Most French textile fans will know what I mean by a “boutis”.
The word “boutis”is generally used as a blanket (haha gedit?!) term for French cotton quilts , particularly those hailing from or in the spirit of Provence. Sources differ in definition, but here is mine-
The simpler quilts consisting of two layers of fabric with a cotton wadding sandwiched between, and stitched together, are probably better labelled as piqués.
A boutis was originally a quilt made using a traditional technique whereby intricately stitched motifs are stuffed, piece by piece with cotton or wool wadding inserted at the back, via a tiny hole, which is later stitched up. Incredibly labour intensive, these were often painstakingly made up as wedding quilts, usually in white.
I would say that my latest vintage textile find, below, is a piqué; I found this huge heavy thing in a UK charity shop and was initially put off by the fussy floral patchwork design, then I turned it over and..voila!.. a typically French ticking stripe in soft, authentic colours on the reverse revealed itself. That’s the side I will have on show. Proper cotton wadding and part hand made it is a suprise find .
Two pillow cases came with it, un-quilted on the striped side.
It has authentic scalloped borders and, serendipitously, at last makes sense of a pair of large pillows (see bottom of pile) picked up years ago whose colourway and style did not quite gel with anything else I had. They look great with this quilt and are now destined for tulip bedroom. On top is my latest delivery from ebay, three metres of hand made crochet lace in undyed cotton
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