Earlier this summer my mom gave me a stack of embroidered flower blocks that she had from her mom. After I finished up a few quilts I dug them out and started cutting them apart (they were in sets of four). I started pinning them up on my design board, trying to figure out how to use them. I already had most of a fat quarter of Emmy Grace fabric pinned up there, planning to use them in this Swing Dance pattern:
As I started looking through books and magazines for inspiration, well, to keep everyone reading this from boredom, I ended up using that fat quarter set of fabric, plus a few more floral prints. Inspired by this quilt by Kathy Doughty
I ended up with this design:
This week I finished it and I really love it! It is a little big, so my son had a bit of trouble holding it.
And a few close ups:
Most of the backing is a DQ Quilts fabric I found half off of clearance. I like half off of clearance.
My son was very glad to give up the quilt holding job to this conveniently located monument, and I love that I was able to bring new life to needlework from my grandmother (and that it didn't fall apart in the wash).
A first finish for the 3Q Finish-Along!
This is so awesome. I love that you were able to incorporate the needlework from your family, and I love that Emmy Grace fabric, it works perfectly. The large blocks really show off both. What a special quilt, perfect!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful way to utilize and honor your Grandmother's stitching and breath new life into it! And adding in a backing that was half off is the perfect way to set off the earlier generation's thriftiness! A great quilt!
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to get all those beautiful embroidered blocks done by your Grandmother's hand - a family treasure indeed. You have made a lovely quilt to honour the stitchery blocks.
ReplyDeleteIncorporating old quilt blocks is an art. I've seen people slap some sashing on them, and they look like old quilt blocks with new fabric. Not charming. You have done a fabulous job at using them within so many fabrics that pull out the beauty. I will have to remember your technique, and Kathy Doughty always inspires me, too. I knew the page without your prompt to whom it was.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this.
Julie @ Pink Doxies
Your design is just perfect to show off those beautiful embroideries! And I used the same backing for a quilt I made from fabrics I "inherited" from my grandmother:)
ReplyDelete"Visiting as a member of the official 2015 Finish-Along cheerleading squad."