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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Fix it part Deux!

I really should know by now ... as soon as I start a Fix it Please project more come out of the woodwork! I was just about to start on the baby quilt fix-it job (see last post) when Father Dearest dropped by with a royal blue bridge tablecloth seven inches too big ---- fix it please. Well, with Father's Day coming how could I refuse? Having never worked with plasticized fabric I approached the job with some trepidation .... but once I got started it seemed to work out OK. - Phew!
Onwards to the Fix It Please baby quilt job. So, since my local fabric store was having a 50% off sale, yes, you read correctly, 50% off, I made the necessary trip to acquire some plain cotton (broadcloth) and other sympathetic fabrics with which to repair the 1) area with zero batting and backing, 2) threadbare appliques and 3) binding. The loving mother was perhaps a seamstress, but definitely not a quilter as most appliques were applied with an unusual zigzag stitch. Coming from the late 1960's-early 70's this baby quilt also contains non-cotton fabrics, aka polyesters and other "fab" fabrics. So, this is one of the biggest challenges in repairing vintage quilts. Wish me luck!
TTYL

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Fix it Please .....

Sometimes it's just not worth it! But for those who don't know quilts/quilting the sentimental attachment is too great to hear that the quilt isn't worth the time, effort or expense. They also think you can repair it in a weekend! HA!
Above is child's quilt made by a loving mother sometime in the late 60's early 70's. Now that daughter has her own child she wants it rejuvenated so her little boy can use it. From the pic you might be excused if you think - oh well, there's not much work to be done ... think again. Not only has the binding completely disintegrated, but the top has also lost batting and backing. Many of the appliques are threadbare and need replacing, and much of the quilting is gone. This is going to be a big job. Normally it would have been an automatic NO, but I like this woman (she's a work colleague) and I know how hard it is to find someone who will repair old quilts. What a suck I am.... This will take at least a month of my time, sure she'll pay me (don't expect to get rich this way) but it will also put me another month behind in my own quilting plans. So much for having something ready for my guild's show in October, or for the CQA show next May! Ah well, what can you do .... In the end I'll be glad for doing it. Quilting is not a hobby for those in a hurry!
TTFN

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Peonies and Applique ...

Well, it's the start of June and my Peonies are in bloom - yeah - but that also means rain! It seems every year just as these lovelies blossom we have thunderstorms which beat down the poor Peonies which are top heavy to begin with. BooHoo .... I don't have too many flowers in my garden as it is so I always love to see these blossoms :)
Last week I did manage to finally make myself an applique roll. I've had the pattern for years and years ... not difficult, just need the time to finally get to it! I reused one of the pvc pipes which came with a small hand held quilt block frame. I never used it and never will so why not recycle! Also, I have a second pipe available - hmmm - present time for someone? As you can see by the pics I used fabric from my stash. The left shows the roll open with this month's Tisket a Tasket block. The right shows the roll closed! Neat and tidy as I like things. Should come in handy as I LOVE to APPLIQUE!
Here's June's block - I still have a wee bit of embroidery to complete for the birdie.
In the news this week is Canada's new copyright law. Most people don't take copyright any too seriously, but we need to, whether it's a logo, a piece of art or a performance. Give credit where credit is due.