Surprise Finds in the Quilting Room

It probably won't come as a complete surprise to anyone that I accumulate way too much stuff. And because certain friends and family know of this tendency, I'm given important things to keep. I am ill-equipped to say no to this stuff. (Actually, I'm a push-over.)

For example, late summer '24, my cousin Sam gave me a couple of tubs of his mother's sewing and quilting items. I adored my Aunt Margaret (Aunt Maggie, as we later came to call her), and I was eager to see what treasures I would find in her little stash.

I've been through all her stuff, and I have dealt with one rather major quilt. I loved how Blue and White Ohio Stars came together - she had some of the blocks finished; I used her fabric to make the rest.

 Now to the present. On Tuesday when Sharon was here sewing with me, she caught sight of the corner of a project piled under my sewing table. Unfamiliar to her, she asked about it. I, too, was curious (I don't regularly sort these piles!) and so I pulled it out.

What a little treasure trove! This little tree has a decidedly 1980s vibe, wouldn't you agree?

 Margaret made several of these little wall hangings/table toppers. I have one; my mom has one. This was unfinished - only the bottom seam needed to be sewed up, and then I added some minimal top-stitching or quilting. While watching TV later that evening, I adorned it with red buttons. 

I am not sure where I will use this little treasure, but I will certainly find a place for it in my Christmas decor.  

This little tree is just one of several items in that pile of stuff. Here's a couple more of Aunt Margaret's goodies.

This holiday-themed Jacob's Ladder measures about 15" square. It was entirely finished, and again, I will attempt to incorporate it into my decor this year.

I just love this simple basket block. We must have had similar tastes, because I actually have some of the outer fabric in my stash. Aunt Margaret hand-pieced this block, and so I think I will hand-quilt it with big-stitch quilting. Here's a close-up of her stitches.

Never, ever will I finish every project that crosses my table or comes into my possession. Endless. That's the sewing list I have. Maybe all quilters have endless project lists. No complaints! I love keeping busy, but I fear I have far too many.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne