Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Tuesday's This and That: November 10, 2024

 


How are you doing today?

The weather here has been really strange.  Last week it was so hot the air conditioner kicked on two days.  Then it was so cold that I had to put on long underwear.  My neighbor is worried about the bees in her hives getting confused.


Speaking of bees--I found this free pattern for bees here.  I might have to make something for our neighborhood apiarist.

Another interesting article is this article about bees and elephants.  It's a very interesting!

***

We all know how therapeutic quilting can be.  We've seen articles about incarcerated women who learned quilting and the positive impact it had on them.

But coming soon is a documentary about incarcerated men learning quilting.  The men make the quilts for children in foster care and it looks like it will be an interesting documentary.  

Details about when it will be available, etc. can be found here.

***

Wishing you a safe and happy day!

Monday, November 11, 2024

YouTube Sewing

 


Hello everyone! 
 Time for a new sewing week!

For a few years, Beth has been telling me about the YouTube shows she had been watching.  Honestly, I wasn't that interested--to watch something on my tablet or computer screen for any length of time was not appealing.

But over the summer we purchased a smart tv.  I still wasn't that enthused.  I rarely watch tv during the day unless I'm sick or something.  

And then I got sick.  During my two weeks of covid, I learned how to use the smart tv and started watching YouTube videos.  It's been providing me with a bit of sanity these past weeks.

So in case you are looking for a diversion, I thought I would post some of my favorites and recommendations from Beth!

My two favorite also feature dogs!  Both of these channels are so entertaining, I got hooked on them.

The Stitchery  I found Charlie's show on my own and when Beth and I compared notes this was high on our list.  She embroiders and make garments.  Not only do I not sew clothing but I had no interest in the topic at all.  However, Charlie is so entertaining that I'm hooked.  No, I have no reason to sew clothes but I love her show.  If you do decide to watch her, stay tuned for the very end of the video--she usually features bloopers.  😃

Shannon Makes  She's a circus performer at night--like a cirque  athletic performer.  She is also a creative force by day!  Shannon sews, knits, embroiders, upcycles and provides some interesting insights on wherever she is performing in the world. I love her new videos about the Victorian house she just bought!

Quilting channels I like:

Conquering Mount Scrapmore with Brenda:  I've mentioned Brenda before, she's the creator of the popular Potato Chip Block.  I like her videos because she is down to earth and shares a lot of tips and patterns!  She also has a Facebook page and the quilters there seem really nice!

Just Get It Done Quilts:  Karen Brown is a big favorite with quilters and I've been watching her for some time now.  She's wonderful and has a LOT of followers--exemplifying the quality of her videos.  By the way, she has a variation of the Potato Chip Block that you can find here (along with a pattern you can download).

Bits and Pieces Quilting:  Michelle has lots of videos and tutorials on her channel.  I enjoy her personality as well and she learned quilting from her mother.  One quilt I want to make is her pattern for Hills and Valleys (here).

Let me know if you visit any of these channels---or if you have some you think we might enjoy!

Have a safe and happy day!

Pin Cut Sew:  Nikki makes a lot of improv. quilts and I like them.  Maybe she will make me delve into that area?  She is married to a member of the military and also learned quilting from her mother.  She has a lot of tutorials on her channel!  I like her personality and I think you will too!  

Sewing and History:

Abby Cox:  Abby is a fashion historian and Beth told me about her channel.  I find her videos fascinating and she can be very funny.  I do want to tell you that sometimes she uses curse words but all in all, the information I've learned has been so interesting!









Thursday, November 7, 2024

Update on Aunt Nelle's Quilts

 


Two interesting comments regarding the Tuesday post about Aunt Nelle's quilts.

Grace said, "I've heard the rule of thumb when dating a quilt is that they are as old as the newest quilt."

This is true.  I took quilt appraisal classes years ago and that is what we were taught.  Additionally, my own antique quilts have been appraised that way.

Sue also weighed in.  "In Robin's first quilt, the plaid sashing in the center of the photo appears to be cut on the bias. Interesting and to me indicates scraps. I would think the indigos are older and doubt Uncle Clarence had flower prints on his shirts. Probably many of the fabrics are from his shirts but not all. Old friend Dottie (1914-2017) just keeps on giving information. I have fabrics from her scrap bag that include some of her grandmother's, mother's, mother in law's fabrics. Deep scrap bag! Nothing went to waste. Thanks for sharing these interesting quilt tops."  

