But what I really love are the vintage ones.
And I had this quilt. It has special meaning to me (having been in the family for umpteen million years), but it was so shredded. It's been in an attic for who knows how long, it's probably 90 years old, well used, well worn, well loved. I tried fixing it, but I think there are some things that should never be attempted, and fixing this quilt was one of them. I came up with an idea to make pillows out of it like these.
It took me 3 months to get up the nerve to cut into this quilt with a pair of scissors. And I had to call my Mom for moral support while I made the first cut. You would not belive how many times I picked up the scissors only to put them down because I could not make that first cut. Interestingly enough, the basket blocks are in great shape, it's the sashings and borders that shredded.
So now I have 12 pillows to make, and a million little basket squares that I think I'm going to frame.
More Christmas presents down. YES!!!!!!
Kris
18 comments:
Oh, I know how hard it must have been to cut into the quilt...like delicious fabric that's so beautiful on & off the bolt, whole...but the pillows are so pretty. And I think framing the basket squares will make wonderful hangings or frames for a table. What a wonderful way to bring life to something that could so easily have been forgotten or discarded. Now that's a "re-gift" I wouldn't mind! :)
they turned out so great! now that beautiful quilt can be spread all over. i know that must of been so hard to make that first cut.
I can imagine that first cut was very painful! Now you have beautiful pillows and I think the framed squares will be gorgeous!
I agree the first cut was probably hard, but I know this woman who has harbored this quilt till its death. No offense to her, but she just keeps putting things in the attic and there they stay for years. I think she has lived in the house for almost 60-70 years now. I think it actually has something to do with growing up in the depression and not having lots of things that makes you hang on to them. Lucky you who was there the day she decided to let something go and now we can all enjoy. Mom
Bravo for being so brave! I have to do something similar to the quilt that my husband had on his bed all his growing up years. I will cut **gasp** a well preserved piece and frame it, as a momento.
But not yet......
What you've done is brave but brilliant!
Think of it as recycling. Maybe the person who originally made it had the same feelings as they often cut up and recycled old clothes.
You've given the quilt a new life so that's fantastic.
Great idea. I have anumber my Grandma made that are getting pretty thin in spots. I can't bear to toss them. This would be a great way to repurpose them!
Ah!! I can totally see why the thought of cutting that quilt bothered you so. But, I have to say (again) that I really admire your abilities and that I think you've found a wonderful way to continue that quilt in your family, and even share it with more members!! Great stuff my friend! Thanks for sharing!! :)
Kudos to you for being brave enough to cut into that quilt. I can imaging how scarry that first cut had to be, but looking at the pillows, it was worth it. They are lovely, and have given an old quilt a second life. Great job!!
First off, your pillows turned out beautiful and I love the idea of framing the others. I know it was hard to cut the quilt, I have a quilt that I bought for $1 that is all hand pieced and hand quilted, but the borders are shredded. It is not fixable!!! Like you I find it hard to cut it up even though I don't have a clue who made it, but I think I will do the samething that you did, pillows and frame the rest!!!! Thanks for the idea!
Kristie
How wonderful that you could extend the life of an aging family heirloom by upcycling it into other useful items. I am sure the original owner is smiling somewhere knowing her work is going to be enjoyed by future generations of the family.
the pillows look great! i love that idea. and look, you saved a special quilt that was just hiding in the attic.
They look great!
Please, post pictures of those framed blocks. I am curious.
Way to recycle. They are wonderful.
I like that you have preserved the quilt by making the pillows. Such a homey look!
I would have been so scared to cut it, too! Its beautiful and it made some beautiful pillows. Framing the rest of the blocks is a great idea. How great that there have been quilters in your family for generations. As far as I know, I'm the only one in my family who quilts.
what a great way to use an old quilt! nice job!!! I don't know if I could have cut into it, either. but what wonderful results!
Wow!! Great pillows!
I so hear you about picking the scissors up and then putting them back down. Tis so scary, isn't it? You never know if you will make a masterpiece... or ruin and heirloom. Talk about pressure! But you did great! The pillows are breathtaking!
Cath
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