The Little Red Hen: Redwork Turkeys

Redwork has always appealed to me. I have looked at old redwork quilts in museums and books. They often depict political figures, and social events of the time they were made. Many also picture domesticated animals.

Years ago I wanted to make a redwork quilt but I wanted it to mean something to me, to be a unique family keepsake. I thought redwork would be good for a Thanksgiving quilt. Each person in the family traced their hand on a piece of paper and designed their own turkey that could be stitched. I told them I would sew it just as it was drawn. We each went to a different room so we wouldn't influence each other. You can see the result. Someone evidently got out the bird identification book to help with his design. I had to simplify it a bit for stitching.

I love getting this fun quilt out every year! I didn't put a label on this so I don't know what year I made it, but I still remember the day that everyone worked on their drawings. I just love the way it turned out.

Yes, It has been pointed out to me that we will have to add a secondary quilt. I think I will wait a little longer until P. can design her own turkey. Stay tuned...

My Favorite Photos

Comments

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I have always loved this quilt! I may have to steal your idea. The very elaborate turkey makes me chuckle. Was that someone trying to give you a lot of stitching to do? We did a handprint Christmas tree when my daughter was about two. We put green paint on our hands and stamped them onto fabric, biggest hands on bottom, moving upwards to the smallest hands on top, so it turned out looking like a tree. I never got around to actually making it into a quilt, though. I should do that.

Posted by: Tracy | November 14, 2007 at 09:06 AM

Lynn, yours looks like the "ma" turkey and you-know-whose definitely looks like the daddy turkey. It's interesting that the boys did very similar designs even though they didn't see each others during the process. It's all very fascinating, isn't it? Thanks for sharing!

Posted by: Millie | November 14, 2007 at 09:53 AM

Such a beautiful idea. Love it!

Posted by: Stefani | November 14, 2007 at 12:00 PM

This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while. Nice work!

Posted by: Knot By Gran'ma | November 15, 2007 at 09:40 AM

I thought I was doing so well to get my Christmas tree friendship quilt almost done! Now, I am reminded that I need to work on the Thanksgiving turkey wall hanging! I think I may have a lifetime supply of already started projects here! But my head is so full of more ideas!!!!

Posted by: Glenell | November 15, 2007 at 12:57 PM

What a beautiful quilt and how meaningful for your family to be able to look at it every year and remember how much fun it must have been to make. Great idea!