Quilt number:

393CC

Owner:

Cressida Mary Webb Challis

Location:

NSW Sydney

Maker:

Isabel and Jean Portus

Country/Place where quilt was made: 

AUSTRALIA NSW

Date:

1941 - 1970

Description:

Quilt of 50mm hexagons in random pattern. Hexagons are made from scraps of old materials with many variations of colours and patterns. One red print hexagon has "J.P." on it. The padding is an old eiderdown and the backing is calico. 1660 x 1220mm

General Pattern:

Patchwork, Pieced Random

Quilt History:

The quilt was made by twin sisters Isabel and Jean Portus in Sydney. It was commenced in the 1960s and completed in the 1970s. It is now owned by family member Cressida Challis and is used on the spare bed in her home.

Story of Quilt:

Isabel and Jean, who made the quilt, were twin sisters. They never married. Isabel, Jean and another sister Barbara all used brass templates to make their hexagon papers. The templates were made by Barbara's husband Serge who was a fitter and turner. The papers were often cut from shareholders' annual reports and were reused a couple of times. Isabel and Jean made many patchwork articles, made their own clothes, crocheted and knitted socks during the war.