Bowties and More

In my quest to find all the UFO's I have stashed everywhere -  I came across a bunch of Bowtie quilt blocks that I had pieced while learning to hand piece - sew........ not sew perfect blocks (heard this before?), some stretched, none the same size, and then of course a few of my "least" fav fabrics.  Once again I just started sewing them together, and ended up with a baby sized quilt top.  I had a crib sized batting in the stash - it is the fuseable type - which I have not used before.  (won't use that product again).  Short story even shorter - I had planned to use this as my second donation quilt - but that batting is really thin and I do not think the quilt will be that warm - Sew.......... I think I can turn it into some type of  bunting or wrap for baby.

Sew, I am glad I have two ufo's finished and  (if I may say so) - it make me feel good to know that I can give back in some way.

"the Suitcase" and "the Bounty"

Can you date or identify any of the fabrics pictured in either of these to blogs?  Let me know - please and thank you! (smile and curtsey)

Red, White and Sew Blue

This quilt started out as a learning process for me. I wanted to practice half square triangles - and sew it began. After sewing all the blocks together, I realized I had not "followed the rules" in putting all the blocks together (seam allowances not going the same way, etc) so it was banished to the closet - then one day I decided to work on it again so out of the closet it came - only to find I had given away all the red and white fabric I had used. The search began for reds to match (was I crazy or what?). Back to the closet. A few years and three moves later I decided I would finish it. Which lead to another fabric search, but could not make up my mind what to do with it, what colors to use, and all that "stuff" we think about when quilting. Back to the closet.

A few months ago as I was unpacking from yet another move I found this blue fabric in my stash. I can honestly say I do not remember how long it had been there (sound familiar?). I decided I would just add wide borders and hope that it would work for a baby or lap quilt. I quickly sat down and sewed the borders, only to realize that the top had stretched, was not square and anything else that could be wrong -was. Banished to the closet again.

In December, I decided my sewing goals for 2010 were 1. Finish all UFOs 2. Sew from my stash 3. make one donation project each month. Sew - out of the closet it came, I used the same blue for the back - I used upholstery flannel for the batting and I just started stitching in the ditch across each row. Really was not looking that great because of the mistakes made while piecing - but I was not going to stop! I just stitched row after row of stitches, both vertical and horizontal - my own version of stippling. This will be my first donation project for 2010. Its not perfect, may not even be "squared" when finished - but it will be warm and I know it will be used.

Quilt top

I have sorted thru the contents of the suitcase, laid out the rings and determined the quilt size to be apx 80" x 88". I am going to purchase a 108" wholecloth and baste the double rings on, and then hand applique. I am sure it will be a long process, but that is the only way I know how to preserve the integrity of the rings. The fabrics in the rings are cotton and cotton blends. I do know there a two or three squares that are the same fabric of my Chatty Cathy doll dress (50's). Lots of scraps from clothing. Lots of bias edges, so some stretching, but most of it can be steamed. I should have a few pics posted by next week-end of the top laid out on the whole cloth. Recogonize any of the fabrics yet?

the Bounty

Standing on the chair, looking down on the Bounty. This has been such a great find. These are the pieced items in the suitcase plus the squares.

the Bounty

"the Bounty"

"the Suitcase"

A few more pics - hope you enjoy. I did a little online research last night - I may have identified two of the fabrics. Will let you know in the next day or two.

"the Suitcase"

One of the "treasures" - the rings of a Double Wedding Ring - I will try to lay the rings out and take some pics for you tomorrow. Can't wait to identify the fabrics -

"the Suitcase"

Sat was a great day - found a suitcase full of treasures at the Flea Market. Old cardboard suitcase full of vintage fabric scraps, quilt blocks - pieced and unpieced, some type of cotton sacks, and more. Now - to identify the fabrics - Here are a few pics - if you recogonize any of the fabrics, please let me know. Enjoy!