Quilt No.677AP - Annette Packett
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.
"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:
950 x 790mm
1524 x 1372mm
Down the centre field of the design and 4 poems embroidered in quite crude chain stitch. Each piece of prose is accompanied by an appliquéd illustration. For example a large clock accompanies a poem of time. 'While shepherds watch their flocks at night�.'is illustrated with a beautiful scene of the manger watched by an angel, cows and sheep. The appliqué and embroidery is executed crudely with large stitches in running and overcasting. The quilt is signed, 'M.J.H. aged 84 yrs.1924.' " [NGA] There is no padding or lining. 1640 x 1540mm