I'm always surprised at how often my old quilt books draw me back. These are the ones with the classic blocks, simple shapes, which keep reminding how much I love those tried and true designs. The pictures make the quilts look like they are used and loved everyday, that they are full of stories and memories. I'm not sure I would ever fashion my house like this one, but gee, I'd like to know someone who did, so I could go around there for cups of tea and history.
This book, Country Quilts by Linda Seward, doesn't even belong to me, but I have a generous friend who lets me borrow it regularly. It's so full of old treasures, I feel like every time I read it, I find one I didn't notice before. And I get a little bit more confident that one day I'm going to start that Whigs Defeat Quilt.
One of my favourite, simple quilts, however, is that Ohio Star quilt that you can only just see in the background. I love the simple design, the understated colours, the wide mustard sashing. So when I decided this year that I wanted to make a quilt for my 97 year old Gran, I chose that one. And as is usual for me for gifted quilts, I've gone with a colour scheme I think she will like, but I feel completely out of my depth.
I bought these reproduction fabrics from Hawthorne Threads and immediately began arranging and cutting. But since making that first star, I've slowed.right.down. I'm not sure if I should have only used each colour with white, or if once I have a whole bunch of stars, I'll feel more comfortable, or I'll never feel comfortable because these are not my usual prints, and that's ok. I need to remind myself often that my Gran, with her failing mind and eyesight, will love this. And sometimes you don't get to have that confident, winning feeling when you make for others, but it doesn't make the gift any less precious. In fact, if you're making for someone else's taste, it's even more so.
I'm linking up to Sew the Library, hosted this month by Martha from Weekend Doings. Won't you join us? I'd love to see what books inspire you! And I'm the host next month, 20th March, which just happens to fall on my baby girl's first birthday. Maybe I'll aim to have this finished and a little something sewn for her. What would you make for a one year old?
I love following you on Instagram but really, how much better are blogs! I so agree about the old quilts, the classics. The social history is fascinating and they are often so clean and modern-looking. They're like the writing of Edith Wharton -- sure the characters are wearing old-fashioned clothes but her writing is so incredibly sharp and insightful. Anyway, I don't know why I went off on that tangent but right now I'm kind of tempted to reread Ethan Frome to look for quilt references I'd have missed in the past... I've just bought some destashed 1930s fabrics, my first, and I'm wondering how to use them. I'm not really into them the way some people use them but I'll be following how your quilt turns out as I really like your work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for still taking the time to write your blog.
I am sure your Gran will love it, she will know that it is made with love and that is always the best treason to make a quilt! I know what you mean about the older pattern books, they always have classic designs
ReplyDeleteHi Jodi! Lovely post! I fell the same with quilt books. I go back to them and find always something 'new'. I think your quilt is going to be the most beautiful and cute star quilt! It is difficult to make for someone else and to think what they might like. I'll on my way to see your links. Have a great weekend! x Teje
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oh my gosh little miss F can't possibly be about to turn 1. I can't believe it. She must be getting so grown up and it is only a few months since we said "See you soon". I think it is so special that you are willing to make a quilt for your gran in fabrics and a style that is her rather than you. It would be so hard to put so much time and so much of yourself into something that you really don't connect with in that special "it's me & I love it" way but that is what will make it such a precious gift - that you put so much of what you feel is her into it and made it say "it's you and I love you". So very very special. You are amazing. Keep going with it, you will be glad you did :)
ReplyDeleteIt is going to be such a special quilt Jodi. I think the mix of fabrics looks great - will you go with a solid sashing? Just been catching up on your blog posts - I keep finding myself not reading them because I want to savour each word, but this weekend I have had time and have just been enjoying reading and being drawn in by your love for colour and design. Thank you so much for sharing with us :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Jodie,
ReplyDeleteLove to hear that you are making your gran a quilt. Considering her sight it would be best to use one print and white per block as the colours just wash together and she can't see the pattern. Also gave you considered backing and binding in flannel as the soft tactile warmth is great for frail bodies and they love to run their hands along the edge . Wash the flannel first and there will be no problem with warping. For Miss One how about a fabric book with lift the flaps , a flap on an apple that reveals a caterpillar fabric underneath , and Velcro dots to say attach balloons to ribbons on another page. Just a couple of thoughts that came to mind and both projects were successful for my recipients. Love your blog . Excited to see what you do,
Robyn, Normanhurst NSW
This looks great! I love your choice to mix print with print (as opposed to only white), it will give the quilt that warm, heirloom feeling that you get from quilts made in the time the repros hail from.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see you talking about 30s reproductions right now! I just picked some up for a quilt this week and was immediately taken aback when trying to decide on a pattern. I definitely want to do something that holds true to their history, but at the same time most country or vintage patterns just aren't for me. I think I've decided on Metro Rings because of the similarities to a Double Wedding Ring, but this post has me rethinking about star quilts. I really like how you're combining the prints instead of using a solid background!
ReplyDeleteI utterly adore that book, in fact I think it is my favourite quilting book although I have yet to make anything from it. I love the fabrics you've used and think you should keep going, it will look beautifully scrappy and colourful!
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to step out of our box and what better way than to be doing for someone special! I think you'll find that after you get all the blocks done, that there will be enough 'you' in the quilt to start being able to relate once again.:) Your blocks are looking wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe projects to match someone else's taste are the harderst for me. I'm always in doubt. Yours looks beautiful and I'm sure your granny wil love it. All those reproduction prints are lovely. I think it is going to be a gorgeous quilt.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are off to a great start,and even if the fabrics are not to your taste I bet your granny will love it!
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