucilla – this one is #1587 and is a double

As you can see, the colours of the appliques are lovely vintage percale

PRICE: $300USD + shipping SOLD Feb16/11

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After a bit of a wait, I have managed to replace my Paragon Country Garden #01175, 90×103 a double/queen – this one won’t stay in stock long, judging by my past experience!

PRICE: $225USD + shipping

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This kit is another Paragon cross stitch kit called Renaissance. It is a king size at 108 wide and 103 long. I had never seen this kit before and I’ve been collecting for years!

PRICE: $225USD + shipping SOLD FEB 16/11

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This is also a kit I had depaired of ever finding. Now, granted it came out of package with the front colour picture lost, but it has 4 pages on instructions, thread list and graphs and I think it’s fairly easy to see that it will be striking. It can be worked either in a two colour variation or in the traditional mid 19th century shades of two values of red, two of green and two of yellow. A treasure indeed!

PRICE: $225USD + shipping

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And finally – nother that is new to my inventory. I’m thrilled to have this one. This is a Paragon cross stitch kit called “Iris” and is a double. The design and placement of the irises is very reminiscent of an applique pattern in te Mountain Mist Blue Book, and is very 30’s. I’m so tempted to hang on to this one and do it for myself. I need to be realistic though – too many quilts and too little time! Ah well.

PRICE: $225USD + shipping

So long for now – stay warm and safe – it was still light way after 6PM today – spring is just around the corner.

JANET

UPDATE: MORE VINTAGE APPLIQUE QUILTS

janet — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:38:20 +0000

Today I have acquired three remarkable vintage Bucilla Applique quilt kits. Two of them I had not seen before. The third I had only seen once before when I picked up a partial kit a few months ago that was mixed in with several other kits all in a jumble. These are from the same source, have been well and carefully stored and are clean and intact except for one small exception.

I am waiting for them to ship and delivery should be in a week to 10 days, at which time I will confirm their apparent excellent condition before completing a sale. Contact me to reserve any of them and I will put a hold on them,

I’m really thrilled with these items and can hardly wait to see them!

The first kit is Bucilla Fascination #8602 size 90×103. This kit was featured in “Living for Young Homemakers” magazine. Below is a sample of the fine workmanship on the finished panel – the other panels have all the appliques pinned in place.

This beautiful kit comes complete with thread, embroidery floss and lavender bias binding.

PRICE: $275 USD + $25 USD SHIPPING for a total of $300 USD

Email me mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com to reserve this kit

Above is part of one of the blocks in Bucilla’s Colonial Chintz #8737 (90×103) which is based on a Whig Rose design from the mid 1850’s. This vintage kit was featured in “Seventeen” magazine.

Two of the side panels are in progress, some pieces are pinned to the centre panels and the rest are all cut out and neatly sorted into envelopes. Complete with thread, embroidery floss, bias for flower stems and bias binding to complete the quilt in yellow.

PRICE: $275 USD + $25 USD SHIPPING for a TOTAL of $300 USD

email at mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com to reserve this lovely kit

The last vintage kit for today is Bucilla Pansy Garden #8814 (90×103) which is a classic. Again, part of the kit has been completed and the work is exquisite. The rest of the applique pieces are pinned to the unworked panels and I must note a small number may be missing. I can ascertain how many are not in place and matching the solid colour pieces should not be too difficult. I can do this or the purchaser may wish to do it.

PRICE: $275 USD + $25 USD SHIPPING for a TOTAL of $300USD
THIS ITEM IS ON HOLD Aug 21/10

Email mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com to reserve this vintage applique kit

That’s all for now, but check back as I have some lovely new cross stitch vintage quilt kits and some new doublestencil and Spartex wholecloth kits to list later this weekend.

DECORATED FRAMES with MIRRORS by LEO NAUGLER

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:37:00 +0000

I have been asked to post the Leo Naugler decorated frames with mirrors. The green one is approximately 17 inches square, with the frame 3 inches wide it is decorated with woodland motifs, pine tree, tent, fishing pole, anchor, heart and a pair of moored boats. It is dated 1999 and signed. There are no issues.

The second one is white and measures 15 by 21 inches. It is chip carved, like the first and has traditional rose flowering vines along the sides rather like an appliqued border on a quilt, and top and bottom are Leo’s red and black finger-dots on yellow fish. I think these fish are his favourite motif and it makes me smile each time I see one of them!
I do not call it an issue, just due to using greenish wood – the mitered seams of the frame, although tight at the outside edge, have opened a little toward the inside. I don’t see this as something that needs to remedied, but everyone has their own opinion – just wanted you to know it is there, as it is in most of Leo’s frames. On looking again at the green frame one corner is slightly open toward the inside edge.
This frame is signed and dated 1999 on the back , actually in two places – the frame and on the mirror.

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.

SOME DOUBLESTENCIL SPARTEX APPLIQUE VINTAGE QUILT KITS

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:09:00 +0000

I have several suggestions for your Santa list or for your own Christmas Wish List below – any of these suggestions are ideal for the quilter!

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 – 40×40. 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.

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all who will be celebrating this weekend! The weather here in Nova Scotia is ideal right now – my favourite season I think! For all of you who are planning a little drive this weekend to enjoy the peak autumn colours, may I suggest a stop at my quilt studio?

I have a remarkable selection of fine vintage linens, unique handknits; classic Nova Scotian Folk Art by such masters as Leo Naugler, Jean Marc Poirier and Donald Armstrong; and some very collectible vintage Suttles and Seawinds handstitched fashionwear. Of course, my main orientation is one of a kind completely handstitched quilts made in all sizes.

I will be open from 10 until dark Saturday, Sunday and Monday and would love to welcome you!

Check back after Thanksgiving for details on my special Christmas Open House schedule starting soon – hot mulled cider and cookies, seasonal decorations and music, and many specially priced items!

I have been getting many requests lately for information on my vintage quilt kits: Paragon, Tobin/Progress, Bucilla and Doublestencil and have decided to inventory, price and describe these items on this blog so that interested shoppers can have this info at their fingertips. Here are several Paragon cross stitch kits for starters – will try to inventory at least three a week and mark as sold ALL items previously listed on the blog as well! That should keep me out of mischief!
SOLD!
Above is a king sized Paragon kit #01175, and a thread kit suitable and ample for working the design. This is one of the rarer kits.

Above is the Paragon Baltimore Brides kit in double bed size(90×103). 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: 82×97.

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

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

MY NEW BLOG – Quilting with Janet

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:45:00 +0000

I recently began a new blog and would like to make sure you have a look. It’s called “Quilting with Janet” and is a more personal diary in which I would like to receive comments and questions and attempt to answer them. You can find this log at http://www.quiltingwithjanet.blogspot.com/ if this doesn’t get you to the site, email and let me know and I will correct this post! I haven’t had my morning coffee yet so anything is possible!

The picture to the left is the label from a wonderful Doublestencil kit I acquired recently – queen sized. At the same time I also acquired a crib or wallhanging size of the same design. I am ready to complete either one for you using my applique and handquilting skills.