Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Tea, 30's, and a new BOM...

Do you have a favourite tea cup? Here's mine...
When planning or tweaking a new design I need a nice pot of tea, peace and quiet, and fresh cake...
 That old knife belonged to Mr E's grandmother, and I cherish it. I think it dates back to the 30's?
In fact, it was a quilt book of 1930's designs that I was browsing through during my morning tea planning time...
 I love these patchwork hearts...
 ...and the quilt made from Nosegay blocks.
Turning each page was gently soothing as I pondered the many thousands of quilters around the world during the depression years of the 1930's, sitting by the fire on a blustery winter's night, hand piecing pretty blocks from fabric remnants that held special memories.
In some small way we who work with our hands today, using needle and thread and fabric, have a kinship with those women.
I admire their legacy, and it has been inspiring a work-in-progress...


You see I've finished stitching a set of blocks for a new quilt, a BOM that I'll be sharing through my Stitchery Club soon.
There's lovely 1930's reproduction prints in the applique...
 ...and that's why I'm taking time to look over the patterns of the past in books such as this.

Deciding how to place my blocks isn't easy because I'm not a quilter of merit - stitchery is my natural love and forte - so after much reflection, and keeping in mind this is my Year of Gentle Domesticity, I've decided to keep the piecing of this quilt as simple as possible.
 Let the messages in my feature blocks shine, I think.

But before I draft the layout and cut into fabric I might just brew another pot of tea, and ponder the past a little longer...

hugs



19 comments:

Leeanne said...

Jenny I agree we do share a common bond with all women who create with their hands, there is something calming about this. Your sneeky peek looks as yummy as your cake!

Sparky said...

yes and no other makes anything shine like you...so lovely

Tammy said...

Great sneak peak....I know it is gonna be gorgeous...

Denise said...

Great post!! I can't wait to see your finished quilt!!

Sheila said...

Your sneek peak looks very pretty!!

Allie said...

30's fabrics have remained my favorite - and I dream of finding a stash of true feed sacks someday, for cheap, in pristine condition, lol. I'm glad you're keeping the piecing simple, lol....

StitchinByTheLake said...

I have a stack of reproduction fabrics that I've been searching for a pattern for....this could be the one! blessings, marlene

Maria McCabe said...

You are so right about the kinship with woman from the past and now who love to create with fabric and threads. My grandmother and her sisters taught me to stitch and crochet and I love creating something and thinking of how happy they would be to know I am continuing their tradition on. I can't wait to teach my granddaughter and in fact my 8 year old son loves to stitch with me even though my daughters who are in their 20s have not shared that interest with me! I am so glad I belong to the Stitchery Club - I am already excited about the upcoming BOM!

Christine M said...

Lovely post, Jenny.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like a perfectly lovely day! The cake looks yummy, and anything drunk from that cup would taste better. =)

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this post Jenny,Thankyou xx

Melody said...

Such a lovely post. I've really missed visiting you while I've been sick. I think I've got quite a lot of catching up to do and I'm looking forward to it.

Createology said...

This is such a lovely way to begin your day. Kinship is so true as we stitch with needle and thread just as those lovely ladies did so many years before us. Blessings...

Lin said...

That is a very beautiful teacup Jenny. Looking forward to seeing your BOM. xx

Blue Jeans And Teacups said...

how lovely. I can't wait to see how it turns out - especially get a view of your stitch work!

Quilting Nonnie said...

Your post was so calm and sweet that I felt like I was sitting right with you. I'm looking forward to seeing the quilt.

Kim said...

I agree that this was a beautiful and inspiring post. I'm eager to see the BOM!

Vicky dc said...

Hola! Me encanta su blog! Cariños, desde Argentina.
Espero ansiosa más novedades!
Vicky Dc.

Sherry said...

I am looking forward to seeing this quilt. Stitchery is my first love also but I have enjoyed learning about quilting and piecing. I am sure that this will be another beautiful project.