As an occasional feature, the Sewtopian would like to delve into historical figures, their work, their contributions to their culture and how their stitching has influenced our creative journey.
I have read and studied Jane Austen since high school. As a literary genius of her time, her life and its tortuous path are well documented in books, in museums, and in movies.
My brief focus today is the quilt in the Chowton museum. An important function in its time (and now) is to use scraps for quilts. Using what they had, particularly during the lean times the family encountered, beautiful quilts were produced.
This pattern has been reproduced over and over by modern quilters. Note the prints used are dressmaker style cottons.
A close look at the long border shows how every little bit of fabric was repurposed for this project.
A modern reproduction by a lady name Carolyn, seen on social media.
The original quilt on display in the Chowton, UK, museum.
Research has documented that this is the only quilt made by Jane. Others in the house were made by her sister and a family friend in residence.
*Designers at Riley-Blake have reproduced quilting fabric for this quilt. It is available in some quilt shops, at Amazon and Etsy if you are interested.
Come in, have a seat, make a pot of tea and take some time to view the video's to put you in a Regency state of mind. Have a lovely day.
Jane Austen House, room by room tour, Chowton, UK.
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