Before I jump into this week’s post, I need to share something about last week’s post (click here if you missed it). I should have warned Cynthia, the maker of the Magne-dots, that I was going to feature her products. I was pleased and amazed at how many of you went to her site. The problem was, she wasn’t expecting it and didn’t have all of her Magne-dots available on-line. For those of you who read the post on Sunday ~ you may have missed her comment:
“Greetings Chris and company!
I was so startled to see sale after sale of my Magne-Dots happening yesterday morning. Then I heard of your blog entry and it made sense! I will tell you that I have revamped the page, and streamlined the process, so that rotary cutters may again be put in working order, without the risk of bleeding! Happy quilting, one and all.
Thanks!!
Cynthia Ellis
(I’m the “C” in WOODbyC.com)”
So, if you’re still interested in purchasing her wonderful magnets, click here!
And now – on to Diane’s quilt!
Diane recently began taking my Open Lab class at WCTC. A few weeks ago she brought in a quilt she made from vintage squares and we all found it charming. What a unique block!
Here’s the quilt’s story, in her own words:
As I began to clean up my basement in the never ending winter of 2018, I found my Mother’s sewing basket. I didn’t have time to go through it when she passed but now it is time. I found hand embroidered quilt squares on flour sack towels (some soiled) and much of the old fabric. I vaguely remember my Aunt Mildred giving this box to my Mother many years ago – because my Mother had a sewing machine and could surely do something with these blocks. My Mother was not inspired by these uneven, soiled old squares. I took on the project using a technique I recently learned to make a tee shirt quilt. I used all the old fabric except for the back and assembly strips. I also had some doilies that my Mother and Grandmother had made. I sewed them over the center of each block. They help to conceal the points that do not perfectly match. I hope it will be a cherished memory for my family.
And here are a few close ups of these very original blocks:
I think the doilies are a lovely addition. I’m always so pleased when someone takes the time to finish vintage blocks.
Thanks for sharing your quilt Diane. It’s lovely :-)!
Jeanne Peska says
What a great way to set these blocks! I hope Diane has her piece appraised and includes the piece’s history on its label.
After my son-in-law’s grandmother passed away several years ago, his parents were going through her things and found a large cache of quilts and blocks. I was asked to make a heritage quilt from a set of spider web blocks. After hand-basting each to white muslin squares, I squared them up, added a contrasting print to the corners, and set them around a panel from the contrasting fabric. I hand-quilted it, including double feathered hearts in the center to represent our two families. When we presented it to the kids, his parents shared stories of the origins of the fabrics in those blocks, many of which had once been shirts and aprons!
Juleen Jaeger says
Hi Chris! Thanks for blogging about the Magne-Dots. I ordered one right away. It’s quite comforting to know I wont’ have to worry about cutting myself when changing a blade. I will probably order a seam ripper too because the wood is so beautiful. Thanks again.
Juleen Jaeger says
On a different note—a friend had received 12 themed aprons for a shower gift 35 years ago. She asked if I could do something with them. I pondered them for about a year and finally decided on making the blocks 16 in. I made a smaller version of each apron for each block. I added washing and cornerstones and it turned out so cute. I was afraid to take on this project but taking the time to think about it made it all okay. If you’d like to see a picture of it, I can email it to you.
Brit says
I have made quits using old and orphaned blocks also. Just wanted to let people know the salad spinner was invented for use with hand washing small blocks and fabric pieces. The blocks were not square, so I did not worry about getting them even more off kilter. I like working with clean fabrics, so this is my tip for the day.
clkquilt says
Great tip, Brit! I’ve been wanting to get a salad spinner, but didn’t know if it was worth the space it would take up in the cupboard. Now I know I have to have one!!!