Sew & Tell ~ Vintage Revived

A few pictures of some special details 

Last week I added the final finishes to the Baby's First Year quilt - the label - and then looked around wondering what my next project could be.  I had been "dreaming" of a vintage tablecloth that had been included in the box of baby clothes from my customer/friend and decided then and there, that was it.

She actually sent me two of them... this one and a larger pink one.  (I'll show you that one later.)

As I decided on how to quilt it, I could nearly imagine the hours of fellowship shared around this piece...

Who wants to join me for some tea?

As the meal is prepped, the conversations and laughter ensue...  the food is placed on the table and family and guests gather together... some may offer thanks, while others may just dive right in and dish up.  It matters not, but conversation seems to flow much easier when there is a meal involved.  

Defenses are dropped and everyone becomes a bit more honest and real.  Conversations, sometimes heated conversations, ensue.  A recounting of the day's events given.  The good. The bad. Even the ugly.  Laughter is shared... Tears may be shed... Bodies are nourished... Energy is renewed...  Opinions are shared... Jokes told... Milk is spilled... and how many of us have ever cried over spilled milk??? And then were told "I'll give you something to cry about."? ME!

The table is where games are played... where cheaters get caught... stories are told...  The kitchen table is where memories are made.  

This tablecloth, I am certain, holds many memories.  Just imagine the stories it could tell... 

I think many families are missing a great opportunity each and every day.  They grab dinner on the run and the car becomes the "dining room".  

When I make a quilt, it is with the full intention of it being used.  Never mind the size or purpose of it... if it is a throw size, snuggle up under the love and prayers that are stitched into it as you watch tv or enjoy a cup of tea and a good book on a cool day.  If it is a table runner, put it on your table or a counter.

If it is large enough for a bed, by all means... Put it on there!  I pulled out a double wedding ring quilt that had been a graduation gift to my Grandpa Teegarden... He graduated in 1930.  It is in pristine condition... because it lived in a cedar chest for most of its 94 years.  I experience great joy seeing it on the guest bed as I pass by the doorway in the hall.  I am careful that it is not exposed to direct sunlight so it won't fade or damage the fabrics.

The guestroom closet is where the bulk of my stash lives and I find that I can get distracted when I go to the closet to search for a specific fabric as I sit and examine the arcs of the wedding rings... I wonder about what original piece of clothing may have been made with the small bits.  Were they aprons?  Was this one leftover from a dress, or perhaps pajamas?  Was some of it from a men's work shirt?  The questions go on and on... and then I remember the original purpose of my visit to the room/closet. Lol.

My plan is to rotate through the various quilts that I got when Mom moved to her apartment.  

Life is too short to keep the "good stuff" for special occasions.  Why not make each and every day a special occasion?

As I look to the coming week, we are considering sneaking away for a few days to Cimarron Canyon for a short camping trip... I'll need to get some quilted hearts prepared and I have a few postcard blocks to finish up.  These last few will catch me up with the very few trips we have had this year.  

I guess the pink roses tablecloth will simply have to wait...

Time for the Sew & Tell feature! Drum roll please.... Not Afraid of Color showed of some vibrant colors in her projects.  Her lime green Feathered Star has some fun fabrics... "I love that bit of words , the daisies, a Christmas angel, spirals, and that bit of repeated lime has sparkles on it in glitter!"  

And her orange flower is just so sweet as she continues to embellish it with embroidery, beads and sequins.  Make a quick visit to her blog to see it.  You will not be sorry. ;)

Now it is your turn!  I want to see your projects.  But before you go...

What is your opinion on sharing a meal as a family?

I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Slow Stitching Sunday at Kathy’s Quilts

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

Home Matters at Days Filled with Joy

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Saturday Sparks at Pieced Pastimes

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday

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Friday Fellowship

As I reflect on the past 2 weeks, I am filled with emotion.  Feelings of loss and fulfillment, sadness and joy.... but my cup has definitely been filled.

Following the death of our Shelby Grace it was so strange to return home from any errands and not be greeted by the little brown dog with the wagging tail.  When we shared the news with the people that frequent our doorstep with deliveries and the tellers of the drive-in bank, tears welled.  Not just ours, but theirs as well. Though, I have to admit, it made the preparation for our travels much easier since we didn't need to arrange doggy day/night care.  

Dave and I drove the miles across Colorado for my first trunk show presented to a wonderful and welcoming quilt guild. We were blessed with the opportunity to stay with longtime friends that we have not seen for years.  Our time catching up was as though we had just seen each other just last week.  The friendships like this are vital to life!  

As we drove, we listened to a book, Chasing Fireflies.  It was well written, and the narrator was pleasant to listen to.  And I worked on a new paper embroidery project.

It is sometimes difficult to know when such a project is "finished."  As I look at it in the photo, I see several more lines and shadows that could be enhanced.  For now... I'll say it is done.

During our return from the Lazy J Goat Farm, We listened to Where the Crawdads Sing.  We have seen the movie and the book is just as good.  Though we are only 1/2 way through.  I hope to renew it to listen when we travel to Illinois.  

When the unpacking was complete, I stitched on the label for the Baby's First Year quilt and kept eyeing a small vintage tablecloth that was included in the box of baby clothes.  

Grace was selling some of her mother's items after her passing and I had commented on the cloth in July.  Much to my surprise it arrived months later.

Sure, it is a little stained and worn... but can you imagine the fellowship and conversations, stories, laughter and tears that took place around it.  The coffee/tee and food stains and small holes only add to the charm of the piece.

You can read some further thoughts I shared years ago when I quilted another tablecloth for a customer... The Heart of the Home.

It is currently under my needle, and I hope to share the finished, refurbished table topper on Monday in my Sew & Tell Party.  Stay tuned!  Speaking of Sew & Tell... This week's party is still open!  You're more than welcome to join the fun. :)

In recent years I have started using table toppers or placemats on our table. This one may be added to my collection, even though it is a little larger than our table... We shall see. 

Do you use tablecloths or table toppers?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

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Remote Studio ~ Sew & Tell

What a week... We have seen roads from Northern Colorado all the way to Seymour, TX... I'm not quite sure what day of the week is, other than the fact that my phone calendar tells me that it is time for Sew & Tell!  LOL

I was honored to be invited to the Pieceable Friends Quilt Guild in Greeley and enjoyed presenting my "trunk" show of "Story Telling Quilts."  What an amazing group of quilters.  They were an attentive and well engaged bunch.  The had some good questions and I was happy to answer them.

As I write this session of Sew & Tell we are in Seymour, TX at the Lazy J Goat Farm.  You may have heard me tell of our visits here... we make them once or twice a year.  Our dear friends were in need of some farm hands so that they could make a trip to care for Jamie's mom who is preparing to leave this world... so we volunteered!  

We have worked along their sides numerous times so the chores such as making sure everyone has food and water and gathering eggs are familiar.  When not "choring" we are working remotely.  I have a corner of the living room set up with my Babylock Jazz.  It is not ideal, but it is only short term.

Dave has a "checkering station" set up on the back patio and is content to work outside starting out in the cooler morning temps. Which are still quite warm in the 70's. :(  

We feel fortunate and blessed to be able to help them in such a way.

So... here's what I have been working on.  The twin-sized Baby's First Year quilt for my customer. It has been quilted!  A wavy all-over lattice grid was quick and easy.

The binding will be a quick job as I will machine finish it.

I have several other small projects that I'll be working on as we continue to live the farm life.  On my agenda are some postcard blocks to finish up the very few travels of this year and some quilted hearts so that I can embellish and decorate by hand when we head home.

You all (I'm in TX, maybe that should be Y'all) had some great Sew & Tell projects, but Nancy's entry in the party was the randomly selected winner.  She showed off a collection of "Little Quilts" that she quilted up for customer, Missy.  Each one is lovely and has a unique quilting design.  Nancy showed us pictures of the backings as well as the detail of the quilting she did.  If you missed it, hop on over and take a look!

All of these mini quilts are a part of a monthly subscription from Laundry Basket Quilts.  I have seen several monthly subscriptions but have never purchased one.

