Showing posts with label Tumbling blocks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tumbling blocks. Show all posts

Friday, August 17, 2018

Washing a Vintage Quilt Part II



How I wish there was Smell-o-vision.
You would say, "Oh, yeah!"

It's washed and dried. Let's look at what washing did both good and bad, and then how it was done.

FYI: I snapped these photos under a shady tree today. It's so bright and sunny that it washed out the colors taken in full sun. 

Pros 

  • I can put my face up to this quilt, and it smells like fabric not dirt. 
  • I've reduced the chance of introducing insects and spiders to my home.
  • I'm free to add it to my collection shelving without fear of transferring a mildewy or a dirty odor. 
  • It won't trigger an asthma attack. I have a problem with dust mites.
  • It's far more pleasant to share at an event.


Note: There was no dye transfer visible anywhere.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Washing a Vintage Quilt Part I



Vintage Tumbling Blocks
About 74" x 90"


When I first set eyes on this beautiful quilt, I longed to take it home with me despite the condition. Today 60 degree pieces cut with an acrylic ruler and rotary cutter require attention to cut exactly.  The pieces in this quilt would have been cut with scissors and paper template. A one patch pattern, Tumbling Blocks is sewn with Y seams. It takes a good eye and practice to match Y seams. I know because I've sweated through it. From what I can see, the majority of this project was done without a sewing machine, but with hand piecing. It was a tremendous investment of time and energy for the maker.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Make It Happen Monday



My work is play.


I need some color play every day--especially those that the sun won't shine. Some 60 degree diamonds cut 2", and some 1" scrap strips made a few interesting tumbling block variations. I really like the look of the weave in the intersection. I'm not sold on whether they would look better with a solid for the block, or some value changes between the block and strips, but they were fun nonetheless.

Monday, May 8, 2017

Seeking Balance: Quilting with Friends & Y Seams Simplified



Irene's Flying Geese

Note: The last two posts have been more thought provoking so I wanted to give you something lighter before I continued the second half. Here is some eye candy, a group tutorial on Y Seams without the aggravation, and the benefit of sewing with friends. I like to sew alone when I'm working creatively, but it's a treat to sew with friends. This particular group is amazing! Creating more of those moments, and sharing my studio space is helping me with balance.