I managed another two blocks again in September.
The first one (No. 23), the hydrangea print, was a little harder to quilt than usual, as the fabric is a polished cotton and the glazed surface is hard to get the needle through, but I think it was worth it!
The other one (No. 24) is the one I’m calling my Bonwit Teller hatbox. For those not of the correct age or nationality, Bonwit Teller was a high-end US department store which featured a stylised posy of violets scattered on its packaging, branded merchandise, and of course, hat boxes. It is sadly no more, but is fondly remembered, and with good reason from what I’ve read.
Six more to go. At this rate, I might actually have them all done by the end of the year!
Bee, Myself and I is a forum for ‘selfish sewing’; any stitchery which is purely for pleasure and not to a deadline or for anyone else. The original concept belongs to Carla of Granny Maud’s Girl. To find out more, you can click through on either her blog link, or using the button a fair way down in the left hand column of this blog.
Till next time.
talltalesfromchiconia 
The hydrangea box was soooo worth it (says she who avoids hand quilting whenever possible).
I love the violets too and thanks for the background story.
The hydrangeas are lovely, I agree, and the finished effect is good because of the slight sheen of the fabric. I like the violet print, it immediately said ‘hatbox’ to me when I first saw it.
that hydrangea block was well worth the extra effort!
I think so too!
I can’t pick a favorite as these are both beautiful, Kate. I appreciate your note on polished cotton. I would never have guessed that it would be hard to sew through. If I am smart… I should quilt as I go like you have.
I think you’d find it easier that way than having to quilt the fully assembled thing at the end.
I’m of Bonwit Teller age 🙂 I started work as sales girl , first with Abraham & Strauss (NY) then The Broadway (CA) I always thought I’m working my way to Bonwit; needless to say I love the hat boxes – your work is gorgeous!
Thank you! The boxes are a charming reminder of past times; some are much more modern, others are very traditional. I do wish we still wore hats as a matter of course. I have about 8, and could use a few of my own hatboxes!
I LOVE IT! I really like this set!
Not so many left to go, now…
your next project
Oh, very good! But I think the Husband would have something to say about us redecorating our 4WD like that…
Ooh, I can’t choose between these two, violets or hydrangeas, they’re both lovely 🙂
I know, they’re both lovely! I got the hydrangeas done, and was then unable to resist cracking on with the violets. Only 6 more to go….
I didn’t know they still made polished cotton. Haven’t seen it for ages but then, haven’t looked. It’s beautiful. I’ve heard of Bonwit Teller but never was in the neighborhood to see one. The violets are beautiful too. I think I love all your hatboxes so far. I wear hats but not the pretty kind. I need those that stay on the head with a large enough brim to keep the sun or light out of my eyes and the wind off my head. Bells caused the need almost 8 years ago and I always have a hat of some sort on when I go outside. Some are cute, some practical. I’m with you, I’d like to see functional hats come back in vogue. 🙂
It’s a bit old fashioned, chintz… most people like more textured fabrics these days, I think, judging from what I see in the shops. I got this in a fabric swap and I really like the pattern for the hatbox, but probably not so much cut up in a quilt block, I think. I have quite the hat assortment, all designed to protect my head and eyes from the hot Australian sun. Some are straw, some woven paper and the rest are fabric. The paper’s my favourite, it’s light and breathable, but you have to make sure you don’t get caught out in the rain 😉
I have winter and summer hats here. Winter is nothing but rain. Summer, none at all. ;( Have never seen a paper hat. Interesting. My daughter has a unique collection too. Most are whimsical. 🙂 I would be wearing wide brims if I lived where you are too. 😉
The paper looks like straw, but is cheap. The only downside is the rain thing.
These are two of my very favorite flowers! Beautiful boxes, Kate!
Thanks, Kathy. They’re both lovely old-fashioned prints, especially the violets. I couldn’t use them anywhere else, but here, they’re perfect.
Lovely boxes! My favorite is the hydrangea fabric (hortensia in Swedish). So many great colors!!!!
It’s hortensia in Dutch too, so I know it by both names. It’s pretty, but it was tricky to hand quilt.
These are both glorious but the violets have it for me.
These “boxes” are always so pretty !!
Yes, they’re one of my favourite things to work on!