Quilt No.677AP - Annette Packett

Annette Packett
Owner: 
Annette Packett
Location: 
VIC South West
Maker
Maker: 
Annie Gertrude Mitchell
Made in
AUSTRALIA VIC
Date: 
1901 - 1920
Description: 
Fur rug, mainly rabbit skins. The animal origin of the centre strip of tan fur is unknown. Restoration work was done on the rug 30 years ago and a new green felt backing replaced the old green one. 1000 x 750mm
History: 

This home made rug was stitched, from mainly rabbit skins, by Annie Gertrude Mitchell in Raglan Victoria in the early part of this century. Her husband Albert Mitchell shot the rabbits to supplement the family's diet. It then passed to Ida Tunnecliffe their daughter and then to her daughter Annette Packett the present owner. It is not used now.

Story: 

"It was originally much larger than the present rug. I rescued it from being thrown out nearly thirty years ago because it was in a state of considerable disrepair. To make it presentable, I cut out much of the fur which had perished over the years, and backed it with green felt. (It originally had a green backing). Knowing what I do today I would perhaps have left it in its original state, but at the time I thought I was doing the right thing. ���..My grandparents Lived in Raglan (Victoria). My grandfather was a potato digger, rabbit shooter etc. They owned a cow, and had a large vegetable garden and lots of chooks to supplement their meagre income. ���.I have fond memories of snuggling in this rug as a child. I think most of the skins are rabbit, but I don't know what the tan fur is. It is lovely and soft, and was always my favourite part." [Annette Packett 22.11.99]

Related Quilts:

Western Australian Museum
Kangaroo skin cloak of seven gores is made from the skins of seven grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus). The skins vary in size and shape, the inner five are roughly triangular. The cloak is edged with a series of loops, through one of these near the collar is a piece of cloth which appears to have tied the cloak together. The skins are sewn together with two sorts of linen or cotton thread. In a small diamond-shaped gusset at the back of the neck there are some stitches of sinew. The skins are sewn together by means of a small hem which was turned back on to the fur, so stitches went through two layers of skin on each gore. There are some small holes in the skins. The skins are very soft and pliable, and greyish in colour; they vary in size and shape. Longest part: 800mm Ref: MA Thesis 1973, S.Meagher 'A Reconstruction of the Traditional Life of the Aborigines of the S.W. of Western Australia.
Wanda McPherson
Patchwork quilt made from pure wool suiting samples in shades of navy blue and brown. Quilt is constructed in 11 rows containing 11 pieces. Each piece is 14cm x 9cm. No padding. Backing is of mauve cotton with a floral pattern of closely spaces white/pale mauve flowers.
1480 x 900mm
Kristine Gray
Double sided frame quilt. All reused materials including corduroys, wools and light weight suitings. Machine made and not quilted There is no padding as already heavy and warm.
1780 x 1530mm
Jindera Pioneer Museum
Quilt made of 26 x 13 rectangles of woollen men's suiting samples. Each rectangle is about 70 x 130 mm. Wide variety of patterns, mainly stripes, and colous. The padding is part of a worn cream blanket and joined pieces of woollen clothing. The backing is a well worn piece of brushed cotton. Machine made.
11900 x 1870 mm
Kristine Gray
Double sided quilt. One side is frame with borders of wool rectangles mainly offcuts of men's suiting from tailors' shops. The other side is mainly flannelette in stripes and patterns similar to pyjama material. The padding is pieced patches of worn jumpers that were too matted to be unpicked. Machine construction.
1700 x 1490mm
Name withheld
Wallaby skin rug backed with checked cotton material. 1220 x 610mm