Pale Blue Whig Rose Coverlet

Pale Blue (maybe even light gray) Whig Rose Coverlet - wool and cotton

I saw this coverlet on eBay a few weeks ago.  It's very similar to the other whig rose reproduction coverlets I have from the 20th century.  (They are softer than the older ones.)   I thought they were probably all made by The Goodwin Guild,  but maybe not?  Not all of them have tags to prove their provenance.

What makes this listing so interesting is the paperwork and the history of the coverlet and the weavers who made it (although not included in the purchase):

 There is a Wisconsin connection, too!

Viola did the fringe treatment on the edges.  I don't think I have another one quite like this.  

Interesting to have it up close to study!

  

Art and Viola's Weave Shop in California.  I think this might be more about them?

The fact that this coverlet was made within my own lifetime (I was a teenager in the 80s, and in no position to weave myself back then, although I already had a huge fascination for Gramma Medo and her spinning wheel), I still had an appreciation for those who did weave.  It makes me feel closer to them somehow, in that long line of weavers before me.  Sigh!  And now I am making cloth too!  ;-)

It makes me wonder if some of my other reproduction coverlets (without tags) were made by this couple instead of The Goodwin Guild?    Star of Bethlehem is featured in the paperwork above-- I purchased the "Pumpkin Spice" coverlet last fall in the Star of Bethlehem pattern.  Maybe it was made by this couple?

Meanwhile, I am contemplating my next weaving project.  I know it will be difficult to make the circles of a whig rose even and true circles.  So perhaps it's better if I continue to collect whig roses, instead of attempting to make them as misshapen coverlets?  Or try a smaller scale like a scarf or table runner?  Or go for a more square design?

I was the only one to put in a bid on this one, and I won!

Here is the description by the seller: 

eBay item number:226507858723   from  albertine411

 

$100

 

 

This listing is for a lovely vintage early 1980s hand woven coverlet/throw, in a pale blue/grey color wool and white cotton. The pattern is the traditional American Whig Rose. It is completely reversible, with hand knotted fringe. Including the fringe, the piece is 70" square, just the woven body measures 64" square. Please review and enlarge all the photos, this piece is in excellent condition, no rips, holes or damage, no discolored or faded areas, it was rarely used and comes from a smoke free home. It has two opposite sides of hand hemmed white edging. The soft pale color is really beautiful and rather unique, not the common dark indigo blue usually found in this type of weaving.

The coverlet/throw was purchased from Arthur and Viola's Weave shop in the early 1980s, when Arthur was in his seventies and getting ready to retire. I have included pictures of their last brochure for information only, the brochure itself is not included in this auction. Arthur wove his whole life, and the shop produced bedspreads and coverlets/throws, tablecloths and hand towels. Arthur was the master weaver, with Viola doing all the hand hemming herself. 

 

Item specifics

Condition: Pre-owned

Seller Notes      “Excellent vintage condition, no issues.”

Pattern    whig rose

Shape    Square

Size   70 x 70 in

Color  blue & white

Material   wool and cotton

Set Includes   Coverlet

Item Length  70 in

Brand  Handmade

Type  Coverlet

Original/Licensed Reproduction  Original

Style  Antique

Theme  traditional

Features Reversible

Time Period Manufactured  1980-1989

Production Technique   hand loomed

Country/Region of Manufacture  United States

Item Width  70 in

Handmade  Yes