The closest I have come is a block of the month.   The only ones I have ever paid for were when I first started quilting... Waaaaaaaaaaay back when... it was a local thing and only cost $5 for the first month, and then $1 for subsequent months if you brought back the previous month's completed block.

Have you ever purchased a monthly subscription box?

Where was it from?

What sort of things were included?

Do you feel it was "worth it?"

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you.

Keep piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

Patchwork & Quilts 

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Pieces of My Life ~ Small Spool & Wrench

 

Welcome back to Pieces of My Life. We have two blocks featured this time...  Another spool (a small one this time - 6" finished) and a classic, the (monkey) wrench.

The memory book page for the spool takes us back to our childhood with questions like "Did you ever learn to knit or sew?" and "Who taught you?"

Well... obviously I know how to sew since I quilt.  I have shared snippets of this story before about how I learned as a young girl when I participated in 4-H.  I learned to knit (and crochet) as well.  You can see pictures of my projects from 1977 by clicking on the link above.

My Mom had the plan to sign me up for sewing and have one of the 4-H leaders teach me.  That leader called Mom and explained that she had several other girls she had to teach, and she had only one machine for them to use... She stated, "I need you to teach Melva since you already know how to sew."

I made a blue, gingham checked skirt for my main project.  I'm sure there were a few other practice projects, but at this moment, I can't recall what they were.  Probably an apron and a drawstring bag.  Somewhere in the deep "archives" I still have the project book and have pulled it out several times as a reference when teaching someone to sew.

I learned to knit from the Mom of a friend ~ Mrs. Piquette.  She was a brave soul to take on five or six giggling girls as she taught us how to cast on, knit and purl.  I am still in touch with several of the gals that were in that class, including Karen, daughter of Mrs. Piquette.  

Another question included is "did you have a special quilt or blanket?".  I have an embroidered nursery rhyme quilt that my Grandma Teegarden made.  I had it on my bed from the time that I can first remember until I was married.  Considering the fact that it is 55 years+ old, and used for nearly 20 years, it is in excellent condition.

My brother had a matching one with blue fabric, rather than pink as the sashing strips.  I don't know where it might be or if he still has it.

One last question that I'll include in this story... "What's the hardest thing you have ever done?" accompanies the Wrench block.

There have been many hard seasons and lessons throughout life.

One of the most difficult things was losing our first baby.  We had announced to our families at Thanksgiving in 1986 that we were expecting.  We had included this news in our Christmas cards that year as well.  Sadly, just days before Christmas, at about 13 weeks, I had some bleeding.  Shortly later, a D&C was required.  I shared in the Diamond Solitaire newsletter story about Dave buying me a diamond pendant necklace for us to remember that first child.  

These raw feelings were recently brought to the surface when we learned that one of our daughters was experiencing the same loss.

The other "hardest thing" was standing by his side and watching Dave as he left his job of 18-1/2 years.  It had become a large part of his identity.  At the same time, the death of my Dad as well as the loss my part-time income as a daycare provider.  It. Was. Alot!  That was 11-1/2 years ago.  It was a difficult time in a dark valley, but as is almost always the case, we grew.  We now place our identity in Christ, rather than in what we do, and we have a greater appreciation for where we are now as a successful self-employed couple.  From day one we placed God as the CEO of our business and give all glory for each success, job completed, and bill paid to Him. 

Our philosophy is this... "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord" ~ Colossians 3:23

We have said for years that God's math is a little like common core math.  It doesn't make sense to us.  We learned to trust that there is always enough.  Not only enough, but usually a little extra... and that the opposite of more is not less... it is enough.

It's time for you to grab the Small Spool and Wrench patterns in my payhip store.  I look forward to seeing your completed blocks when you come back to join the block parade.

These two blocks will complete Section III of the Quilt As You Go or asymmetrical layout.  You should use the same layout as Section I.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

Patchwork & Quilts 

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

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Tips are always welcome :)

Fall is in the Air ~ Sew & Tell ~ September 16, 2024

Welcome to the first fall session of Sew & Tell!  Our maple trees are beautiful as they are beginning to turn red... The days are cooler, and the overnight temps continue to dip lower.  And, though we have not had a freeze or any frost yet, I know it is just around the corner.

