Eileen McGrath's Quilts 

We loved the simplicity of Eileen's one-piece quilts; if you have a nice large piece of fabric - why cut it up! The charming mix of curtain, cotton and flannelette gives these quilts a bold and eye catching look.

We also got to see some of Eileen's embroidery work and a snowman inspired hooked wall-hanging - all washed down with some home baking and a cup of tea. Lucky us!

Above: a gorgeous vintage print - showed off by the simple framed pink boarder

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Above: a  hand-embroidered table cloth - a cheery addition to any kitchen

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Above: we loved this picture - tea, scones and a hooked wall-hanging. Thanks again Eileen!

Olga Cull's Family Quilts

We were had heard rumours that Olga Cull of Shoal Bay - Fogo Island,  had some lovely old quilts. We dropped by to see if the rumours were true and indeed they were! We were taken back by not only how beautiful the quilts were but also by how well they had worn. We had a cup of tea with Olga and her family to find out some of the history behind the quilts....

Above: Olga sits and contemplates this beautiful and original quilt made by her mother some time in the 60's. The family suspect that the design was inspired by a painted canvas floor mat within the family home. Its made from cotton pieces, hand-stitched on to flour cloth

Above: Olga and her Granddaughter Keri show us their traditional Crazy Quilt - this quilt is made as one piece - not formed in blocks like more modern Crazy Quilts. We love the mix of fabrics and prints and the handsome mitred corners....it's all in the details!

Above: A Tulip Quilt, made by Olga's mother and given to her as a wedding gift. Each tulip and stem has been folded and slip-stitched onto the flour cloth; it would of taken hours! A true labour of love....and it's 70 years old and looks fantastic. Note the gorgeous scalloped edge in green; it a lovely touch

Quintessential Quilts; Looking Back at The Old....

The following quilts stole our hearts; we just had to share them with you! Like a fine wine, these quilts have aged well and stood the test of time. Loved, used and made to last - what more could ask for in a quilt! The design of them seem to be timeless and ever so appealing, we looked closer at them to admire the skill and craftsmanship gone into them....

  

Above: The quilt on the right belongs to octogenarian Allan Keefe of Tilting, Fogo Island - lovingly made by his Grandmother over 150 years ago. Although it's faded and torn in places this quilt is full of personality. The simple design proves that you don't need fancy material to make a pretty quilt
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Above: the subtle introduction of a pale pink print on the front breaks up the white flour sacking. The edges are a simple decorative embellishment called 'Prairie Points' that effectively use up tiny material scraps that are folded in on themselves to form the points

Above: this traditional strip quilt was made by Mrs Bridgette Kinsella over 100 years ago. Although a little faded it is still a very handsome quilt. We loved the larger strips used in this one....

Above: Ann Marie Newman keeps finding more amazing quilts for us to look at! This is her mother-in-law's handy work and was made in 50's or 60's. It's 100% cotton; look at the beautiful patterns and prints used! The use of the bold orange brings it all together so well. We simple love it and covet it.
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Joan Godwin's Crazy Quilt and Patterns

Inside Joan's jam-packed sewing room revealed countless patterns for quilts. She kindly lets us have a rummage where we found all kinds of patterns from the 80's and 90's - carefully drawn and cut out on to old cereal boxes. Joan also showed us a delightful work-in-progress crazy quilt - no doubt this will be some lucky person's Christmas present!

Above: this charming teddy bear is an applique pattern for a baby quilt; Joan also had a sizeable collection of quilting magazines from the 80's 

Mary Frances Decker's Hooked Mats and Quilts

We called in on Mary Frances Decker of Joe Batt's Arm - Fogo Island - who pulled out some very old quilts from the attic for us to see. Mrs Decker has hooked mats and quilted since she was a child and is still making things to this day. Her work is wonderfully colourful, vibrant and full of character. Below are some of our favourites....

Above: A lovely quilt made recently; we thought it resembled a hooked mat!

Above: Mary's hooked mat- proudly placed at the sink where she does the washing up

Above: a 1940's 'Brick Pattern' quilt made by Mrs Decker's mother , Mini Penton, as a wedding gift. The material is dyed flour sack and still looks as colourful as the day it was made!

Above: a 'Strip Quilt'  hand-stippled by Mrs Decker; made some time during the late 1940's early 50's. It's extremely heavy and warm, even after all these years. The colours make it a beautiful and subtle quilt.

Diana Leyte - A lifetime Quilter

Mrs Leyte of Deep Bay - Fogo Island, has been hooking mats and making quilts since she was 8 years old. Still an avid maker she likes to burn the midnight oil making quilts and hooked mats for family and friends. Were were lucky enough to see one of her current projects  before she gave it away as a gift

 Above: a cheerful little quilt, the pattern is called Card Trick. Made from sheeting material and broadcloth

Above: on the way out we spotted this beauty on the washing line. A traditional Scrap Quilt - if larger pieces were good enough they were pieced together to form one big quilt. The material used is a mix of old curtains, flannelette and cotton bed sheets. What a treat to see!

Above: the hand that has hooked a thousand hooked mats! This tool is so worn, you can feel the indent in the wood were her fingers have worn it smooth. Image above: one of Mrs Leyte lovely hooked stamp mats, made with old t-shirts and worn clothes                                         

Margaret Freake shows us her Quilts of many colours

Margaret's quilt collection are a mix of the traditional Crazy Quilts and designs of her own making. They clearly all show her love and  appreciation of colour; each and every one is unique in it's  own way. She had so many for us to see, so here is a pick of the best and most colourful...

Above: a lovely Crazy Quilt complete with hand-stitching. This particular quilt is a mix of cotton and polyester made some time in the 80's

Above: a beautifully simple quilt with blue hues. Margaret makes it up as she goes along; I love the darker blue she has used to 'frame' the blocks 

 Above: a red Strip Quilt, again oh so simple, but oh so striking!

Above: a delightful Strip Quilt; no scrap is too small to be used - see the larger and smaller strips Margaret has incorporated