And finally got an email from Karen who asked if my quilt top, "Pajama Rama Ding Dong" fit any of the criteria we discussed.  Yes as a matter of fact it includes orphan blocks.  Although the vintage fabric goes back to the 1950s/early 1960s this piece--as Grace has pointed out--would be appraised and assessed as a 2024 quilt.

Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Questions about Aunt Nelle's Quilts

 


Good morning and how are you?

I just love when a topic creates so many comments!

Robin sent me an email with these photos.  She inherited Aunt Nelle's quilt tops that were as Robin put it, "supposedly made from Uncle Clarence's work shirts."  Aunt Nelle passed away in 1961. 

Robin learned to quilt on this first piece:


Robin said, she loved the use of the chambray in this piece below:


For some of us who have studied antique quilts, these examples may present even more questions.  Without the back story of these pieces, I would have sworn each was from the late 19th/early 20th centuries.  

Aunt Nelle had what we call "a deep scrap bag."    This term doesn't appear often in current modern quilting articles.  The term implies that the fabric used in the quilt appears to span a few different decades.  In this case, fabric might have been passed down in the family or gifted from friends.  And by the way, it isn't that unusual to see a quilt that fits the description.  

Chambray which is the alternate block in the nine patch was very popular in the early 20th century because calico quality had diminished.  Chambray and gingham were the two most popular cotton fabrics because of the durability those fabrics provided.

Bow tie quilt from my collection, other photos of this quilt can be found on this post.

In the case of the first quilt, I wondered if orphan blocks had been handed handed down to Aunt Nelle.  Certainly the sashing in the first quilt appears mid-century.  

Robin is interested in hearing what the readers insights might be--especially those of you with some quilt history background.  
As she put it, " I agree that Aunt Nelle probably inherited fabric from her mother, sisters, and her aunt who was a dressmaker." 

I also wondered about the indigos that appeared and Robin said,  "It could be indigo, I inherited a hand pieced indigo and white quilt as well."

So let us know what you think.  One thing is for sure, the quilts are lovely and look so soft and comforting, don't they?

Have a safe and happy day!



Monday, November 4, 2024

Lucky's Gotcha Day

 

Happy Monday!


Today marks the first anniversary of Lucky's Gotcha Day--a celebration of when we adopted our pupster!

Been a year of learning and guessing since all we know about his past was that he was microchipped and abandoned on the streets of Allentown.  The first time the Humane Society found him, his owners via microchip came to pick him up.  The second time--well the people had moved and disconnected their phone.  

Lucky was so matted that the vet had to anesthetize him to shave him down.  He was also terribly underweight--a mere 17 lbs instead of the recommended weight of 25.


Lucky at the pound.

The boy didn't know what a treat was or how to play with a toy.  We've taught him all this and more but there is still a bit of a wild streak in him.  


We suspect he is part terrier (and most agree Jack Russell fits the behavior).  He jumps up and mouths us even though he KNOWS at this point it is not good pup etiquette.

I like to say he puts the "terror" into terrier.  😁


But we do love and adore him and that is all that matters.  He's gotten quite comfortable with us and by September I knew he had realized he is in his forever home. 

We are happy to have him in our family and enjoy all his antics.  He is one hilarious fellow!






Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!











Friday, November 1, 2024

Friday Finishes

 


Happy Friday!

 I've gotten some finishes completed this week!  They are nothing fancy but at least they are done!

A sports themed quilt for my cousin's girlfriend son.  I can't really give quilts to Jeff's girls without including ??  I don't even know his name and have never met him.  Nevertheless, the 7 year old boy who loves sports is getting a quilt!


I have two of these quilts and I will probably be binding the second one Friday morning.  I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the quilts.  I was simply trying to use up charm packs.

But then my cousin called and she is having a get together the day after Christmas.  The 30s prints remind us of Nana and she was close to Nana too.  So I know she will get this one.  I had a little piece of vintage fabric from Nana's stash and used it for the binding.

Lastly, I decided to keep the teal tree UFOs and make them home decor for the holiday.  These will be hung at or placed at various places in December.


I'm actually looking forward to decorating with these!

Wishing you a fun and happy weekend!




Wednesday, October 30, 2024

1950s Cotton Fabric: Men's!

 


Hello and happy Wednesday!

