I have no way of knowing for sure, but I think my maternal grandmother, Sylvia Jane Miller, embroidered them. One of the ladies at the retreat told me the embroidery patterns were from a newspaper series back in the 1930's. That fits with grandma's time frame.
I've wondered for years what to do with them, how to set them, what fabrics to use; I decided earlier this year that 2019 was the year something was going to happen with them.
Originally they would have finished at 12" but I trimmed them to 9-1/2" so they will finish at 9". This is going to be a wallhanging, the blocks are too special to be a bed quilt.
Friday morning, after finishing the quick & easy crib quilt, I started working. First I bordered each block with 1-1/2" blue sashing (1" finished). Then I figured how many of the rectangles I needed in between each block, cut the rectangles, then cut 4 times that many 1" squares and did flippy corners on the rectangles.
The sashing rectangles are ready to go. Next step is to decide how to arrange the blocks. I won't have this project finished in 2019 but I've made a good start and will see a finish in 2020.
Just in case someone wants to know, Yoder Department Store in Shipshewana, Indiana has quite an assortment of white fabrics, including a white that is an 'old' white'.
Linking to Midweek Makers, Needle & Thread Thursday
10 comments:
always nice to have things that belonged to grandparents - it sounds like it most likely was your grandmother's embroidery and your mother never knew what to do with them so had saved them for one day. I love your idea for them.
Great sashing idea. Perfect for those blocks.
You are sew blessed to have these and to have the creativity to do something with these blocks that leaves me yearning to see more of this project! I love the blocks... can you show some of that embroidery closer up next showing of this project? I love hand embroidery :) Tis the season for sure for embroidery too!!!
How special to have your grandma's embroidery too! <3 Kathi
It is going to be lovely. I am so glad you are able to finish it for her. She would be proud.
I'll be glad to show the embroidery close up whenever I get back these blocks.
Oh what neat vintage blocks! I like what you decided to do with the sashing seems to fit the time period well!
Sorry for being late Gretchen - I absolutely love your sashing! It will make this such a beauty to have hanging on the wall! Great for a 2020 project! Hugs
The sashing really sets these off nicely - your going to have a beautiful wall hanging, along with a great memento.
You are really making these cherished blocks pop! What a treasure you already have, and will make them into something that others will treasure as well! Memories are made of this!
What a special project this will be Gretchen!
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