“Scenes of Childhood” is another folk art quilt from circa 1800, according to pattern maker Froncie Quinn. Having admired this quilt for years in books such as one by Sandi Fox, I was delighted to find the pattern and began work on it, re-creating one block that you see here.
“Sins in my pocket” (Things?)
The challenge of appliquéing something like this block is in continually planning ahead as to what piece of fabric goes “over” and which pieces go “under.” Not a problem, just a consideration. The features of the girl are inked, as is the hair.
I completed the block by “needleturning” all of the pieces, a challenge when working with the tinier pieces like fingers, since the whole block is only about 8.5″ x 10.5″ large. The ball, which looks cylindrical, rather than round, is embroidered to create “divisions” on its surface.
I finished the block by adding the inscription which oddly-enough says, “Here’s some more sins in my pocket.” What a strange expression! I don’t get it? Do you? I wish now that I had not inked it in. While it may be “authentic” and I am sure it is, I don’t like it and it has turned me off on continuing to make a reproduction of the quilt.
The rest of the quilt is charming with cornucopia shapes in each corner sprouting flowers. There is a cat, two dogs, and a cow, and a scene of rocking with Grandpa, and another scene that is really quaint.
The verdict is not as to whether this one block will ever get companions and become a finished quilt. I’ll have to wait until my patience is at full ebb. Those little pieces drove me nuts to appliqué.
The quilt is presently in the collection of the Shelburne Museum. Hoopla Designs created the pattern.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
Thanks so much! I have that book! Never thought of looking there. Now, I might just have to finish the quilt! Patricia
I Googled the phrase and found a book (Quilts Sold!: A Guide to Heirloom and Antique Quilts By Dave Prochnow, Kathy Prochnow) that says that the caption was a direct quote from the child who couldn’t pronounce words correctly. “Sins” = things.
You can see the book on Google books, but I don’t know if I can post a URL in here. Just Google the phrase and you should be able to find it.
Gee, Pat, I would think in 1800 the term sin would indicate any taboo or unwanted behavior, like eating too much candy. Perhaps, the “sins” are a euphemism for Jelly Beans?