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Monday, March 9, 2020

Design Wall Monday - March 9, 2020

The 30 basket patterns have been researched somewhat and I have a little more information about them.  Last week, Annie O, of Annie’s Quilt Orts (Here) gave me more information and I thank you Annie.  I had wondered why the woman who designed them used so many French knots on each block.  The article Annie told me about is published in a Better Homes & Gardens special edition “Century of Quilts” from 2002.  The article on Pages 60 and 61 reveals that the baskets were designed by a man!  I bet he never even made a French knot in his life, which explains his excessive use of them in his designs!  I’m just sayin...

Hubert Ver Mehren and his wife lived in Des Moines, Iowa and he stamped quilt blocks, pillowcases, and linens with designs for embroidery, as a side business for his button and pleating business.  His wife worked from home, and they started a mail order business called Home Arts Studios, and that name was sometimes used on his patterns, but never his actual name on any patterns.  

Here is the basket I finished last week; notice the big circle of French knots:


In November 1932, Successful Farming, offered Hubert’s “May Day Flower Basket” quilt as a set of 32 embroidered designs, each with different flowers.  The baskets came stamped on white muslin, sateen, or broadcloth, for $1.00 up to $1.75 for the set depending on the fabric chosen.

The patterns I have are later copies of the baskets from a semi-monthly Publication called “Pattern World” and there was one basket pattern in each issue in the 1979 and 1980 time frame.  I bought the 30 copies of baskets I have on EBay, and note that there were originally 32 baskets in the set—30 to use in a quilt, and two extra for shams or pillowcases.  I am missing #30 and #31.

I am trying to get a picture of how the original quilt was put together, but I only have a small picture of it from the magazine Annie pointed me to.  More research is needed.  

So I decided this will be my March UFO to work on, as we watch a lot of basketball here and I can work on embroidery during half-times and between games.

What are you working on?  There were lots of great pictures last week, and I thank you all.  Just link back to this particular blog post from somewhere within your blog post and I will be happy.  








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18 comments:

Marti said...

How odd that a man designed the patterns, and I bet you are right that he never made a French knot. But they do set off the lines of the flowers, so maybe he had an eye for contrast. Still, that's a lot of knots. You did a great job on this one, I think it's my favorite so far.

Gretchen Weaver said...

There are a LOT of the french knots but they're so cute! You will have plenty of time to embroider this month while watching the basketball tourneys. Happy stitching!

Kate said...

Interesting history of those embroidered blocks. Maybe his wife liked french knots?

For the love of geese said...

The block turned out beautifully. No one can ever say you are not dedicated with all those French knots.

Quilter Kathy said...

So fun to know the history of the pattern! Such a unique project!

kupton52 said...

I have a set of the 30 patterns....if you ever find #31 and #32 please post the particulars of where you found them. Thanks so much. Your quilt are always so pretty and your embroidery is impeccable! Blessings from southeastern WV.

Nann said...

Your French knots turned out nicely. (I cannot make a decent French knot.) I have a vintage coverlet (summer quilt, no batting/backing) with flower centers that have hundreds of French knots.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

pretty embroidery!! lots of french knots

Bonnie said...

That is a beautiful design. Thanks for the history too. Somewhere around here I have several designs from my grandmother. I don't remember any baskets though. Enjoy your stitching. PS French knots are not my favorite stitch!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

It is such a pretty block! How cool to learn more about them!

Wendy Caton Reed said...

How wonderful to now know the story. They are so beautiful!

Susan said...

That is so very pretty!

Anonymous said...

Your work is gorgeous! Have you tried looking on Pinterest for the patterns? I typed "Flower basket 1" and "flower basket 3" into the search bar. Very similar designs came up.
Oh dear! Another rabbit hole!

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Lovely embroidery!

Cindi said...

Look up Colonial Knots. I find them easier to make than French Knots.

Judy Hansen said...

Thanks for your comment. I watched a youtube video on Colonial Knots. Very interesting.

Judy Hansen said...

Yes, looking at Pinterest is going down another rabbit hole for me too! Thanks for your comment, Judy

AnnieO said...

I was glad to learn you also had that publication, Judy! I found the information so interesting. Funny how home businesses have come around again in the digital age.:) Mostly I cross-stitch but definitely don't enjoy French knots when I do regular embroidery!