A few years ago I saw a listing on ebay for some very unusual appliqued squares. Although the squares were listed as quilt blocks, I suspect they were originally a hand stitched child’s book. The edges were finished, and they had obviously been well-loved. The motifs were blanket stitched, but because the edges had not been turned under, the fabric had begun to ravel, especially in the letters. In spite of the condition issue, the lot sold for what I remember to be an astonishing amount of money, probably because the designs are so darn cute.
From the listing pictures I could tell that these blocks were not constructed using separate pieces, but rather from one printed novelty fabric. I saved the listing photos anyway, because I wanted to draw new patterns and try these in some combination of applique, crayon and embroidery. I loved the idea of the shadow.
I drew all the patterns, and put them in my huge “To-Do” file where they have been languishing ever since. Then a couple of weeks ago, I saw this photo included in an ebay listing for almost 5 yards of vintage 36″ wide fabric, and I freaked.
There are 11 repeats of the 10 toys, which is more than enough for me to make a quilt and also a little book similar to the one on ebay. I think it was so clever of the original maker to turn this fabric into a book. The fabric itself is some kind of cotton blend; it’s a good weight (not heavy like a drapery fabric) and is tightly woven, but the weave itself is unusual and it has an almost linen-like feel to it.
Here are my first 6 blocks which will be about 8″. I used the amazing glue technique on the fabric edges, cut them out and blanket stitched them to the background fabric. I think I will save the tiny alphabet blocks for the book, but I plan to use some of the wooden bead strings in the quilt. Although I really like the background color in the fabric, I decided to use an off white because I want to set this quilt with scrappy alternate blocks in primary colors. Oops — I forgot to stitch the little dog’s tail.
Wow, WOw, WOW!!! Just wonderful! I want to grab a quilt of this along with my Mr. Rabbit and relive my youth!!!! 🙂
You find the best vintage pieces. And create something wonderful with them.
Not only do you find the best stuff, you MAKE the best stuff with it! This is too darling for words!
Your amazing work reminds me of this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson. (great Ebay find too!)
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow–
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all.
He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see;
I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
Martha, what a wonderful find. Love all of them and looking forward to seeing the finished quilt. 🙂
That fabric is amazing, and what you did with it, even more amazing!
Oh Martha! I can just imagine your joy at finding this fabric. Kudos to you for keeping pics in your inspiration file..and for seeing that this fabric is exactly what inspired the original blocks.
Your stitching is perfect, as always. What a wonderful score! 🙂
What a fantastic find! Your blocks look absolutely stunning!
Again I find myself blubbering for words! Surely you must be gifted with more than one pair of gifted hands to be able to shop the web, write a blog, and create such beautiful treasures.
Martha, Those blocks are so cute and your work is amazing, as always.
What an incredible find. I absolutely love these sweet vintage cut outs. Glue technique on the edges? I’m not sure I know what this is!
What a great fabric find. I love the little blocks.
I really enjoy reading your blog but for me I wish the the font was a little larger…hard on the eyes.
Those are just too cute for words! Lovely stitching too!
Would you consider doing short tutorials on your blog for the basic embroidery stitches? I’m sure I’m not the only one that could use some help.
Love the poem, Jane — thank you!
I’m way behind in reading your blog, so have spent the afternoon catching up. I love, love, love your posts–all of them. But this one stopped me in my tracks. What a great story to go with the great fabric find! You continue to amaze me!
Absolutely so adorable. It brought me right back to my childhood. How I wish Icould do what you do and have the fabric of course to do it. Keep on finding these great items to share. Will look forward to seeing it finished. Thank you for sharing.