Today, I had a quilt appraised and was told the design/technique was common for scrap quilts circa 1950 in the Midwest, USA.

Individual units form 1/2 square triangles blocks when complete and are identical front and back. Edges are turned in and whip stitched closed - forming a knife edge.

Individual units are then whipped stitched together to form blocks/ designs ===pinwheel, modified snowball, etc.

Flannel is used as the batting. Outside of unit is printed sugar/flour sack and other half is plain flour sack in ecru.

I inherited this quilt and want to document this colorful gem made by my paternal grandmother. I was only five when she died and all of her children are also gone. So many questions...... This quilt will not be sold!!!!!!!!!

If you happen to have any info on quilt patterns from magazines in late 1940's to early 1950's, I would love to learn from you. Thank you :-)

Cool! Can we see a pic please????

I'll have to work on pictures tomorrow evening. The entire quilt and individual units :-)

there may be some books in local library OR what about local ladies in quilt guilds? also, there are a few on the board here who are from the same area who may be able to point you in the right direction for more help.

I want to see a pic too.

I'm waiting for a pix. Sounds wonderful though. It's good to hear from people that aren't willing to give up family treasures for money.

GAH! I need a pic!!!

I can't wait to see the pics!!

Here are the pictures :-)

Outer edges of each unit turned under .25 inch on each side.

Why is this titled "Hitting my head against the wall -- again"??

I love that old quilt....at least you didn't make the mistake of selling it and then finding out what it is. :-)

What a wonderful quilt! I love the way it was put together, had to have taken a long time to do.

I have and will continue to cherish this beautiful quilt. To my knowledge, it was never used. I saw this about 2-3 years ago when my cousin gave me a box of extra units.

Since then, I have been trying to find out more about the construction. I know how it was constructed, but didn't know if she devised the technique herself or if this was a trendy type of pattern.

Yesterday, I learned that this pattern had appeared in magazines in the late 40's to early 50's. The appraisor was the only person who had seen this type of construction.

Actually, it is a quilt as you go and the possibilities of designs is endless based on colors selected.

It made me sad that with all the work Grandma Rosa did, no one had used the quilt or displayed it to other family members.....until a short time ago. Well, the masterpiece has found a home where it will be loved, loved, and loved.

The second quilt Grandma Rosa started and was finished by her daughter, follows the same design, story, etc.

By the way, Grandma and her younger brother came to the Midwest on one of the orphan trains from New York City around 1900.

Fortunately, the couple they lived with treated them like family and she considered herself as having been adopted. In later years, she discovered no formal legal adoption had taken place. However, this couple surely was her loving family.

This is one case where the "social experiment" of the 1900 era turned out successfully for both children and adults.

You should write this story on a piece of muslin using a pigma pen and stitch it on the back of the quilt. If you don't, the story about your grandmother will be forgotten. We lose so much history that way. It would make the quilt even more meaning full if you do.

WOW.....

I think this idea is great. I will write something up and make a label, as you suggested. Thanks for sharing with me. I've been so tunnel-vision trying to determine the origin of the technique that I hadn't even thought of labeling.

Wow, save that quilt, awesome!

excuse my ignorance, but you are totally over thinking this wonderful gift. maryb119 makes good sense, I think it will give you some peace.

Dear Friends, I have been so emotionally attached to the maker of this quilt and subsequent owners that I needed peace. Thanks for your suggestions. I have found peace and will use and cherish this treasured quilt. The origin of that pattern is interesting, but not as important as the finished creation. I am letting go and moving on in a very positive manner. Thanks for being you! :-)

What a lovely story and a beautiful quilt to remember her by. I agree that this info should go on a quilt label and be attached to the quilt so that future generations will have the info. The quilt is just precious!

I have joyous news to report about the second quilt. My grandmother's great granddaughter has agreed to accept ownership of the second quilt. I am thrilled and my mind and heart are at peace.

The quilt had been started by my grandmother, finished by my aunt, given to my cousin who died a year ago.

The quilt was washed successfully and restored to optimum condition. Whew! No more cigarette smoke odor :-)

I am so happy this young mother will have this remembrance of our family to pass down to her daughters. Life is good!

wonderful ;-)