Kit quilts were quite popular during the twentieth century. Here is an example of an unfinished kit quilt.
This is “Quilt No. 7352.” I do not know the kit maker. This one came with printed pieces of fabric to cut out to appliqué. Here is a close-up:
A friend sent me this kit awhile ago, and after working on it some, I decided that I have so many other things to do in this lifetime, I would never finish it. I decided to pass it along to someone who would appreciate it.
A kit with Quadriga cloth is responsible for the wonderful green and white quilts of which I have seen several finished examples. The story of this quilt is told in this file on my website.
Not too long ago, Rosie Werner wrote a lengthy article, about kit quilts, for Blanket Statements, a publication of the American Quilt Study Group. I have not yet had time to sit down and totally read the article, but plan to do so in the near future.
Was this made from a kit? This quilt shows up at many quilt shows! Here an appreciative gentleman examines the hand quilting.
I can bet that a lot of quilters began quilting by buying a quilt kit. There is one remarkable appliqué quilt that represents “The Tree of Life.” I believe that was sold as a kit, and it has shown up in a number of quilt shows I have attended, particularly in the Vermont area.
If you have worked on a kit quilt or finished one, or know of someone who has, we’d love to hear your story. Write to: pat@quiltersmuse.com
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Note received on 12/19/2011
Hi Pat,
I was delighted to see on your blog, information about the Tree of Life quilt kit.
Yes, you can take down the question mark, it was most definitely a kit.
In the 1970′s, my grandmas showed my sister and I a USA quilt magazine, and had us select one each.
I chose the Tree of Life, and my sister one with pink roses.
We received the quilts in 1984. They took at least 5 years to make, so the date is mid to late 70′s.
I would send a picture, but they would be exactly the same as you have already posted! including the little floral print pieces of applique…
Regards,
Frances Keemer
P.S. The quilt was brought out at Xmas to show my step brothers who had never seen it.
My Grandmother passed almost 17 years ago.
