While at the Jane Stickle retreat back in November 2022, I purchased a Tree of Life Applique kit off of the resale table. I remember my mother appliqueing a Tree of Life kit back in the late 60's, early 70's. The ladies at church quilted it during the monthly 'sewing' then it was donated and sold through the Michiana Mennonite Relief sale. I had to buy this kit when I saw it and now I'm finally ready to start prepping.
This is an old kit, the background fabric is 50% cotton/50% polyester and the applique fabrics are too. There is some embroidery but not a lot.
Here is a link to this quilt that has been machine quilted by Judi Madsen. Isn't it beautiful? Obviously the fabrics in that kit didn't bleed.
I purchased new 100% cotton fabrics during my birthday shopping/browsing spree in July 2024.
Now I've the process of tracing the designs onto freezer paper, then marking the background fabric because yes, I purchased new 100% cotton background fabric. Because I have new background fabric, my quilt will be larger than the kit. The marking process is going to take a lot of time. My goal is to be able to start the applique on January 1, 2027.
Tree of Life is definitely going to be a long term project but it will be a stay at home applique project, it's too big to take anywhere!
I'm going to try something new, I'm going to be hosting the TGIFF Linky Party starting at 6PM EST, Thursday August 13. We'll see if it actually happens and I get all the connections correct.
Okay, I've got a problem already, I don't know how to get rid of that box under the TGIFF sign! We'll see what happens!
Linking to Patchwork & Quilts, Kathys Slow Stitching Sunday, Stitching Stuff, Sew & Tell, Design Wall Monday, Monday Musings, To Do Tuesday
23 comments:
What a beautiful pattern. Good call on the new 100% cotton fabrics. This project should keep you busy and out of trouble for a long time! Gail at the cozy quilter
Hi Gretchen, I remember that quilt and even saw some vintage ones a few years ago. It's a great pattern but you are so wise to replace the fabric! It will take a while to finish but will be so worth it!
This pattern is worth all the extra work. It's going to be gorgeous!
Sorry about the fabrics in the kit, but it looks like you've got some wonderful substitutes. It will definitely be a wonderful long term project to work on.
what an incredible classic quilt
Good Morning! I have a couple questions on this new, beautiful project, Gretchen. Will you use any of the kit fabrics and will the inadequate ones end up in the garbage? Do you know if this pattern is available anywhere? Like your other projects, I look forward to seeing your progress on this one! Have a wonderful day.
Appliqué quilting can be especially rewarding when a project combines traditional patterns with carefully chosen fabrics and personal memories. Replacing damaged or aged material with higher-quality fabric can also make the finished quilt more durable and enjoyable to work on. More information is available at betjee.
I don't plan to use any of cotton/poly fabrics, they've just so thin! I have a friend who says she wants the kit even if the fabrics are old, thin and not top quality. I'll give her the quilt to deal with but I don't know why she'd be willing to do all the work with sub-quality fabrics. I've seen these kits available on Etsy but they're charging a lot more than I paid.
Dear Gretchen, it is going to be a beautiful quilt.
What an awesome next project and what a ton of prep! I agree with you about the fabrics. I wouldn't have used the ones in the kit for the reason you stated either!
What beautiful quilts! You are adding the frosting to the cake.
Your quilt looks so happy! Congratulations!
I am so looking forward to seeing this quilt come together - such a beautiful design. xx
WOW, Gretchen -- I am so excited about your new project!!! I've seen this quilt before and admired it. I understand how extra meaningful this project will be for you, with your memories of your mom making one. And then, to open the package and discover damaged and lesser-quality fabrics? Super disappointing, but then you turn it into an opportunity to make the project even better by selecting all new 100% cotton fabrics that will be worthy of the hours and hours you will invest in making this quilt. I cannot wait for your progress. Seriously, I was in such a low mood through the weekend (brand new plumbing has been leaking, now we have mold, will my reno EVER be done??), but reading your post and thinking about your project has lifted my spirits. And good for you hosting TGIFF!
I remember seeing those tree of life quilts. Good luck on yours!
Oh how interesting, Gretchen . I have never seen that happen with fabric. This is going to be a wonderful quilt design to work on . I look forward to following your progress. Hugs.
What a wonderful project to take on—there's something so special about working on a pattern that carries that kind of family history and nostalgia! Upgrading to 100% cotton was definitely the right move; after sinking hundreds of hours into detailed appliqué and hand quilting, you want materials that will stand the test of time (and won't bleed!). Judi Madsen’s quilting on that pattern is pure inspiration, so yours is bound to turn out incredible once all that prep work is done.
Good luck getting the Linky Party widget sorted out before Thursday—tech glitches right before hosting a link-up can be so frustrating! When taking a quick breather from tracing freezer paper and troubleshooting blog layouts, taking a short break at https://oscarspins.com.pl/ is a great way to clear your head before diving back into the prep.
Setting a start date of January 1, 2027, sounds like a realistic, relaxed goal given all the marking involved. Looking forward to following along with your progress on this stay-at-home heirloom!
Oh my, Gretchen! I'm so sorry your fabrics weren't adequate after purchasing the kit, but I like your idea of having better quality fabric, especially with the beautiful hand work you do. I look forward to seeing this one progress. Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings.
I love projects that carry a bit of family history with them. The fact that this kit reminds you of your mother’s applique makes it feel like much more than just another quilt project. Those older fabrics and the small amount of embroidery should give the finished Tree of Life plenty of character. I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops! I also happened to come across https://maki-spin.org/while browsing recently.
That had to be upsetting to open the package and find faded fabric with the color going into another piece.
Appliqué quilts take a lot of time and patience, so choosing quality fabrics before starting can make a noticeable difference in the final result. For a different kind of online entertainment, more information is available at casoola.
nice work
What a special project to bring back to life, especially with the connection to your mother and the original quilt from decades ago. I think replacing the old polyester-blend fabrics was a wise choice—after investing so many hours in hand applique and quilting, starting with sturdy cotton makes perfect sense.
The new fabrics already look like they’ll give the Tree of Life a fresh character while keeping that vintage spirit. And January 2027 suddenly doesn’t seem so far away when there’s this much prep work involved! It’s definitely the kind of project that rewards patience. A little online browsing athttps://boomerangbet-italiano.com/
sounds like a nice break between all that tracing and marking.
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