Nova Scotia Quilts

Archive for the ‘heirlooms’ 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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QUILTS AT THE HARBOUR is 15 THIS YEAR!!! 

It hardly seems possible that what we started as an experiment so long ago has prospered and grown year by year to a two day show that has brought people from all over North America and from Europe too! Below are some pictures taken mainly at last year’s show, but one or two taken from  previous years too. All profits from commission on sales, free will offerings and bake table go to this lovely small heritage church and last year we cleared just over a thousand dollars. 

 

A photo of the lovely heritage church, dating from first settlement of the area – after a few years of worshipping in local homes, the church was built circa 1840 

 

The Sunday School/Fellowship room was built on about 25 years ago, providing a meeting room and washroom facilities. We sell smaller quilted items, knitwear, baked goods and quilters’ gently used items here, and have seating for enjoying chat, light refreshments and a little rest. The sale is staffed by myself, a couple of fellow quilters from the community and several members of the church who run the bake table, serve refreshments and talk about the history of the church and cemetery, and families in the harbour and surrounding area.  We are fortunate to have keen historians available during the show, as well as dedicated quiltmakers! 

 

Another view of the Fellowship Room, me watching a customer trying on one of the sweaters for sale last year. Her husband provided several of the photos used in this post – thanks. 

 

A still functioning and very ornate kerosene chandelier at the front of the church. Note too the beautifully handcrafted pews, painted and faux woodgrained with the original numbers. The beautiful wainscotting matches the pews and similar wainscotting is seen in some of the homes in the community that date to first settlement.  

The church also preserves the collection box which was sent along the pews on a stick by one of the church officers. Note the original wide plank floors under the carpet runner. The windows are unadorned by stained glass. 

 

An overview of the pews, covered in lovely quilts.  The Minister, Mike is checking one of them out. A wonderful assortment, mainly one of a kind, and there were several antique quilts and many vintage quilts  for sale too. Also quilts in all sizes from wallhanging, tabletopper, crib and youth bed quilts right up through twin, double/queen and king sized – something for everyone and at reasonable prices with 20% going to the church – a win/win situation. 

 

Mark your calendar now and be sure to attend, and hopefully show some quilts or consign us some of your unused quilting gizmos and goodies. We’re waiting to welcome you and you’ll have a wonderful day out among friendly people in an area of fabulous natural scenery. Visit us!!  

To find out more or arrange to enter your quilts and goodies, contact me janet@novascotiaquilts.com 

   

 

All sorts of things turned up in the inventory I recently did of my stock of vintage applique, cross stitch and wholecloth kits.  One of the most striking things I began to notice as i went through container after container of kits was the large number of cross stitch quilt kits I have with their floss kits attached or vintage skeins of embroidery floss that the owner had purchased and put with her kit. So, without further rambling comment, I’m going to show you loads of pictures and tell you how you can own one of these lovely kits cmplete with floss so you can start working on it as soon as it arrives.

(By the way, I managed somehow to get some pictures out of order – this picture below  goes with the description of ‘Remembrance’ a few jumps below – sorry!!)

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Above, I’m showing a partially completed kit called “Lancaster”, by Bucilla  #3637 , in double bed size- this comes with sufficient floss in two shades of blue to finish this quilt top. In addition I have another unstarted kit that comes complete with the untouched floss kit in gold. Choose either!

PRICE: LANCASTER unstarted, in gold:  $290USD includs floss kit + $30USD shipping, insurance and tracking

                 LANCASTER partially completed with floss: $290USD + $30 shipping, insurance and tracking

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Above is shown Bucilla’s Regency $3376, a lovely classic pattern based on a 19th century quilt. This double bed sized kit comes complete with the floss kit, wich includes a gold blending filament to enhance the design. This filament was not found in all the floss kits, and is impossible to source new now – I know, as I tried to help a quilter source some and had no success.

PRICE: Bucilla #3376 “Regency” double  $290USD floss kit included + $30shipping, tracking and insurance

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Below, there is a photo of one of two identical single bed sized (72×103) kits  Remembrance that come complete with floss – one of them has been started and the other is unopened – the floss must have been seperately sourced, since it is Peri Lusta which was the gold standard in floss and is no longer being produced.

