Another discovery in the basement....
Many years ago I saw this quilt made up at a quilt show and I just knew I had to make, but I never did. I think we've all fallen into that trap a time or two. This package contains 48 block segments for paper piecing and another package has the border papers. The date on the pattern is 1996 so I'm guessing that is roughly the time period that I bought the pattern.
I started slicing 4.5" strips off all of my batiks right after I bought it to use with the pattern. All of these fall into the time period of 1991 to 1998. If you weren't into quiltmaking yet at that time you may have never seen most of these as patterns in batiks usually aren't repeated. That is about 9.5 yards of batiks in the photo. You can click on the photo for a closer view. Some stores had the older batiks in stock longer because they didn't sell as fast as other quilting cottons. It took quite a few years for them to become popular. I don't know if I'll ever make the pattern but I think it's likely that I will use more recent batiks if I do.
One more bloom! And another bud! The little Postit note on a toothpick says it bloomed in Nov and Dec. Now I can add Jan. and Feb. to the label. I labeled each plant as to color and time of blooming so I can see if they bloom in the same order next year.
Many years ago I saw this quilt made up at a quilt show and I just knew I had to make, but I never did. I think we've all fallen into that trap a time or two. This package contains 48 block segments for paper piecing and another package has the border papers. The date on the pattern is 1996 so I'm guessing that is roughly the time period that I bought the pattern.
I started slicing 4.5" strips off all of my batiks right after I bought it to use with the pattern. All of these fall into the time period of 1991 to 1998. If you weren't into quiltmaking yet at that time you may have never seen most of these as patterns in batiks usually aren't repeated. That is about 9.5 yards of batiks in the photo. You can click on the photo for a closer view. Some stores had the older batiks in stock longer because they didn't sell as fast as other quilting cottons. It took quite a few years for them to become popular. I don't know if I'll ever make the pattern but I think it's likely that I will use more recent batiks if I do.
One more bloom! And another bud! The little Postit note on a toothpick says it bloomed in Nov and Dec. Now I can add Jan. and Feb. to the label. I labeled each plant as to color and time of blooming so I can see if they bloom in the same order next year.
25 comments:
I would use old and new batik's in that quilt. It is a scrappy kind of pattern anyway. I would try to use as many different ones as possible.
Always interesting to look back at what got us excited to get involved. The pieces are pretty laying there. The cactus is pretty also. Chris
The batiks are sooo pretty. Only one of my cactus bloomed this year.
I see another beautiful quilt in the making. Do you keep all the quilts you make?
I have the same pattern and will also be making it. Like you I purchased it many years ago. Maybe it is time to rescue it from the pattern pile and make it soon. Looking forward to seeing yours in progress.
I recognize some of the batiks, in fact I still have them in my stash because they were too "pretty" to cut up! I know better now, especially after your eye-opening blog a few weeks ago.
I agree with Ann-Marie - I'd use the old batiks and supplement with new ones if you need them. This is a good time to use those up, since they're already cut!
Fabrics, especially batiks, age like wine! I would go ahead and use them with the pattern!
I recognize some of those batiks from my shelves! I'm not sure how long I have had some of them -yes they didn't sell really fast when stores first started to sell them so I believe some were sitting on the shelves for awhile as I know some of mine I bought around 2000.
Karen
Oh and I have quite a few patterns too that I just had to have because I was going to make them and they are still sitting unused!
Karen
That pattern is really intimidating. I could never attempt something like that, but you would make it a beauty no matter what fabrics you chose. Karmen
MONTANA Cartwheel ! (*._,*) You gotta make it ... I know exactly where that shop is . It is still in business.
My gosh you sure have had lots of blossoms to get you through the winter.
J~MT
As a brand new quilter, I am wondering why you would use newer batiks for this quilt if you make it. Are the newer ones prettier? What then will you do with all these 4 inch strips?
It looks like you're in for some challenging fun! Love your color choices.
What a great treasure you found. Good thing batiks aren't trendy and never go out of style. It is going to be amazing.
Those are gorgeous batiks and will make a beautiful quilt. Batiks never seen to really age.
How lovely to have that plant still blooming and providing some colour during the winter!
A friend of mine made that quilt and it is gorgeous! I've been looking for the pattern but never found it! Lucky you!
I have that pattern as well and started the quilt. I really need to finish it - every so often it flashes through my mind! I remember some of those batiks:)
LauraT
I love batiks - but then, I love any colourful fabric!
I would make that quilt in a heartbeat ... even though I'm not a big fan of paper piecing. It is fabulous and amazing! Oh be still my heart!
Wanda
Just wanted to say I love your blog. So much sharing and beautiful quilts. Thank you
Oh, I love the look of your batiks even if they are "older." Mine have to sit and mellow a while before they get used: I hate to cut into them but then love what they become when I do. And the pattern looks difficult but very interesting.
I'm glad I am not the only one that buys a pattern and puts it aside and most of the time I never end up making it. But, I do have a Christmas quilt that I am going to make. I have all the ingredients to make it, just need to get kicked in the butt to make it happen. LOL I never used batiks before but now am starting to love the way they look. I went shopping for some the other day but only went to Joann Fabrics and didn't like their selection. I am ordering some from Connecting Threads next week.
I love the pattern Wanda and the fabrics too- I have a couple of Judy Niemeyer patterns that are along the same line- One is the eclipse and the other is the sunflower one by her. I love pickledish or new york beauty type designs- it is one my some day list too.. The good news is that I know that I will never run out of fabric or patterns or quilts that I want to make in this lifetime - or more...I can see that you are not short of fabric or ideas either..VBG
Your cactus is still blooming too- so are ours - I keep expecting them to stop but they must love the north window in our house..I like the idea of writing down when they start blooming...
Regards,
Anna
You were smart to cut all those strips right away, and some of them are sure attractive to the eye, even now. I think I'd add in some that I like more and use as many of those as I could. I know it will be pretty no matter how you do it. I've never seen you make a quilt yet that wasn't pretty!
Wanda - I believe that is an early (VERY early) Judy Niemeyer pattern when she was working at the Quilt Gallery in Kalispell, Montana. I have had that pattern for years - also started cutting the strips from my "old" batiks but never finished it. Might have to take a second look at it - I even bought a set of acrylic templates when I was on vacation in Phoenix years ago!
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