Nova Scotia Quilts » heirlooms

A COMPLETE LIST OF CURRENT INVENTORY – vintage quilt kits

janet — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:55:02 +0000

There! That’s done – the inventory is now updated and I will start to put in links to the posts for each item. In the meantime, if you enter into the search box the number of the kit and its manufacturer you should be brought to the correct post. So either click :

http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/a-running-record-of-my-current-inventory/

or contact me at: janet@novascotiaquilts.com

to find out more or make a purchase.

I want to highlight several recent finds – these kits had been out of stock and are getting harder to find, but I was finally succesful!

This kit above, which has been started with excellent stitchery, is Paragon’s American Glory, #1147 sized at 82×97. There is still lots to be done, and this kit is always so striking!

PRICE: $375USD and until December 31/11 the shipping charge of $20USD does not apply

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Below is another treasure. This is Paragon’s Americana #01189 in king size 97×97. It has been started, but only just and is complete with the floss kit. This is the cross stitch version of the applique kit above. Another stunner!

PRICE: “Americana” cross stitch by Paragon #01189 $350USD floss included and until December 31/11 the $20 shipping charge is waived

And above is another kit that has been out of stock for a while. This is Bucilla #3376 Regency in the double bed size and comes with the hard to find floss kit. Both items are unopened and factory fresh from about 40 years ago.

PRICE: for the kit and the matching floss pack $290USD and the shipping cost of $20USD does not apply if you buy before Jan 1/12

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!!!

100% cotton Progress Vintage Applique Quilt Kits for sale

janet — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:40:08 +0000

I’ve carefully examined and inventoried a large group of vintage quilt kits I’ve just acquired.

Here is the information on a group of six Progress Applique Quilt Kits, dating from the late 50’s and early 60’s – these are classic in design and range from the very subtle Progress #1462 – Majestic Poppy, which I posted about last time:

http://www.novascotiaquilts.com/2011/07/progress-1642-majestic-poppy-applique-quilt-kit-as-seen-in-hersschners-1962-63-catalogue.html click this link to view lots of derails on this beautiful kit – I am finding myseld so-o-o tempted to start this one, but I’ll hold off and give my customers first dibs!

The others are classics in jewel bright, glowing colours enhanced by touches of hand embroidery.

Progress #1492 Tree of Life 79x97

Tree of Life – #1492 is a perennial favourite, and is hard to keep in stock. I have it on hand again, and am offering it in sealed condition!

PRICE: Tree of Life, double $395USD + $20USD Shipping = $415USD

Progress #1496 Americana (Eagle and Stars) 71x97 finished size

The above quilt kit, is another favourite, being a patriotic quilt which has been available in one form or another since the late 1800’s – this is a winner as it’s a more subtle, traditional quilt than the red white and blue ones and will suit a period room so well!

PRICE: Americana, double, $395USD + $20USD shipping = $415 USD

Progress #1507 Garden Flowers 79x97 finished size

This one is absolutely breathtaking!! One that seldom appears on the secondary market – I had it only once before, and had pretty much decided I wouldn’t find it again. but here it is!

PRICE: Garden Flowers, double 79×97 $395USD + $20USD Shipping = $415 USD

Progress #1553 Majestic 79x97 finished size

I recently sold the Majestic I had listed, but bonus! it appeared in the large group I recently acquired. So here it is again folks – it is based on the classic chintz palampores that came out of the Coromandel coast of India in the late 17th century, and took Europe by storm – they are still being manufactured by den Haan and Wagenmakker in Holland and I have my eye on one!!!

Price: Majestic double 79×97 finished size $395USD _ $20USD Shipping = $415USD

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Below is Progress #1403 The Iris, double sized finishes to 79×97. This is a lovely kit – very midcentury in feeling and showing lovely colour variations. This is the earlier version in cotton – the later one features 50/50 cotton polyester and is less desirable.

PRICE: The Iris $375USD + $20USD shipping = $395USD

To discuss details on any of these vintage quilt kits, or place a HOLD on one of them, contact me janet@novascotiaquilts.com. I am happy to accept mailed personal cheques and also am accepting Paypal these days. Shipping takes place the next business day after receipt of payment, and a tracking number is provided for your peace of mind. Contact me too about any requests for special orders you may have – I check the secondary market often and am always on the look out for kits for special requests.

Progress 1642 Majestic Poppy applique quilt kit as seen in Hersschner’s 1962-63 catalogue

janet — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 22:19:35 +0000

Above is the cover picture for this lovely Progress 1642 Majestic Poppy applique quilt kit. Size 81×97 and in immaculate condition. It was listed in the 1962-63 Herschners catalogue and so is close to 50 years old!!! A rare find!

