Wednesday, November 14, 2012

"Hello, Gorgeous!"


Every once in a while, something so unique comes along it's difficult to pass up. That's how I felt about this iconic Layered Fans quilt, c. 1920, from New York. If it looks familiar, it is the quilt on the cover of Robert Shaw's book, "American Quilts, The Democratic Art, 1780-2007" and it is in the book on page 243. When I opened the box, I said, "Hello, Gorgeous!"


In the book it is described as: Layered Fans, c. 1920, New York City. Cotton and velvet, pieced and tied. 70 x 66 inches. Collection of Laura Fisher / Fisher Heritage. (I bought it from Laura).


"This flamboyant Fans Variation was found in New York City. The arrangement of the fans gives the three-dimensional illusion of several layers of piecing piled on top of each other. These range from the complex center "square" with a circle, to ever-expanding "layers" that combine rounded half-circle fans and partially elongated fan segments until the quilt's full dimension is achieved. The top is attached to the back with string ties, rather than quilted." 


With another buying season coming to a close, this magnificent Layered Fans Variation was the perfect exclamation point! I've awaited its arrival for months. It was part of the "American Quilts, The Democratic Art" exhibition at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham, Washington, which ended a couple weeks ago. If (when!) the exhibition travels to other locations, so will this quilt. It's a privilege to own it, but an ever greater privilege to share it.

8 comments:

  1. It's gorgeous! Is the bright turquoise in the close up of the center the true color?.....on the book cover it looks very muted.

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    1. It's very close. This quilt is interesting. In every picture I took, it looked like it was a different color. I think the velvet is really changing a lot in the light.

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  2. It is so colorful can you share that how you design?

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    1. I'm not sure how it was designed, or by whom. It is just one of those "one-of-a-kind" originals.

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  3. Lovely to see it close up - thanks.The colours are still so vivid. Am not suprised it isn't quilted - would be hard work getting the thread through that thickness wouldn't it!
    Every Stitch

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    1. Yes, they are very vivid, but depending on where it is displayed and what the light is, it can look like it's made with completely different colors. Very intriguing.

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  4. truly is gorgeous. and luscious. sweet.

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  5. Both stunning. Canʻt have too much color for me ...

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