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| Applique Sampler, c. 1880, Pennsylvania |
In 1986, the quilt appeared in the fourth edition of "The Quilt Digest" as part of an article by Michael Kile, about "the dealer's dealer" Sandra Mitchell. There is a full view picture on page 79. I first read the article several years ago, and immediately recognized the quilt when it was available for sale through Shelly Zegart's web site. However, I could not afford it at the time.
I continued to check Shelly's web site periodically to see if it was still available, and one day, I discovered it had been sold. Not too long afterwards, I came across a picture of the quilt on the Facebook page of Houston collector Tom Reddick, who happens to be a Facebook friend. Even though I was sad to miss my opportunity, I was glad to know where it was.
Some time this year, the quilt popped up on The Quilt Complex web site as a consignment. The price was reasonable, and I was keeping it in the back of my mind. If I had any money left after taxes and other fall expenses, maybe I could buy it.
I'd almost forgotten about it when I woke up the other day thinking about the quilt. I had been dreaming about it. Half-asleep, I made my way over to the computer and checked the web to see if it was still available. I thought for sure it would be gone after the International Quilt Festival in Houston, where The Quilt Complex had a booth. It took my eyes a few moments to adjust to the computer light, and then it took my mind a few moments to wrap itself around what I was seeing. It was on sale, price reduced.
Immediately I sent a note to Julie Silber asking if it was still available, and within the next three e-mails I'd arranged to buy it. Funny how the idea came to me in a dream. I think the Quilt Gods intervened.
photos courtesy of The Quilt Complex
Beautiful quilt...nice to see it has a great home!
ReplyDeleteThere were several quilts from the Sandra Mitchell collection for sale on Shelly's web site around 2005-2006. The Mary Couchman Small Album with Lyre was one of those, and so was this one.
ReplyDeleteThere was also a very modern looking zig zag quilt, which I think Tom has, and an 1848 Hudson River Valley medallion quilt by Rachel Vanderheyden. These two quilts also appeared in The Quilt Digest, Volume 4, pgs. 80 & 82.
Interestingly, both the Couchman Small Album and this applique sampler are echo quilted. That Sandra Mitchell - she sure had an eye!
Fabulous - wonderful quilting and terrific quirky motifs. Wouldn't you love to know the maker?
ReplyDeleteYes, and the first thing I would ask about is the echo quilting. It seems like an unusual detail for a quilt made in Pennsylvania.
ReplyDeleteomgosh its a beautiful quilt , I was always amazed at the echo quilting in this quilt. I am so happy for you now you own it, sounds like it was meant to be. The birds are always a favorite in quilts and this one is no exception.
ReplyDeleteLove those birds!
congrats!
Kathie
All good things come to those who wait. This is a beauty!!!
ReplyDeleteThe simplicity of this quilt is so striking! The applique and hand quilting is gorgeous. Oddly enough, I love the simple line blocks on the corners of the quilt. and those birds are so charming.. Oh I can go on and on :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful that you have it! "Quilt Gods"? I may have to use that one of these days.
ReplyDeleteI too think the simplicity of the quilt is striking. The quilting gives it such dimension. An amazing story of how it came to land at your door step.
ReplyDeleteAnd we here at The Quilt Complex could not be happier.
ReplyDeleteThis very special quilt is now is wonderful "dreamy" hands!
Love it so much I left it hanging on the stand after taking some pictures. Will leave it up until I need the stand, a few days. Need to look at the back more closely and get pictures of that, too. I noticed the name "Mitchell" on the sleeve. How cool is that!!
ReplyDeleteHey Mr. Volckening, I hope life is as good for you as your quilt collection.
ReplyDelete- Ketzenberg
Hello, Mr. Ketzenberg. Nice to hear from you. All is well here. Happy Hanukkah!
ReplyDeleteBill, is the color chocolate brown or oxblood? Hard to tell on my screen.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, Mostly oxblood, but there are some chocolate brown patches, too. If you click on the 7th photo from the top you'll see a branch to the left with flowers at the tip of each branch. The flowers on the two longest branches next to the wreath with three birds, are chocolate, and the fabric is split in places, which you can see in the photo. On the next longest branches, the flowers are oxblood. Let me know if you'd like to see other detail shots. -Bill
ReplyDelete