Above is a random scan of the lovely 100%cotton percale the Majestic Poppy pattern is printed on. The fabric has no stains or foxing.

Stitch and Placement guide for Progress 1642 Majestic Poppy

Below is the general “making up” instructions for this kit, seen on the reverse of the page from the stitch and placement guide which is illustrated above.

Progress 1642 Majestic Poppy instructions sheet 2

This last chart is a stitch chart that accompanied all applique kits.

stitch chart 1642 Majestic Poppy by Progress

The applique fabrics consist of two shades of yellow, an orangish/red, and two shades of brown. It appears the darker brown for the flower stems is missing, but possibly it was intended to embroider the stems in either dark brown or in dark green embroidery floss as I have seen done in other classic applique quilt kits.

applique fabrics for #1642 Progress Majestic Poppies

PRICE: Progress #1642 Majestic Poppy applique quilt size 81×97 100% dates to 1962

$395USD + $20USD shipping = $415USD

contact me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to put a hold on this treasure!

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The Traditional Wholecloth Quilt – kits to create an heirloom

janet — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:36:02 +0000

Recently I’ve had some inquiries about traditional wholecloth quilt kits, and at the same time I’ve been completing a new inventory of kits I currently have in stock.

It turns out I haven’t really promoted these lovely kits for several years now, and have quite a few in stock at the moment. Below I will feature two Benartex kit designs that I have in stock…

Benartex - Anchors Aweigh by Holice Turnbow 40x54, includes back and binding

Above is the lovely “Anchors Aweigh” crib or youth bed size wholecloth quilt kit by Holice Turnbow – this is such a versatile size for a quilt – it makes up fairly quickly, can be used in many settings and because it is an off-white or ecru fits well into many decorating schemes and is very easy to wash and keep fresh.

PRICE: Benartex “Anchors Aweigh” by Holice Turnbow 40×54 includes backing and binding for $115USD+$15shipping= $130USD

It’s my understanding that the Holice Turnbow designed kits by Benartex are still available, if somewhat scarce, but I’ve not found any indication that the Spartex/Doublestencil kits are still being made. Occasionally one will turn up in the secondary market. My next post – next week I hope will feature some of these kits.

The machinery to produce the very wide printed tops is now vintage if not antique and it has become increasingly difficult to find or make parts for this machinery as it wears out.

Benartex - wholecloth - feathered pineapple - available 86x106 and 40x40

Above is a picture taken from the front of the Benartex package, showing the “Feathered Pineapple” design – a classic 19th century design I currently have available in both a king/queen size at 86×106 and also in a baby size at 40×40 - the smaller size would make a luxurious tabletopper for afternoon tea and of course would look lovely over the back of a sofa, thrown over a cupboard door or as a wallhanging. Picture it enhancing a christening robe for a darling baby!

PRICE: Feathered Pineapple king/queen 86×106 $250USD+$20 shipping=$270USD

Feathered Pineapple baby size 40×40 comes with backing and binding $115USD+$15shipping=$130USD

Keep in mind that I’ll be happy to provide tips to help you succeed in making yourself a lovely heirloom quilt that is true to 19th century traditions, and can also source wide backing material and the Quilter’s Dream cotton batting to ensure your quilt drapes beautifully. Contact me: janet@novascotiaquilts.com to discuss shipping one of these scarce and lovely kits to you!

Enjoy this long weekend coming up – summer is passing all too soon! Next week I will feature more wholecloth quilt kits, this time by Spartex/Doublestencil!

Best regards ~ Janet

Progress 1553 Majestic now in stock

janet — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:44:24 +0000

I’ve found another treasure!! I had only seen pictures of this kit online, but the other day I was delighted to find this one among a group of vintage kits I had been offered, and of course I purchased it.

Progress #1553 Majestic applique quilt kit - view of fabrics for applique

The fabrics for applique are a great mix of subtle cotton percale solids combined with small scale floral prints, and as you can see by the picture of the finished quilt on the front of the package.

Progress #1553 Majestic is a rare take on the commoner “Tree of Life” kit, also made by Progress (#1492) - both are based on the Palampores or block printed bedspread sized panels exported by the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company from the Coromandel Coast of India. These “indiennes” prints as they were called caught the fancy of late 17th century Europe due to both their novelty and the fact that they were extremely high quality cotton woven goods such as had never been seen in Europe or even imagined – they are seen today still as made in both The Netherlands by den Haan and Wagenmakers, and in Provence by Souileado and Les Olivades and many smaller firms.

