Quilt No.695HL - Heather Leonard

Heather Leonard
Owner: 
Heather Leonard
Location: 
VIC Melbourne
Maker
Maker: 
Hilda Kyffin
Made in
AUSTRALIA VIC
Patterms
Wholecloth, Re-used clothing or blanket, Utilitarian, Typically Australian
Date: 
1941 - 1970
Description: 
This 'Quilt' is made from an army great coat from the second world war. The seams have been unpicked and pieced together by machine zig-zagging the flat edges (with Singer treadle sewing machine). The pocket slits are turned back and seamed rather than being pared off. The outside edges are turned over and blanket stitched in red. It does not have a backing.
1620 x 1180mm
History: 

This blanket was made by Hilda Kyffin at her house in Moorabbin sometime post war. It is made from a great coat worn by her husband during the second world war. It was used to cover Hilda's double bed mattress against winter chills until 1985. It is now owned by her daughter and is not used.

Story: 

"My mother was incredibly resourceful having come from a family of seven children and struggled through the depression and the war. She had great respect for 'proper woollen material' which was strictly rationed in wartime����
My mother joined the Moorabbin Country Women's Association after the war and was a back bone member until 1985. She was active in crafts and charity work with them. Fortunately I have been able to save many examples of their traditional craft which she made. Re-using things was their stock in trade."
[Heather Leonard 20.10.2000]

Major Powell James Kiffin MC who owned the great coat
Major Powell James Kiffin MC who owned the great coat
Hilda Kiffin
Hilda Kiffin
The post war Housing Commission house at Moorabbin
The post war Housing Commission house at Moorabbin

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