One of my favorite memories growing up was going through the linen cupboard with my Mom. Everything had a story, from the fine damask tablecloths and napkins we only used at Christmas and Easter, to the seemingly countless doilies, dresser scarves, and other hand crocheted items made by grandmas and aunts long gone.
I liked the handmade items best, so when we came across a set of four napkins, each embellished with a single strawberry, I wanted to know more. Maybe Mom had made them for her hope chest in the early 1950s, or were they a bridal shower or wedding gift?
Apparently, the napkins had never been used and Mom had no recollection of them whatsoever, so I asked if I could have them someday
Fast forward several decades to when I saw a series of small quilts on Vicki Haninger's blog. showed just how to make use of those berries. Vicki added an embroidered motif to each of her little doll quilts, and the effect was so charming, I couldn't resist trying it myself!
Equally as charming were the fabrics Vicki used: pure, bright colors, prints with white backgrounds, assorted checks, polka dots, and whimsical designs... none of which I had in my own fabric stash.
An Internet search led me to Sandy Klop, whose American Jane fabrics ticked all the right boxes--cheerful colors and charming prints, all with a retro vibe!
I cut four sets of fabrics, one for me and three to share with friends, along with four vintage strawberries. Speaking of "vintage," can you spot the Cranston Print Works calico in the photo below?
Why not find a scrap of stitchery and give it new life? It's a perfect way to honor an anonymous needleworker from the past!
The Strawberry Patch
15" x 17"
machine pieced
2009
I like this idea and so sweet. Wig.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! You really have some wonderful results, I just love it!
ReplyDeleteOh what a fabulous idea. At Christmas I was gifted with a box full of vintage linens that had belonged to my mom and grandma. After letting The Princess cull through them for items she wanted, my plan was to put the remaining pieces into the storage bin holding pieces I already had.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to look through them again with a fresh eye toward turning them into something to be seen and used every day. You are an inspiration in so many ways!
LOVE the strawberries!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, very special way to keep them out of the drawer/closet/cupboard!
For those who may not already know about it, Cindy Needham has a blog dedicated to rescue and revitalization of vintage linens:
http://www.cindyneedham.com/blog/blog.html
Her website is cindyneedham.com
how sweet and so special.
ReplyDeleteI am sure these quilts and strawberries will be treasured by your friends.
Love to see that your still working on projects and hey collecting the right fabrics is the fun part right?
Kathie
That is a really great idea. And, your quilts turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I just used the same yellow & red calico flower Cranston print in a scrap quilt of my own (the one with the yellow background)!!! I have no idea where it even came from--someone must have given it to me. I adore your little quilts with the embroidery bit--a charming idea for certain. Your friends are lucky!
ReplyDeleteI love the strawberry. What a wonderful touch.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love repro fabrics every once and awhile it is nice to work with something cheery and bright...love how these little quilts came out!
ReplyDeleteNo see, here I actually was going to be the first person to comment but Blogger wouldn't let me write. It was a frustration and I couldn't ever write what I wanted to say. I know one thing I said - Brilliant. I remember how much I loved it. I know I thought how sweet and cheery this lovely piece was.
ReplyDelete