In this challenge, as in previous and those to come, I am keeping my promise of using Lithuanian linen fabrics. No machine sewing and, if possible, no commercially dyed fabrics. My promise determines what type of Lithuanian architecture I am going to show.

In Lithuania, especially in our cities, we have all architectural styles, some buildings dating centuries ago, we also have modern buildings. But the most traditional architecture is wooden architecture. That’s how Lithuanians build their houses through centuries, using available local materials.

Driving in the country it is still possible to see some old buildings, others are preserved in open air museums.

I myself took a photo of this small house few years ago. It was build as a sauna at the end of 19th century but later redone into the house, where German Army unit had their office during WWI. It was convenient because of the railroad being close by:

Walls of country houses usually were built from logs.

The triangle under the roof at the end of the house (tympanum) was made from boards. Boards were arranged in different designs. There also could be a little window to lighten the attic. The same triangle was framed with rake boards that crossed each other at the peak. The loose ends of rake boards at the peak of the roof had different designs and served as decorations.

In old times the roofs usually were made from straw. The windows sometimes had window shades, usually painted with white paint.

Almost every house had a fenced flower garden.

In my quilt I combined features of houses from different regions of Lithuania. I used Lithuanian linen fabrics: unbleached commercial linen and my own rust and plant dyed linen. There is no sewing done at all (except binding), all pieces were layered and stitched together by hand.

Detail images:

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