Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Vintage Blocks

While my sewing machine is in the shop, I have been cleaning my sewing room and visiting some of the vintage blocks left behind by my Great Grandmother Mary, "Granny". I was 13 when she died (in her 80's), however I was very blessed to have inherited her love for quilting. As a child, I remember her always sewing (by hand). In her later years, the quilt tops accumulated and then passed on to her oldest daughter (my grandmother) for finishing.

Many of the quilts tops finished were given to family members over the years. Following my grandmother's passing, my sister Phyllis and I now have several of those unfinished tops and blocks ready for assembly. Some are beyond use and very fragile -- mostly because the fabric came from worn clothing. What better use of these treasurers? Inspiration for new quilts.

I love the little block above made from shirtings and gingham. Looks like something else loved it too as a snack. Using EQ, I have sketched the block and will save for a special quilt in the future.
The partially made block above must have been a practice block. All hand-pieced, this scrappy block was used many times in Granny's finished quilts -- if only someone had thought to take pictures of them before giving them away.

Although I have already set up one of my spare sewing machines, I have been enjoying this time visiting these old blocks -- not to mention a cleaner space.

5 comments:

One Minnesota Quilter said...

What a wonderful treasure to have! Thanks for sharing.

Kate said...

Oh, I love the first one! What a cool block, and a wonderful treasure to have.

Marti said...

I love the first one too. Have you found a name for that block? It's really interesting. I love that your grandmother is still inspiring you after all these years.

Michele said...

Thanks for sharing these blocks! What a treasure to have these special memories!

Mary said...

The blocks would be nice in a shadow box frame with a picture of your grandmas. What a nice thing to have them. Are you making the quilts from your grandma's UFO's for other family members?