-
Owner:
Sharon Robertson -
Location:
Brisbane -
Maker:
Irene Kenzler -
Pattern:
Domestic Wagga -
Dimensions:
Height: 100cm
Width: 68cm
History
Irene made the cot quilt in 1952 for her first child, son Terrance, in Drinan, Queensland where she lived after marrying Edward Kenzler.
Irene had kept a bag of wool from the sheep on her childhood farm at Cloyne, near Gin Gin, Queensland. The sheep had been shorn when Irene was about 8 or 9 years old (circa 1939-40). Irene used the wool to fill flour bags. She still has some leftover wool, as of June 2026.
Irene used the quilt for her three children, she then gave the quilt to her sister Lottie for her first child, Kathy, who was born in 1964.
Lottie's daughter Kathy Goleby married an American and moved to the USA soon after. Lottie later took the quilt to the USA for Kathy to use for her children.
Kathy discovered it in her closet in 2026 and brought the quilt back to Queensland when she visited in June 2026. The quilt was given to her 3rd cousin Sharon Robertson, a quilter with Queensland Quilters. Sharon spoke with Irene (94 years old) in June 2026 and was given the story of the quilt directly from the maker.
Irene has given her permission for her story to be given to the National Quilt Register.
Description
Made from 15 five-pound flour bags, which were stuffed with wool from her family's sheep and hand stitched together.
3 rows of four bags, plus three bags sewn together along the top.
Bags are from Australian companies:
• Gold Crest self-raising flour, Roma Street, Brisbane
• Warry “Auburn” self-raising flour, Maryborough, Queensland
• Simpson Brothers p/l Brisbane
• Empire- Robert Harper and company, Victoria. Silver Star Starch ad on reverse side
Acknowledgements
Irene Kenzler, maker of the quilt
Kathy Kreeger, holder of the quilt
