14 November, 2010

Hunter's Star Quilt

I am the lucky recipient of this old quilt, a Hunter's Star. I received it from my daughter-in-law's mother last week. Purchased decades ago at a yard sale in Onslow county, North Carolina, the origin and the quiltmaker are unknown. The fabrics date to the 1920's according to a reference book I have on the shelf. It is heavy, filled with dense cotton batting. It survived a bath and I set it outside to dry yesterday, sandwiched between two sheets on the driveway. (I photographed it out there, that explains the shadows.) It will need to be rebound, I will search for a close match, color-wise, to accomplish that task. It is hand pieced and hand quilted. I don't know where this beauty will end up. For now, I am lucky to be it's caretaker. It is speaking to me, softly, and I am listening; it invites me to gaze, to appreciate, and to wonder. Like an honored guest and a revered elder I am learning all that I can and valuing it's company for as long it stays with me! I feel blessed to provide sanctuary for any and all wayward quilts.

Life is Good!


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18 comments:

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Lucky you! It's gorgeous!

Mary Lou Casada said...

What a treasure!! The couple of antique quilts I have are so precious to me for just the things you described -- the mystery of the unknown quiltmaker, the beauty of the design, the quality of the workmanship. And you were chosen to be its caretaker -- how cool is that!? Enjoy!!
Blessings,
Mary Lou

Karen said...

This is a wonderful quilt! You're so lucky to have it.

Paula, the quilter said...

What a lovely quilt. The quilted fans make a nice contrast to the sharp points of the stars. What is the color of that background fabric?

StitchinByTheLake said...

What an absolute treasure. I'm so glad it's with someone who knows it's worth. blessings, marlene

Angie said...

It's so beautiful, Mrs. G! What a treasure to care for and appreciate!

LizA. said...

Lucky you -- it's so pretty. I've never seen a Hunter's Star set with sashing. Love the Baptist Fan quilting.

Nane said...

Its in good hands.

phyzz said...

Through your eyes, your lens, you guide us to see beauty we may have overlooked. Grateful!

Joyce said...

Beautiful. It could not have found a better home--well maybe mine? Not.

Barb said...

oh..you are so lucky, it is beautiful!!!

Lindah said...

Beautiful quilt! Love the colors. And the star design. And the Baptist fan quilting. Very soft and soothing. What is the backing like? What size is the quilt? I wonder who made it, when, where, why. Would love to hear the stories it could tell.

quiltmom anna said...

Debbie, It is absolutely gorgeous- you will be a fine caretaker for it- I love old quilts but we don't get many around this area to view. This one looks like a real beauty. I am sure you will find the perfect way to rebind it to its original state.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Anonymous said...

Lovely, I can feel the history from here! I love these old vintage quilts, these are REAL quilts!

Carrie P. said...

Blessed You! It is gorgeous.

Domestic Designer said...

What a true treasure!

Teresa said...

It is quite beautiful. What I find so amazing about the wonderful old quilts is thinking how the quilters did not have rotary cutters and rulers and all the tools we have to help make our piecing so precise.

lindsey said...

This is beautiful..what a lovely gift!