I’m not positive, but I may also have a double bed sized quilt kit in this pattern – contact me – janet@novascotiaquilts.com  if you’d like me to look and see if I do……………..

PRICE: a pair of “Remebrance” single sized quilt kits with floss  $375USD + $30USD shipping, insurance and tracking

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 Here is “Songbirds” which has got to be one of the prettiest kits around! double bed size and unopened floss kit.

PRICE: Songbirds   $290USD, floss kit included + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance 

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 Another sweet kit – lots of roses – Briar Rose – in the pink colourway floss kit included as shown on this double bed sized quilt kit.

PRICE:  Briar Rose double size with floss  $290USD + $30 shipping, tracking and insurance

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 Above is the Double bed sized Spanish Rose kit – meant to be embroidered in one colour, this comes with the gold floss kit.  A very special price for this lovely vintage quilt kit with floss.

PRICE: $275USD floss included + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance

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 Above is Bucilla #3218 Acorn Harvest in double/queen – 90×103 complete with floss kit in lovely autumn colours. This pattern follows a traditional oak leaf and acorn wreath pattern popular in applique quilts before 1900 

PRICE:  $290USD + $30USD shipping, traking and insurance

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Above is the lovely vintage Bucilla cross stitch quilt kit Williamstown, and you can take your choice of either a deep red or a darker blue when you purchase it complete with floss kit. This kit is 90×103 so will fit a queen sized mattress.

PRICE:  Williamstown by Bucilla 90×103 complete with floss kit $290USD + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance

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Another great kit – this one is “Berry Patch” by Bucilla complete with a sealed floss kit. This double cross stitch quilt kit was manufactured in 1974. A lovely choice – this wil be an heirloom to pass down in your family if you hoose to make it.

PRICE:  Berry Patch by Bucilla double size complete with floss kit  $290USD + $30USD shipping, tracking and insurance

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Another double bed sized quilt kit, this is “Gingham Daisy” by Bucilla #3633, and comes complete with the floss kit to complete it. A sweet quilt to make for a teen daughter or grand daughter, this one should be fun to do.

PRICE: Gingham Daisy #3633 by Bucilla $290USD + $30USD shipping, insurance and tracking

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NOTE: THE PRICES QUOTED FOR ANY OF THE QUILT KITS SHOWN ABOVE INCLUDE A FLOSS KIT WHICH WILL BE MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TO COMPLETE THE EMBROIDERY – REMEMBER, EACH FLOSS KIT CONTAINS OVER 100 AND MORE OFTEN  AROUND 120 SKEINS OF FLOSS _ AT TODAY’S PRICES THAT ADDS UP TO OVER $100  Just FOR THE FLOSS!

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Below are two kits complete with floss in a size that is hard to find. These quilts, when fished will fit a twin bed in the case of Seven Seas, or a youth bed in the case of Jack and Jill. Both these kits are manufactured in the USA by Bucilla.

It’s hard to find a kit that is appropriate for a boy, and this one is very well suited, with its nautical motif and dark, strong colours for the embroidery – ideal for a young boy who has outgrown the babyish cartoon themed bedding popular these days. The quilt finishes to 64×90 so will be useful for a long time as a bed quilt. The floss supplied is shown below.

PRICE: Twin sized “Seven Seas” by Bucilla complete with floss $195USD + $25 shipping, insurance and tracking

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And finally, a classic 1950’s kit by Bucilla: Jack and Jill, measuring  54×72 to fit a twin as a coverlet, or a youth bed as a quilt – this one also has the floss supplied in the package. This  is a natural for that retro decorated nursery!!!

PRICE: $175USD includes floss + $25 shipping, insurance and tracking

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If you wish to find out more, or proceed to purchase – contact me   janet@novascotiaqults.com   I accept personal cheques and ihnternational postal money orders in USD mailed to me, or can send you a paypal invoice. Shipping takes place after payment is received.
PLEASE  NOTE: IF YOU ORDER MORE THAN ONE KIT, FOR THE REST OF APRIL  SHIPPING WILL BE FREE!!!

NEXT POST – PARAGON AND PROGRESS CROSS STITCH QUILT KITS WITH FLOSS KITS

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