This morning, I wanted to show you two quilt blocks that were constructed, on paper, by a beautiful person. First, I will show you this person who was outwardly beautiful.
Ellen Webster, as a young person
Ellen Webster was someone who loved history and that included the history of her town and of her family. The following quilt block that she pasted up with fabrics on a paper background is certainly artistically-rendered, and very beautiful.
Original design by Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster
I wondered why the leaf on the left edge was lopped off, and I found the answer to that in her diary!
Hardy family genealogy block constructed by Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster
During my research, I discovered a quilt block from New Hampshire that is very similar to Ellen’s, as if made by the same person. That is discussed in my 355 page e-book with 340 photos that plays on any computer, using Adobe Reader. (Hint: Don’t try to open the file with any other kind of reader). Adobe Reader is FREE to download.
In just these two quilt blocks I have shown you, it is easy to see the care and precision that Ellen brought to her creative work. She was very artistic, as is readily apparent, but moreover, she wanted to preserve the work of other New England women (and beyond) whose antique quilts she had seen at various meetings and quilt shows that she judged. Ellen was highly respected, in her time, as a teacher of Bible studies, a writer, lecturer, pianist/organist, bird lover, and other roles she took, in life.
Her story is a classic one of a farm born girl of the mid-nineteenth century, who married a dentist and traveled the world. The 162 quilt charts were given to a museum. The spirit of her work lives on in the colorful and detailed CD produced by James and Patricia Cummings and exclusively available for $24.95 plus $3.95 shipping, ($28.90). The detailed information included in this work will amaze you!
This would make a wonderful holiday gift or Christmas present! The CD even shows a photo of the Hardy family all gathered together for Christmas in 1892.
Viewing the details of the life of Ellen Emeline Hardy Webster and considering the many good works of her hands and mind is a thrill. I only wish I’d met her.
Patricia Cummings – pat@quiltersmuse.com
Quilter’s Muse Publications
