Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Thanks, Janet, and to her Mom, and to her Aunt, for this fabric

I've learned to check my small car's trunk before grocery shopping, knowing how often there is "stuff" in the trunk taking up space that is needed for groceries.  Today is grocery day.

A while ago, I wrote a post, called "Thanks Ron's Mom," which was a gift of a good deal of fabric, some not so great, but a lot of usable fabric.  I'm still working on the usable stuff.  Last week it was Ron's wife, Janet, who gave me boxes of fabrics, when cleaning out her Mothers' things, after her Mom passed away. Her Mom also had things of her Aunt's, who'd also passed away some time ago. Janet brought it to me at my office, and I hadn't had time to look at it, so into the trunk it went.  She knew I was a quilter, and if I couldn't use it, I would bring it to Guild for others.
 
There it all is - slobber, pant, drool -- maybe I won't get to grocery shopping after all.

First, I pulled out some neutrals from the box on the left (above)  to work into my present project, those "T" blocks. 

Below - here is a template made of ice cream container (kinda warped) and a LOT of squares of vintage fabrics.  I won't look closer for now, but I see an easy WIP, almost ready to sew!
Below, these look like fabrics from the 70s -- not cut up for blocks.  I don't want to stop too long to inspect more closely.

OMGosh (below) I hate to use the word "Jackpot" but that's what I said out loud when I saw this!  Hand pieced, nicely done and ALL done.  No odors, done well, neat narrow seam allowances and all I need to do is sandwich it and it MUST be hand-quilted.  The vintage fabrics are all in good shape -- from the 40s? What a great winter hand-quilting project! 
And if that wasn't good enough, here is "Jackpot #2!", seemingly made by another person, as the stitches look different.  Again, no odors, no holes, well done -- another must-be-hand-quilted project  They both only need pressing, and possibly another border.
Ready for another?  This 6 pointed star will require more work but it also is well done.  The edge pieces are a bit raveled, but another Jackpot!  How I hate to realize those ladies didn't have the opportunity to finish them. 
Dear Janet and Ron - I promise to love them,  I know I'll finish the two that need to be hand quilted.  I am most grateful you thought of me.  Extra fabric will be used by my guild for personal and community/donation projects. 

And I haven't shown all the contents of the box yet.  First glimpses showed vintage 40s fabric in blocks, 2-3 different styles.  That's going to be another day of pleasure -- for now, it's time to get those dratted groceries.

17 comments:

  1. You hit the jackpot for sure. Just love the 9 patch with blue sashing. The others are nice too, and imagine what treasures you might find among the fabrics!

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  2. Such treasures. You did hit the jackpot. The first top you showed appears to have blocks that are older than the sashing. At least some of them are indigoes, I think. What fun to look through all of the goodies!

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  3. You have been gifted some true treasures! I've never seen an hourglass in a nine-patch block before. It changes the whole look of the block, and I like it.

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  4. How wonderful!! The 2 quilt tops are lovely. Have fun with the rest!

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  5. Wow... "jackpot" is right! I'm so glad these quilt tops have found a good home where they will be finished and cherished!

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  6. Wow - you are in for a lot of fun.

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  7. Enjoy your new treasures!! Also, thanks for the info on the Bonnie quilt you were inspired by, it's going to be lovely :)

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  8. What is it... as I was reading this, I felt like I was diving into that treasure with you...How cool!

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  9. Couldn't have happened to a nicer quilter. What a treasure!
    XOXOXO Subee

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  10. Hi! Greetings from Finland! The quilts are lovely! I love them! It's so nice to find other quilters from the other side of the world! :)

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  11. To Ullan tilkut - tried to respond and visit (if you have a blog?), but received "No Reply". However, thanks for the visit! 8-))

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  12. WOW is right! You did hit the JACKPOT, for real. What wonderful treasures. It is comforting to know that generations of quilters enjoy the basic designs. I think all three pieces are terrific. I am so excited for you. Hooray!

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  13. My goodness! You really did hit the jackpot! I have people give me fabric from their closets too (everyone thinks of me first!) but never a quilt top! How great that the tops have found you and know you can do something to breathe life into them.

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  14. Don't you love to hold those half done pieces and think about who made them??? Did they enjoy that project? And wonder what projects they finished?? History!

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  15. How wonderful that the quilts came to someone who can admire the workmanship and finish them off so that they will be used. They have come to the right place.
    Thanks for sharing your treasures. Regards,
    Anna

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  16. Honestly.....I love Jackpot #1....I could see it on my bed, so if it needs a home?!!!! They are great finds!!!!

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