Q9076 Unique Adaptation of a Sunflower Pattern

c.1928 with older date calico backing fabric
71 x 92 inches
New England
$1,800

This sunflower quilt is beyond comprehension to me. Created in 15 inch blocks, every applique stitch on this quilt is done by hand. The stitches are so small that I needed extra strong glasses to be sure. How many months would it have taken for this woman to create this masterpiece! She started with a basic sunflower pattern and then embellished it with her own designs. The corners of each block appear to be embellished with a leaf, and the centers of the sunflowers have four different patterns embellishing them. I know I said this before, but it is just incomprehensible to me how anyone could use such minuscule applique stitches to create this piece. The blocks are joined with a 1-1/2 inch adaptation to normal sashing, half of which embellishes the edge and serves as part of a pillowcase binding. This quilt just recently came out of a private collection. It is professionally hand washed by Betsey, and is ready for its new home. It would perfectly fit a queen size bed with a thick mattress or a king size bed with 6 inches over on each side.

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