March 20, 1933

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

Detroit, Michigan, United States

An article by discussing quilts on exhibition at Hudson's from Mrs. Scioto Danner.

Champion Quilt Makers’ Wares Are on Exhibition
By EDITH B. CRUMB.

For many years, Mrs. Scioto Danner, of El Dorado, Kan., and her mother, who is now 73 years old, have been making quilts of the kind that take first prizes at fairs.

More than 20 of these quilts of distinctive design, are now on exhibition in the dress cottons section on the third floor of the J. L. Hudson Company, with Miss Patricia Ryan representing Mrs. Danner.

Old hands at quilt-making probably will find many patterns that will remind them of their childhood, when quilt-making was as much a part of family life as cooking, weaving or spinning. Even if you have never made a quilt, you probably will not be able to leave the exhibit without having decided upon one pattern, at least, to try.

One of the most interesting quilts is called Ladies’ Dream. The present owner of the original of this is of the sixth generation and no one but Mrs. Danner ever has been permitted to copy it. The border is a graceful bow-knot.

The Bear’s Paw and Rose of Sharon ( a blue ribbon prize of Mrs. Danner’s) are also of unusual charm and among the hand-drawn designs are the Dolly Varden and Basket of Roses.

Other patterns which are shown are Richmond Beauty, Eight-Pointed Star, Horn of Plenty, Broken Star, Rose Bud, True Lovers’ Knot, Springtime Blossom, My Mother’s Favorite Basket of Scraps. There are also patterns for Irish, Marigold, Lotis Blossom and Spiced Pink. There is also a ship design which would be appropriate for a child’s bed. With the pattern for this is a little verse that may accompany the quilt if it is to be used for a gift.

Patterns for all of the quilts are for sale and there are also many of those old tried-and-true quilting designs of feathered circle, feather borders and other conventional patterns.

Mrs. Danner’s advice is that one should never use poor materials for quilt-making. She uses No. 1 good white cotton for interlining and a soft smooth lining and she suggests linings of pastel tints to harmonize with the design.

She uses No. 10 needles and No. 60 or 70 thread. For whipping on the appliqued designs she uses colored mercerized thread, for she feels it makes a much neater appearance. Some of the quilting in this exhibit is of stitches 14 to the inch.

Nearly all of the quilts have scalloped edges, which are made after the quilting is finished. Mrs. Danner makes her own bindings. Half a yard of material cut on the bias in one-inch strips will be sufficient for a quilt.

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.