This "VITK" box lives under my sewing table...
I kept thinking about it as I pieced my scrappy green wonky star blocks for my RSC (rainbow scrap challenge) quilt. I made a few dark, I made a few light... positive and negative. I was pleased with how they look. 💚 (why am I mentioning this project again? Keep reading ;))
It was as I was digging for the embroidered pillowcases that I found a collection of green blocks that came from another quilter a few years ago. The blocks were pieced so that they were
While I did not find the pillowcases I was in search of, I did find lots of other treasures... some linen hand towels stitched by my Grandma T - Tressie - and a crocheted pansy doily.
Grandma was born February 16, 1915. She loved the color yellow. The two pieces looked like they belonged together and the vintage pieces quickly became something new... in her honor!
I marked the centers of both pieces (by pressing creases with a hot iron), made my quilt sandwich using Hobbs fusible batting (being careful to leave the center crease marks) and then pinned the doily into place.
I machine stitched the outer edges of the white portion of the doily down and then quilted the center star, following the wider lines.
I pushed the pansies to the center so that they were out of the way and marked my quilting lines to reflect the scalloped edge of the center of the doily.
The pansies were then pressed back into place, pinned. I then hand-stitched the outer edges.
The binding matches the backing from Connecting Threads - Swallowtail Grove. I sewed the binding to the front and then hand-stitched the binding to the back with an exposed running stitch. I made sure I added in two labels. One to show I had made it... and one was just for fun!
If you are interested in making a purchase from Connecting Threads, you can use the code ACTMelvaLovesScraps to receive 15% off, including sale items.
This was a fun and quick project and I love the result.
I wanted to offer a brief update about the grandson's basketball game... He only had a few minutes of playing time in each quarter, but each time he scored! His skills have improved since we last watched him in December and he was happy to see us.
Heather dropped him off at the game and was picking him up but did not stay. While disappointed, we made the most of our time with Ty. I was able to use him as a courier for the valentine's cards I had with us. I had fun making these up and Mom had fun as we made the stained-glass cards from her.
Now... where did I see those embroidered pillowcases???
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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A very pretty wall hanging. It's nice to upcycle the old into the new. So glad you got to see the grandson play.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you're doing your RSC star blocks this year with both white stars and color of the month stars! The doily quilted to the background is lovely, too. Your Valentine cards are fun and sweet! So glad you were able to see your grandson and connect with him again, Melva!
ReplyDeleteI have bits and pieces of those vintage embroideries. My Mom embroidered a coverlet for my bed when I was young, in the early 50s. It was used constantly in warm weather and only pieces have survived. They are tucked away in one of her cookie tins from the 40s. I have quite decided what textile to add them to.
ReplyDeletemy VITK box thanks you for the ideas! it will definitely receive a revisit. valentines were adorable and super creative.. love them. hugs to you for your broken heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful doilies and what a way to honor your Grandmother and her work. Love all your Valentine's. So creative
ReplyDeleteYour RSC stars are going to make a fantastic quilt. That embroidered kitty looks familiar to me as in I might have embroidered something like it for days of the week dishtowels many many moons ago! Nice work with the doily.
ReplyDeleteLots of lovely handmade items you've shared! Thanks for linking up with TGIFF!
ReplyDeleteLove your vintage pieces and the what you did with them is precious! Makes me want to get some of my pieces out of the plastic bin and do something sweet like that. Your Valentine cards are so cute. I hope they got to be enjoyed. How priceless is that time with your grandson. Still praying you will all be together again soon.
ReplyDeleteAll the arts are so nice! I laughed when I saw the “i am sticking with you…” with bandits, so cute. My mom made some embroidered pillowcases and dresses for me 50 years ago, only in my memory now, I wish I could have those framed as you did… ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to showcase your special doily! Your quilting compliments the special handwork well! Those are cute valentines too!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely project - and what a great way to showcase the vintage linen.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a good time watching your grandson and had some special moments with him