After our return from a far too quiet camping trip, I added the border on the Baby's First Year, twin-sized, top.  I selected a primary color fabric for it...  then, I was waiting for a fabric order of backing fabric to arrive, so I played with the organization and selection of a few more Camping Journal blocks.  You can catch the whole story about why it was a quiet trip and the blocks HERE.  I have a renewed spark of interest in the project and have realized that I will soon be done with the top because the "Journal" will soon be full.  Woohoo!

I started a daily photo diary of the color changing show and as I did so I recalled a friend who had commented on my reel the last time I did one.  And it was a good thing that my mind wandered her direction!  I soon recalled a special request that she made last year for one dozen fall themed mug rugs!  

Her request was made so far in advance that I nearly forgot.  When she asked, I had thought that they could be good traveling projects (which is still true) but then we didn't do as much traveling this summer.  I kinda feel like my summer was hijacked or something. LOL. I digress...

I did about 1/2 of the sewing on the machine and then added a touch of (in some cases only) hand quilting to several as I binged a new season of Heartland.  Each one is unique!  The afternoon of slow stitching was soothing to my soul as I realized, once again, that everything was far too quiet. I know it will simply take time to adjust.

I will be found this week sandwiching, quilting and binding that twin-sized quilt.  That's one of my goals for the week anyway... I have a few days to consider the binding fabric since I am prepping for a show to a quilt guild ~ Story Telling Quilts.  Would your quilt guild or group be interested in having me give a program?  Reach out to me by leaving a comment or sending me an email.  I'd love to hear from you!  MelvaLovesScraps@NolanQualityCustoms.com

I will be sending out another newsletter this week with the next two sections of the Pieces of My Life memory book as well as the patterns for the quilt blocks that will represent them. Here's a sneak peek...

And now it is time for the featured Sew & Tell star from last week. Cheree at Lively Latte shared a delightful finish she called Pumpkin Wreaths.

She also shared her angst over the quilting design on her Flannel Fall quilt.  I feel her pain, as most of us quilters can really relate and "been there, done that".  You can read about it on her blog by following the link above.  Cheree, I hope that you have made a decision about your solution and that you are at peace with it.  Hugs!

Is fall in the air where you are?

What's your favorite part of fall?

For me I love that the days are moderate in temperature and there is no need for AC!  Windows and doors can stay open... I love the colors of autumn... The reds, yellows, oranges and browns. I love the smells that come with fall harvest... like apples & cinnamon, pumpkin spice everything and the sound of walking through the leaves on the ground.  And so much more.  Fall is my second favorite season. 💛🧡🤎

Leave a comment!  I'd love to hear from you.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

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The Rainbow Bridge

It's been a sad time for us lately.  When our plans with our friends were waylaid last week, we shifted gears and planned for camping.  We thought we might let Shelby enjoy one last camping trip with us... We were all excited about the prospect of the time away.

Saturday morning, the day we were leaving, was not good.  Shelby had been favoring her front right leg for months, but it was even worse that morning.  In addition to that, her left leg was tender as well as one of her back legs.  I witnessed her almost fall several times.  It was evident that she would require full assistance getting into the truck AND the camper. 

We knew it was time... we could not let her suffer any longer. 😭She crossed over the rainbow bridge and is now free to chase an endless supply of tennis balls and will never grow tired or sore.

RIP Shelby Grace.  Here are some thoughts I shared on facebook...

Shelby Grace.... you came into our lives 11-1/2 years ago when we were in the middle of a career change and so much loss and pain. You taught us patience, love and devotion.  You loved everyone (except Mr. Holder), and you were everyone's favorite meth lab...You made us laugh, you made us mad... (why do you always make me yell?)   You lived so much longer than we could have ever dreamed after first discovering a lump and learning a few months later that it was cancer (almost 2 years).  We cherished EVERY MOMENT.

And today we cried as we walked you across the rainbow bridge... where you are able to run and play freely and without pain.🤎

We packed up the camper between sobbing sessions and went away to one of our favorite campgrounds in the Sangre de Cristo National Forrest ~ Alvarado.

