Unfortunately, we don't support Internet Explorer anymore as it has been replaced by Microsoft Edge.
Please try downloading Microsoft Edge or an alternative modern browser for the best experience.
This Sanderson Star (86in x 77in; 220cm x 196cm) is from the collection of Alison Garrett, and was bought many years ago in Wimbledon. Maker - Unknown.
The easily recognisable 'North Country' quilt design was made popular by Elizabeth Sanderson, the quilt pattern maker and and designer, the 'stamper'. The lilac colour is not a common one and could well indicate it’s a 1920’s or 1930’s one. The quilting on the outer borders is very typical of that on others, however the quilting on the central star is not. This together with the drawing of the cables, may suggest that this was made by a very enthusiastic admirer of the pattern.
Sanderson Star
The Sanderson Star design typically consists of a large pieced eight pointed star, surrounded by several borders.
Always made in two colours; usually a plain colour against a white background.
Central Pieced Star
Drafting and piecing the large central star was the work of an experienced quiltmaker. Elizabeth Sanderson taught her apprentices how to do this, and sold the pre-assembled tops by post for others to quilt at home. However, the quilting on this example does not reflect her usual quality of design provided on pre-stamped Stars, so this is probably made by someone else copying the design.
Central quilted motif
Circular floral design.
Other examples of Sanderson Star quilts:
A pink and white example of this design can be found in the Guild's collection, here.
A yellow and white example of this design can be found in the V&A's collection, here.
Another example in this BQSG Gallery can be seen here
Elizabeth Sanderson is currently a part of the PHD research of BQSG member, Deborah McGuire. Deb presented a part of her extensive research at the 2023 BQSG conference. Her fascinating findings of the Allendale quilt stampers and their connections can be found in issue 24 of Quilt Studies (The Journal of The British Quilt Study Group.)
Borders quilted with cable
Quilting motif details
Close up of quilting stitches
Detail of quilting stitches
Details of quilting motifs
Details of quilting motifs
Details of quilting motifs
Machine stitched knife edge binding
Quilt front and back
Back of quilt
