I'm Glad I Didn't Wash the Windows ~ And Some Vintage Quilt Blocks

Hi! We had one or two really nice almost-summer days! I spent time on the deck with Mo, endlessly sewing bindings instead of spring cleaning.

And I am glad I did! Because, as my blog friend Kit says, we had a nice day or two then winter returned. Kit lives in Montana so I know it's not just me  with bad weather karma. It just poured! I did a Lazy Girl window wash, ran out in the rain and squeegeed the rain and sand off the windows.

P2 is almost finished; it's one of these projects where the final steps just go on and on. I did get the binding on. I had used this group of 30s repro nautical kiddy fat quarters for the sawtooth edge. I love the vintage look of the seaside and kids in sailor outfits. I'd saved it for years for a special baby quilt, but let's face it, modern mommies want elephant grey quilts, minimal not cute. May as well enjoy it myself.

Then the awful scary moment when the quilt goes in the wash for the first time. Lots of Color Catchers included, and no disasters. I always look forward to seeing the washed quilt, fresh and bright and scrunchy. My quilter did a fantastic job of the quilting, and it was FREE, with her quilt 5/ get on free offer.

Next steps were to resew Kitty's face,

and now I'll sew the Kite bows and label. Kind of an endless task, it seemed.

This is an unused Basket block. It will be the label block because I think it's too pretty to waste. Lovely Lecien blue floral fabric. [for non-quilters, Lecien is an imported fabric resource. It sounds French but I believe the fabrics are from Japan. Colors and style are outstanding. Info HERE]

Mo always likes to help. As soon as anything is set down, he finds it and sits. I wouldn't mind but he also eats threads, and even needles and pins, if left for even a second.

"Needles are so yummy, mommy!"

Bad doggy, being consoled with a tummy rub.

.........

I also spent a fun hour going through the quilt blocks my friend sent to me to consider buying. Many are from his sister's collection. It seems like it would be a good rainy day pastime but the extreme damp brought out a bit of mustiness, eeew.

I had hoped to help him sell these on the FB quilt selling page but I don't think the quality is good enough.
Butterflies. Funny and chubby!

Baskets, most sadly worn and faded. I kept 4.

Basted Crazy block.

Softly faded and so sweet, Chimney Sweep. Feedsack fabric, 1930-40, like the Butterflies. (Lori says our group's next project will use soft faded fabrics, especially pinks! Intriguing. I hope I don't regret not keeping these.)

Three duck egg blue Stars. Faded and worn but I have a plan for them. How could I say no to my fav color!

Sunbonnet Sues and a Tulip:

 She's a funny Sue with no hands or hands in pockets and very odd feet! If I was making a Sue doll quilt, I'd maybe use these on the back, to preserve them. Or the 4 plus the Tulip might make a sweet little quilt? [Never used.]

Big set of pre-1900 blocks. I asked on another quilt FB page for name of the block, but no one knows. I call it Anvil.  Beautifully hand pieced, interesting fabrics. Never used. Some bad color runs and mustiness, aging of the cream muslin. But still. Probably will keep them.

I mention ''never used'' because many times dealers sell recycled quilt blocks, taken from worn and damaged tops or tied quilts. The individual blocks sell for more than a quilt these days, rather sad, though better to preserve what is usable than to discard entirely. The salvaged bits and pieces can be wonderful inspiration for someone like me who is willing to rescue and reuse.

Have a good week!

love

lizzy

gone to the beach...

PS Don't forget to leave a comment on the Doll quilts post  HEREor email me for a chance to win a little quilt!