Textiles and the Triplett Sisters

In recent conversations about the blog, it was suggested that it might be helpful to be aware of the many reasons why the quilts were created. It isn’t as straightforward as you might have thought. We need to look at the clues found in “album” quilts, a quilt containing squares of appliqued designs or images. The reason for the quilt is sometimes included in the imagery of the quilt, such as an autograph book, letting you know this was created to collect autographs. In the 1820s autograph books were found in homes, where the guests could sign their name along with inspirational messages. The fad was transferred to quilts using stitching first, then in the thirties as indelible ink was more commonly available, it made the inscribed fad even easier for quilts. (Inscribed is a safe...

Last blog, I mentioned there were variations on the Mary Ann O’laughlen style Fountain Block. However, that is not to say that these variations were temperance blocks, perhaps simply offering a variety of options with a wider appeal. (Kay and I had decided to research each block of the BAQ’s in the collection to see what information could be gleaned.) One variation is the flower in place of the fountain as found in the Alice A Ryder quilt c. 1847. Apparently, it was a good year for the fountain block with that date associated with the lone Temperance Block, Oram BAQ, Herget BAQ all having an 1847 date associated with it. (Here is the link to see these quilts.) Two of the BAQ’s with these blocks don’t have a specific date, and the Pettecord quilt has...

My sister continues to shovel as additional snowstorms come her way. However, I’m so thankful that Spring is coming to my area. Jonquils and narcissus are blooming with the magnolia tree showing color, which means that it’s time for a Spring update. My quilt designs are definitely turning springlike with birds, blooms, and butterflies. So, stay tuned to Saturday Sampler to see more of those. I’ll also be adding some Spring colors in reproduction fabric (vintage and new) to the Etsy shop to help with these Spring designs. The Triplett Sisters Block of the Month is full of birds and blooms with some choosing to add butterflies. We’re just getting started on this BOM and everyone is invited to work at their own pace, so please don’t hesitate to join us. You will also see this...

Last blog, I put a call out for quilts to honor Di Ford Hall. Readers, you responded so generously, with quilt photos coming from all over the world. It was a reminder of the impact Di Ford Hall had. As more people make quilts with her fabric or designs, we will continue to see her impact. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a quilt image. To see all the quilts, be sure you check out the video THE LEGACY OF DI FORD HALL which will be released Thursday May 14. If you enjoy quilts in this style or antique quilts, please subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss a video! Thank you to everyone that is participating in our new BOM, The Wedding Quilt! It is a very talented group of people...

The quilt world is in mourning this week because we lost one of our stars, Di Ford Hall. She impacted many parts of the quilting industry, which impacted each of us, depending on how you knew her. She was a friend, mentor, and colleague to many in the industry. To many people, she was a teacher and encourager, getting people started on a specific technique or style. To some she was known as a fabric designer, drawing inspiration for one of her fabric lines from our book “Chintz Quilts from the Poos Collection.” My immediate thought as I heard of her passing was to think of her health struggle which took her life too early. I also thought of the many people that were inspired by her artistry. It made me think about her legacy. The...