Now that the holidays are over, my sewing mojo seems to be tiptoeing back. Shhh...be vewy, vewy quiet.
I started playing with leftovers from the plaid circles quilt. Good old scraps...it's like "gateway" piecing, which is exactly what I needed.
Inspired by a flying geese quilt I'd seen on Pinterest, which linked to a tutorial for "Geese on a String" on Quiltville, I cut triangles from my already string-pieced scraps.
A little while later, I had a few geese made and started playing with layouts on the cutting table. They look brighter than this in real life, and the background is less ashtray-esque.
(North-South-North)
(Mountains)
(Center Squares)
(All Squares)
I've chosen one of the above layouts and sewn it together this evening. I'll probably add a small border, and it will become a wall hanging. I'm toying with the idea of jazzing it up with some shirt buttons from the thrifted plaid shirts...or not. We'll see. * * * * * Thank you for your comments on What to do about Old Poly. After thinking about it, I decided to leave the quilt top as is. I began to see that this quilt was a testament to my grandmother's perseverance, that she found a way to continue doing what she loved to do despite failing eyesight and other challenges.
I also love that her quilts were wonky before wonky was cool!
The textured yellow double-knit is my favorite fabric of the entire quilt.
I washed it on the gentle cycle and tumble dried it. One thing about polyester, it launders like a dream. All the surface stains came out and the colors were once again bright as the day they came off the bolt forty-some years ago. I repaired one seam that had separated, and just that little bit of hand sewing renewed my respect for anyone who hand pieces an entire quilt. Now I'll tuck it back away until the next time I need a little inspiration from Grandma.
That reminds me, did you see Bill Volckening's post about his polyester quilts coming to QuiltCon? He's got a good sampling of double-knit eye candy over at Wonkyworld.
* * * * * In case you missed it, my Thoroughly Modern Lily quilt pattern is currently available free. Click back one (or click here) for details!
And I'm so glad you are keeping Old Poly intact -- I hope you write out its story and tuck it in with the quilt when you put it away . . . quilts with stories are always better!
I think it's wonderful that you found a good use for those plaid scraps! I like all the patterns that you tried out and think that the north south north pattern would represent the geese really well. It will be fascinating to see what you choose.
I'm glad to know that the double knit quilt will stay in your treasure trove "as is" but clean and beautiful.
I recently made a queen size memorial quilt for a friend, using the shirts (all plaids) of his Dad. There are just a handful of strips left and I was wondering what I was going to do with them. Then here you are with Bonnie's Geese-on-a-String, and my decision has been made for me. As for Grandma's quilt, I'm happy you've decided how you want to deal with it, and I hope you love it for many, many more years.
Really love your Plaid Peaks against the grey! What a striking combination you made Paulette. Can't wait to see which layout you went with. Mojo rising! Your decisions for Old Poly are good ones and It is wonderful that you have this quilt to treasure and remember your grandmother by.
(whispering) I love your plaid geese!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad you are keeping Old Poly intact -- I hope you write out its story and tuck it in with the quilt when you put it away . . . quilts with stories are always better!
I think it's wonderful that you found a good use for those plaid scraps! I like all the patterns that you tried out and think that the north south north pattern would represent the geese really well. It will be fascinating to see what you choose.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know that the double knit quilt will stay in your treasure trove "as is" but clean and beautiful.
I recently made a queen size memorial quilt for a friend, using the shirts (all plaids) of his Dad. There are just a handful of strips left and I was wondering what I was going to do with them. Then here you are with Bonnie's Geese-on-a-String, and my decision has been made for me. As for Grandma's quilt, I'm happy you've decided how you want to deal with it, and I hope you love it for many, many more years.
ReplyDeleteReally love your Plaid Peaks against the grey! What a striking combination you made Paulette. Can't wait to see which layout you went with. Mojo rising!
ReplyDeleteYour decisions for Old Poly are good ones and It is wonderful that you have this quilt to treasure and remember your grandmother by.
I am working on my version of "Geese on a String" now too! I love yours with those great backgrounds!
ReplyDelete