April 26, 1932

Detroit News Quilt History Project; Michigan State University Museum; Susan Salser

Detroit, Michigan, United States

A portion of a Beauty in the Home column discussing open book shelves and announcing the quilting design for the Flower Garden quilt leaflet.

In the accompanying illustration is shown a selection of a room which has an attractive pair of open shelves and even if they do appear a little bit deserted, if one could see them they would prpbably stand out as the decorative touches of the entire scheme for the backs may be painted in a contrasting color which is a very delightful setting for gay bits of pottery which may be placed in the shelves with the books.

As the number of bookc in the library increases there is nothing to do but shift the bric-a-brac about, thus varying the scheme which always adds fascination.

The walls, woodwork and panels of a room such as this might be finished in a light tint of bluff and the floor covering made of jade green carpeting.

The glass curtains might be of light ecru casement cloth equipped to traverse, thus doing away with the necessity of roller shades; and the over-draperies may be out of jade green moire finished floor length.

The interior of the built-in shelves may be finished in coral red, as this would be a pleasing contrast to the jade green.

The furniture in this room might include a sofa covered in green denim and equipped with a slip cover of black ground chintz with design in jade green, coral red, yellow and a touch of blue.

An easy chair and foot stool to match might be covered in green and gold damask and plain gold velvet would be attractive for the seat coverings on single or arm-... to the book shleves to make them of good use easily would enhance the attractiveness of the room; and an armchair for this covered in coral red leather would be very effective.

A nest of table should also be included in this scheme and the largest one uses as a lamp table.

Chinese pottery lamp bases with pagoda shaped shades would be attractive for this room.

Quilting Designs For Garden Spread
All who have made the Flower Garden quilt blocks are, no doubt, looking for quilting patterns and this week's leaflet has designs and suggestions for this. Many have written in and asked for quilting suggestions and this leaflet is in answer to those requests. There is a suggestion for the quilting of each block, a choice of two designs for the long strips and also a conventional motif for the squares formed at the intersections of the joining strips. If you wish to have this leaflet mailed to you. just send your request for it to the Beauty in the Home Department, The Detroit News, enclosing with it a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or you may obtain it by calling personally at The Detroit News Public Service Bureau in either the General Motors Building or the Majestic Building.

Quilt Wins Prize
I enjoy your department very much and want to tell you about the Flower Garden pattern quilt which I saw last week in a quilt contest in an East Side dry goods store. There were 85 handmade quilts entered and the Flower Garden quilt took the first prize of $10 for the most beautiful quilt and it was lovely.

I have my first Dresden plate quilt ready to sew on the blocks, but can't decide what color to use; so I have decided to start the second one.

Mother, who is 75 years old, has hers almost finished. I had no desire to make the Flower Garden quilt until I saw that one last week, but now I will start one as soon as my house cleaning is finished. I intend to call for a complete set of patterns the next time I am downtown and will be very grateful to The Detroit News for these free patterns.
Mrs. T. R. J.

That must have been a very beautiful quilt, Mrs. J., and how interesting to know that it was awarded first prize when there were so many in the contest.

At the Detroit News Public Service Bureau in the Majestic Building or the General Motors Building you will be able to obtain a set of these leaflets.

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.