Monday's post seemed to hit a chord with people.  Sue's email though was the funniest:  "I agree the fabrics are reminiscent of men's PJs, but they also remind me of my Dad's boxer shorts which I had to iron.  My ironing wasn't good enough for his shirts.  I was smart.  My younger sisters got the important ironing. Surely there's a lesson there."

I too had to iron my Dad's hankies around age 6 but I don't remember Nana making us do Pop's boxers.  I think she probably wanted us playing and not underfoot.  When and how did you start ironing?

But this conversation got me thinking.  There were times during the history of quilting that men's wear fabrics were a big part of quilting.  Most prominently, shirtings.

I have always thought this top was circa 1900 although it is difficult to say for sure.  The top is comprised of men's shirtings which gives it a nice airy look.



The top also features conversation fabric like below.  This kind of shirting was popular in the late 1800s for men's shirtings and often pieces of the fabric can be seen in quilts during that time.


Later, maybe in the 1990s (can't remember for sure) there was reproduction fabric made that featured conversation.  All I know was that I bought some and later made this quilt from the fabric.




Then I thought about quilts I had seen from the 1950s...and even earlier.  I can't remember many masculine prints being featured in any quilt.  Yet I know that lots of women sewed and there must have been more fabrics suitable for pajamas and boxers at fabric stores and factory outlets.

I think that women gravitated to more pretty prints (maybe?).  Or didn't want people to think that Dad's boxers had been recycled in the family quilt.  😁

Still some of the prints from men's pajamas back then were pretty neat.  Take a look at these:












Would you include any of these fabrics in a quilt you were making?

Have a safe and happy day!




Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Tuesday's This and That: October 29, 2024

 


Good morning and happy Tuesday!

It's the week of Halloween and I have to say that Lucky will be relieved when the festivities are over.  He doesn't like a lot of the neighborhood decor and in particular blow up figures that wave in the wind really startle him.


I don't have the heart to tell him that there might be some inflated Turkeys coming and then the real neighborhood decor lights up with Christmas decorations.  

***


I've been seeing this blurb pop-up on Pinterest and thought I would share it--especially for the new quilters and sewists.  Superior threads has an article on "Bad Habits Quilters Need to Quilt" and it's an article that all new seamstresses should read.  You can check it out here.

***

Louise T. is also dancing with her stash.  She sent me some photos of mini-notebook covers she has been making.  What a great way to use scraps!  She even has orders to make some holiday ones!  Way to go Louise!  These are wonderful!




Thanks Louise!
***
Have a safe and happy day!







Monday, October 28, 2024

Dancing with My Stash

 


Happy Monday!

Did you have a good weekend?

Today's tale all began with the house that Linda and her husband are renovating.  There is major work being done and they hope to move in within a year or two.  I'll be glad because she will be a 10 minute drive instead of a 30 minute one!

Linda gave me a tour of the progress and we got to one room with wallpaper.  The workers were about to strip it so I asked for a piece of the paper.  It reminded me of so much decor from our childhood.  

How many of you remember this kind of motif?


My mother had home dec. fabric in a similar motif.  In the early 1960s, she made a slip cover for our love seat.

The wallpaper reminded me of a quilt I made many years ago for one of my son's girlfriends.  The fabric reminded me of these same motifs and colors:



This fall I found a few orphan blocks from the quilt.  I thought I would use them to make a table runner but I couldn't find an arrangement I liked.  So I took the blocks apart and then happened to spy the vintage basket in the sewing room.  

The vintage basket has small blocks that I knew would get lost in the big vintage suitcase so I stored them in a small basket in the sewing room.  I think that a lot of the fabrics were samples; the fabric had motifs in different colorways and most were cut with a pinking shear.
 

To be honest, most of the fabrics reminded me men's pajamas of the late 1950s/early 1960s.  Before I knew what got into me, I was cutting the vintage fabric and making four patches.  


When I decided to frame the four patches with scrap fabric, I truly began to dance around the sewing room while I worked.


This scrap quilt will be given to anyone in the family who wants it or become a donation quilt.  It even has a name: 
"Pajama Rama Ding Dong".  😁

Some words that I've seen some people use regarding their fabric stash include: hoarding, shame, busting, decluttering, hiding, and even hating.  

Not me.  Today I'm just celebrating what I found in my stash.  I hope you are dancing while you sew too!

Have a safe and happy day!