I've always loved Redwork.
Outline embroidery is often called “Redwork". Early women's magazines
carried simple drawings, designed for tracing. Full-sized transfer patterns
could be purchased by mail. "Penny Squares", available from the local
Mercantile were pre-stamped blocks costing a penny apiece. Flowers, animals,
and nursery themes were favorite subjects. Commemorative quilts were also made
in honor of presidents, historic events and international expositions. Red was
the most popular color due to the colorfast "turkey red" cotton
embroidery floss that was used in the mid 1800s. After colorfast dyes
became available embroidery bloomed in full color. Outline embroidered quilts
reached the peak of their popularity from about 1880 to 1925.They were inspired
by the needlework display at the 1876 World’s Fair.
This commemorative quilt honors Merriweather Lewis and William Clark and their west-bound expedition
May 1804-November 1805, seeking a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. I drew these scenes after reading the book Undaunted Courage by Steven
Ambrose in 2001. Each one features important elements of the famous expedition
including leaders Lewis and Clark, Sakagawea, York and Seaman the dog. Also
included is a map of the trip, the boat that they used, a representative image
of natural history specimens they collected and the peace medals that they used
for trade. Lastly there are quotes that give a glimpse into the thoughts of the
expedition leaders.
I used brown thread for the embroideries
to go with the outdoor color and design of the full-sized quilt.
This was my second outline embroidery pattern. The first one was called Tillamook Landmarks, in honor of the natural beauty of the county where I live and work.
And it is red!
Happy Quilting
Denise
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