Quilt number:

96MM

Owner:

Muriel Mackenzie

Location:

QLD South East

Maker:

Ella Constance Mackenzie

Country/Place where quilt was made: 

AUSTRALIA QLD

Date:

1921 - 1940

Description:

Wholecloth utilitarian quilt with velour type material top and cottage weave curtain material on the back. The padding is a 'bush blanket'. The quilt has been tufted with green wool. Machine sewn. 1626 x 1093mm

General Pattern:

Wholecloth, Utilitarian, Typically Australian, Re-used clothing or blanket

Quilt History:

Made by Ella Constance Mackenzie (born Canning) during the late 30s or early 40s, at Killarney, Queensland. Ella was the mother-in-law of the present owner. The quilt is stored in a tin trunk and not used.

Story of Quilt:

"These quilts were made out of necessity to help keep a family warm during very cold winters in Killarney. When I was first engaged and used to go to Killarney I used to hope that these quilts would not be put on my bed as they were very heavy. Within the family they were referred to as 'hug me tights". [ Muriel Mackenzie 3.8.96] "My Mother had 4 sons,( no daughters) born in Killarney. Her father built the first hotel in Killarney after migrating form Bath at the turn of the century. My Mother was about 5' 2" always sewing, mending and crocheting. My Father was a commercial traveller representing Thomas Brown, D. & W.Murray, A.M.Hartzberg, general wholesalers. A room in the hotel was used for commercial travellers to lay out their merchandise for the shop keeper to order from." [Bill Mackenzie 3.8.96] Bill's mother was not a sewer of clothing for herself or her sons.

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