As we were getting settled into our campsite a small butterfly hovered nearby as we set up.  I mentioned it to Dave and commented that Shelby appeared and approved.  As we were having lunch, a grasshopper wildly flew through the site and Dave said, "THAT is more like Shelby!"  Hahaha.

We were able to go on longer hikes than we have had the opportunity for in over a year... and our legs are still sore, days later!  The hikes were much quieter but still as beautiful as ever.

We mourned our loss but found solace in God's creation.

The aspen leaves were already turning!

I did sew up one block for our Camping Journal quilt... An organ cactus. I am slowly getting caught up and nearly done with the section that will represent our spring trip to Arizona and New Mexico.  

I have selected the blocks that will represent this most recent camping trip... the first without our Shelby Grace.  It will be a hiking boot with some rainbow dog paw fabric as the background, a butterfly and a grove of aspen tree trunks.

I can't believe we are less than a month away from our fall trip!  I will work hard at getting the last two blocks for the spring trip completed so that I can get a better idea of where I am with completing the left border section.  Once it is filled in, I will be ready to begin the final two rows at the bottom of the quilt.  I need to know how much room I have to work with.  

In estimation, I have room for 23 single blocks before the "journal" is full.  Eeeeek!  

I had been getting a little bored with this quilt, but now that I realize I am so close to a finish I have a renewed interest.

With our fall trip around the corner we look forward to exploring some new roads and areas.  We'll be attending a family wedding and then travel Route 66 from Chicago to Albuquerque.

Have you made the Route 66 trip?

Are there any "must see" stops we need to know of?

Leave a comment... I'll take notes as I hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

Little Things Thursday at Good Random Fun

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Sew & Tell ~ Patriotic Finish

 Welcome back!  I have two finishes... sorta.

One is the Baby's First Year quilt that is ready for borders. That counts as a finish, right??? Of course it does!

Once I got it to this point, I set it aside to quilt a customer's Quilt of Valor quilt.  She sent it to me in hopes that it would be finished and ready to be returned to her via her son & his wife.  Our friends, Jamie & Jack, whom we frequently visit in Seymour, TX were to come visit us.  Sadly, their plans were hijacked by an emergency.  

Alas, I have it done and doesn't it look regal!

She requested flannel as a batting, making it light weight and soft.  The quilting is simple wavy line grid, allowing the quilt itself be the star, rather than the quilting.

Here are a few close ups...

The backing fabric was lacking some, so I did a quick inventory of my stash and found this blue checked gingham that was similar in color and weight of fabric... Like it was meant to be!  Pieced backings are done all. the. time. ;)

Since our friends aren't making it to Colorado, I'll be mailing this beauty back to my customer.

And since we had cleared our schedules for several days... guess what we did!

I'll skip the featured quilter/blogger this week.  Instead, I'll share a little about two stories that haven't had a lot of "coverage".  First is a finish that I featured as a recent TGIFF party host.  The party was held over the Labor Day Weekend and had a very low attendance.  This is the wedding quilt for our nephew and soon-to-be niece.  It is a Plus Quilt that I first called "My Heart Beats for You" because of the quilting design I chose for it.  It is to loosely represent the rhythm of a heartbeat like you would see on an EKG.  Maybe I could call it a Pulse Quilt.  LOL ;)  You can read more details, see more "glamor shots" and read all of my thoughts on this quilt here.

The second story of "interest" is block #16 of the Pieces of My Life Sew Along ~ Noon & Night.  This block could be called Day & Night because of the 4 contrasting colors and how their placement plays a key role in the final look of the block.  The topic of memories/questions focus on the transition required by both partners in a marriage (why do opposites attract?) and what sort of weekend/evening activities you enjoyed early in your marriage.  Find the full story and a link to the free pattern by following the link above.

Thanks for visiting MLS and for joining in on the fun of the Sew & Tell party.  Because of you, I earn a few pennies just by you visiting my blog.  Leave a comment to share your thoughts or to ask questions.  I love to hear from you!

Tips are always welcome ;)

Keep piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

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