The "Rising Sun" Smithsonian Reproduction Fabric

Monday, April 14, 2008

A few months ago I was given this wonderful reproduction fabric by a friend and so far I have just enjoyed looking at it. I can't decide whether to try to find a pattern worthy of the fabric or to simply save this lovely reproduction fabric for the future.

Although it appeared earlier, reproduction fabric became especially popular in the 1990s. The pictured collection was produced by RJR Fashion Fabrics in 1994. The fabric is based on the prints used in this magnificent "Rising Sun" quilt made by Mary Toten c.1830. The quilt is made up of a large Bethlehem star consisting of several hundred diamonds. The areas around the star and on the border are covered with intricate floral applique.

It is one of the most beautiful quilts of all time and we can thank Quilters Hall of Fame inductee, Florence Peto, for facilitating in this quilt going to the Smithsonian Museum.