Thursday 15 April 2010

Beauty is in the eye ....of a needle




I have a thing about patchwork quilts. And if you've been paying attention, you'll know I started one last year. It has progressed slowly, as with everything outside of work, a hobby is a luxury these days, whatever your job it seems. I have even chucked out the time-suck that is tv which I thought would free up a few hours each night but now I find that whereas I used to sew no matter what mindless crud was on the box, now I'm always just doing stuff! No matter.

So, I was thrilled to buy an original, hand stitched, genuine American quilt during my travels - isn't she a beauty? And a bargain at $99. Made around 1900, yes it's worn & faded, but so would you be aged 110. I think it's darling. Check out the detail.


Picked up a few other treasures too; wool, string, rocks (I know, say it, I'm weird) and some more regular souvenirs...

That corn sack will be turned into a wall hanging, the wool may be washed and spun but right now it smells of lanolin and memories; the Dr Pepper crate is a shelf unit waiting to happen (and don't ask what came all the way home alive in it, you don't want to know).

And the quilt? What else but spread across the bed as her maker intended all those years ago.

2 comments:

Julia G said...

Lovely quilt-- I am lucky to have handwork handed down in my family, and you have to admire the creativity of people whose daily lives took such a toll to make such beautiful and enduring things. And hopefully inspiration to finish your own beautiful quilt!

Jennifer said...

I Love the quilt, as well as all the other treasures you found. I think it's wonderful that you're going to use the quilt, just as intended :)