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Saturday, May 26, 2018

What Is It? A Finish!

Anyone know the name of this applique pattern?
Some time ago, while going through yet more boxes of stuff from my mom's sewing room, I ran across a couple of odd blocks that obviously were her UFOs. This was one of them. I first tossed them into the trash, because really, doesn't it scream ugly 80s? Anyone sill have a blue fabric goose sitting around?

No matter your taste, this will not fit the decor. Sorry. 
But I do have a heart and my heart said, "Momma made this." And the next thing I knew the blocks were in my UFO bin. They languished there for a couple of years. Then I needed some handwork to take along with me while we traveled the Northwest. I decided to pack it, a little afraid it would taint yet another bin. We were almost home before I pulled it out.
Mom's zigzag edges are pretty raw, so
I let my own stitches do whatever they wanted.

Using embroidery thread from last century (much of it also from my mom) I hand-quilted it in big stitches. I decided early on that nothing could make the block worse, so there was a chance of making it better. 

The pinks of the 1980s...
there's no mistaking them!
I finished the stitching and put it aside to trim out and bind when I got home. It got forgotten. The poor, ugly little thing reappeared last week. And while I don't participate in the One Monthly Goal at Elm Street Quilts, I did push myself to get this finished. It's time, after all. So I'm going to put it in the next OMG linky party. (Assuming that I catch it in time.) Edited: I did it!
Afraid that the rotary cutter, might take out a few stitches, I trimmed it with scissors, found some red gingham, which matches in color but not in size, for binding. 

So it has a warped corner and there are several stains, but I'll hand wash it and maybe it will go on a wall somewhere. Somehow it's grown on me. See, I said there was a chance of making it better. Finished is always better!
Link Ups!
AHIQ
One Monthly Goal at Elm Street Quilts
My Quilt Infatuation (NTT)
Crazy Mom Quilts (Finish It Up Friday)
Busy Hands Quilts (Finished or Not Friday)
Confessions of a Fabric Addict (Can I get a Whoop! Whoop!)

6 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 26, 2018 at 7:37 PM

    Love this block....I really do, because it has such a great story!! So glad you didn't throw it out!! If this were mine, I would pin it up on the bulletin board in my sewing room where I could see it every time I am in there working on a project...and I know it would make me smile!!

    Sandra B
    scb304@juno.com

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  2. Karen SMay 29, 2018 at 3:18 AM

    How lovely to have finished this special block. Lots of memories there for you.

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  3. AnnMay 29, 2018 at 9:32 AM

    Lucky you to finish a memory of your mother. And you may be surprised when it comes back in style - about the time our great-grandchildren are grown. It's important to keep handmade histories in the family. Thanks for linking with AHIQ.

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  4. jenclairMay 30, 2018 at 1:25 PM

    It is a beautiful and unusual block that has such personal meaning. Congratulations on a great finish!

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  5. Mary MarcotteMay 31, 2018 at 11:08 PM

    Hi all, thanks for the compliments. Finishing this block was enjoyable. I really like handwork when I don't put pressure on myself to hurry.

    Two of my sisters have asked for it, so I'm even happier that it will find a home. The other sister will have to wait for another block. (But there's one waiting for the needle. Shh, it's a surprise!)

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  6. Patty June 3, 2018 at 10:21 AM

    How lovely to finish something from your mom.

    ReplyDelete

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