Wednesday, March 27, 2013

50" x 60" or 50" by 70"?.......

My goal yesterday was lighter color blocks and more orange and red.  I also wanted to use the London print.
Now the decision is do I stop at 30 blocks and eliminate 2 or make 3 more to complete another row.  Since the blocks are 10" it is easy to calculate the size.
I decided to go through the final box of corduroy in the attic.  All of these are scraps from jumpers that I made for my daughter in the late 1960's and early 70's.  I also found some leftovers from a maternity outfit so the corduroys are 45-53 years old.  I washed them because they have been in the attic for over 25 years.  I didn't think I wanted to make another quilt with corduroy but I think I will now.  I will probably use the 8.5" squares like I did in the denim/corduroy quilts a couple years ago.  I probably have 30 different colors and patterns.
This piece of corduroy is 36" wide so I know it dates back to the 50's or 60's.  I don't remember it so I think maybe someone gave it to me.
The orange cactus is blooming.  There are 5 buds so I hope I get 5 blooms and that they don't dry up like they have done in the past.
 

27 comments:

Sewing Junkie said...

Isn't it fun to remember the garments you made out of old pieces.I have some fabric from the early 50's and I use it off and on to add to scrap quilts. It has moved several time, but I still have it. The blocks you mde sure add to the ovderall look of the quilt. Chris

Nancy J said...

Wanda, 50" x 70" a lovely size. And here I was, thinking I might be the master collector and keeper of fabric, and you pull out these lovely ones. Nothing as nice as that now, lovely to use.But I do have fabric from my wedding gowm and that is over 51 years old now. Cheers from Jean

Debra said...

Your quilt is looking fabulous I'd be making 3 more blocks. The London fabric is very cute.

Hannah said...

I'd go three more too. Looks great!

Gene Black said...

i really like that London print in the blocks.

I have never sewn corduroy.. but then I have only made shirts and one little cotton dress- I am not that much of a garment maker!

Anonymous said...

I vote to remove the 2 blocks with the bright stripes. I find them too distracting.

D. Falgiano

Jean said...

I bet you have some interesting corduroy! I have made several quilts with corduroy and flannel...nice combo for a quilt! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

LavenderBlue said...

Love these blocks! Third row down, the yellow in every block makes the row stand out to my eye.

Vicki W said...

Those corduroy prints are awesome!

patty a. said...

The X quilt just keeps getting better. I would make three more blocks. The corduroy is great! I remember my Mom made me a culotte jumper in navy corduroy with little yellow flowers when I was in high school. I wore it to school at least onece a week. I wish I still had it then I could reuse the fabric in a quilt. I wasn't a quilter until years later so I didn't think about saving that kind of stuff.

Elaine M said...

Love these blocks. I would make 3 more. Fun London fabric. Memory lane with the corduroy fabric. I had bell bottom pants out of the gold/green plaid in high school.

Pat said...

It had to be fun looking at all the old 50s fabric. I know if I had some left it would be bringing back some great memories. Your quilt is looking good. I love the peach cacti flower (or is it cactus). I have never seen one in peach before.

Nancy said...

What's another 3 blocks when you are having this much fun? It's going to be so lively and vibrant. I like the 50" x 70" size just because I like a clearly rectangular quilt vs. a square one. The 60" might be too close to square? Anyway, whatever you decide, it's terrific quilt!

Nancy said...

And PS- those plaid corduroys are just nostalgic. It will be great to see them in a quilt.

Elaine said...

I agree-3 more. It is beautiful. London is my favorite city (even more than Paris) so i love those red buses. Like it Like it Like it!

JJM said...

And even more stunning blocks today. As the British would say, "just BRILLIANT".

Those old corduroys sure bring back memories.

JJM

suemac said...

I say go big on the x blocks quilt.

didi said...

Wanda, when you make a corduroy quilt, what kind of batting do you use to keep it being too heavy? I've got a ton of corduroy too: I've resolved that I'll never again wear, let alone make, another pair of slacks without spandex, so there it sits, waiting for an idea of something to do with it!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I really, really like this X+ quilt! It is just so vibrant and colorful. I can see why you are making more blocks. Those are some interesting looking corduroys, too.

Cathi said...

The X+ quilt is going to be so fabulous I'd add the extra blocks and make it big!

Marei said...

I, too, love this X+ quilt and would do 3 more. I have to disagree with the person who said to take out the wild stripes! I LOVE those. Maybe stripes will find their way into one (or more) of the last 3 blocks????? The oldest fabric piece I have is ONLY 28 years old so you've definitely got me beat. :)

cottonreel said...

I read somewhere that you had met up with your friend Laura Wasilowski .
I recognised the name , I have her book ,Fanciful Stitches ,Colourful Quilts .I bought it last year .I love using felt . I'm going to spend the evening reading it .
When you have a lot of books they don't always see daylight as often as they should .Thankyou for jogging my memory.

HollyM said...

I love the latest lighter value blocks, especially the London print!
I remember 36 inch wide fabric and making corduroy jumpers for myself!

Linda Swanekamp said...

I have to say that when I first saw these blocks I was not a fan of the design or the color distribution seemed inordinately busy. But, your expertise and pushing the color have made this a jewel. Keep going on it. I would have never envisioned such a beauty if I was choosing colors and patterns. Bravo!

Patty Cramer said...

Wow Wanda, Again, one amazing woman!!! Does anyone know where to get wool for dyeing? I've been to Pendleton in Oregon, but no white or herringbone in sight. Please email me if you have a source!! otterpc@aolcom

Patty Cramer said...

oops, it's otterpc@aol.com....

Brown Family said...

Some of the corduroys look familiar! I may have made cloths out of those, too!