I was researching the central chintz panels that are currently available yesterday, as I have a large box of “indiennes” samples from den Haan which is calling out for me to make a medallion quilt from it. Den Haan and Wagenmakers http://www.dutchquilts.net/EN_index_.html features a chintz panel, and Margo Kreuger of Reproduction Fabrics http://www.reproductionfabrics.com/ has recently launched a line of three different panels – exciting!!

Progress #1553 Majestic applique quilt kit

Progress #1553 Majestic is a double sized vintage quilt kit for applique and measures 79×97 when finished – everything needed is in the unopened package!

PRICE: $395USD + $20USD shipping = $415USD

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QUILTS OF LASTING VALUE

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:04:00 +0000

I’m sitting here at my desk this lovely late winter Sunday morning, the snow drifting softly down and not a sound to be heard. In my location 600 feet up on the North Mountain overlooking the rugged Bay of Fundy on one side and the lush agricultural Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia on the other, I am constantly reminded that my area is one of the oldest settled in North America, dating European colonization to the early 1600’s and First Nations’ settlement long before that. My home was built as the mountain land holdings of the New England Planters were opened in the early 1800’s. The style of the house is that of a “full cape” and is found throughout Nova Scotia as a legacy of the New England Planters who emigrated from the original 13 colonies from 1760 on to fill the void resulting from the expulsion of earlier Acadian farmers in 1755.

My intense interest in social and women’s history coupled with my high regard for built heritage and country antique furnishings has informed my work as a quilt artist, and over the past twenty years I have established a niche market in designing and completing quilts reflecting North American quilt history and heritage using reproduction fabrics and working entirely by hand using only fine 100% cotton materials. My quilts are in homes all over North America and Europe, and no two are alike.

The quilts I make vary in size from doll bed miniatures, through baby and toddler quilts, lap quilts and full sized twin, double and king/queen size; and run the full gamut from simple pieced quilts to complicated needleturn applique or a combination of the two.

A full range of colours and patterns is available for you to choose from if none of my finished quilts appeal to you. My huge “stash” of fine reproduction fabrics dating from the late 18th and through the 19th century is the envy of all my quilting friends and ensures that my quilts are one of a kind.

I think by the above information it is clear I am not making the sort of quilts that can be found just anywhere, but a unique one of a kind heirloom quality work of art that with proper care will last several lifetimes and will enhance your carefully chosen decor and your unique home and treasured belongings. My design skills and my colour sense assures striking and strongly patterned quilts, and my ingrained ethical business values means that no corners are cut in terms of quality.

Terms can easily be arranged to suit your budget. Quilts of this quality take upwards of 600 hours to complete but my feeling is that luxury like this can be affordable if I keep my prices reasonable and offer a choice of payment plans.

Attached are a few photos of current works both finished and in progress. Several have gone to their new owners but give an idea of the variety of my work. There is no obligation when you enter into pre-order discussions with me.

Above is an Amish style solid colours quilt measuring 60 inches square and reflecting the Amish love of bright colours combined in a bold and unusual manner. This quilt will be finished with very closely quilted feather garlands in a curving design that will complement the angular, geometric style of the quilt and will soften the bold colours.

This quilt “Flying Geese” was inspired by a quilt in the collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum which dates from the mid 1800’s. My client and I collaborated carefully on the design and colour choices and the quilt is entirely handpieced and handquilted. As you can see, all points meet with impeccable smoothness. This accuracy in piecing is my trademark as I do not tolerate inexactness in my work. It is a king/queen in size being 88×104.

Above: Janet’s Indigo Baskets, a small and very versatile quilt measuring 40 inches square – this quilt has a hanging sleeve to enable it to be used as a wallhanging, but would also make a lovely child’s first quilt, a tabletopper or would look nice thrown over the back of a chair as is shown here on my old porch rocker.

My own design, using assorted indigo reproduction fabrics along with carefully selected prints from the 1850’s. A truly unique quilt that subtly emphasises family summer holidays at the cottage.

Above is the very early stages of a quilt that will combine simple piecing along with complex needleturn applique in a subtly “folky” style – appliqued stars in the middle of the quilt, surrounded by an appliqued vining border of a basket of poppies and starflowers with perhaps a songbird or two. The fabric is muted flowers and paisleys and small geometric prints in soft reds, blues, beiges and tone on tones. Very understated fabrics to set of the naive and energetic design of the applique – the quilt will likely finish at around 75 inches square.