Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Linen's Quilt (aka Retreat Quilt)

This is the "Linen's Quilt". This is just the working title but it is also known as (aka) the Retreat Quilt. It is the quilt I drag to every retreat with the intention that maybe I will finally get it done. I usually take it out, look at it, and put it away. Well, I thought if I hung it on my design wall, maybe I would finally get it done. It has been there for a week now.


The blocks are basically done, it just needs to be put together. All the blocks are different sizes so it takes some effort to figure it out. I took this class from Jo Crabb in Liberty, MO at the Liberty Quilt Shop. Unfortunately they are no longer in business. It was a great shop. Julie Kiffen was the owner and what a nice person she is. Jo Crabb is the best too. I miss them.
This block with the embroidered Belle was on a very worn out pillow case. The embroidery thread had rotted and the fabric was very thin. The crochet was in great shape so I carefully removed the old embroidery thread and fused some very fine inner facing to the back of the fabric. You could still see the holes where the embroidery thread was so I re-embroidered it and now it is as good as new!
There are dresser scarves, doilies, pillowcases and a table cloth in it. I have 2 Friends that did finish theirs and put them in 2 different quilt shows and both of them won "Best of Show". It is a great way to show off your old Linens that otherwise would be sitting in some drawer somewhere and then when you are gone from this world, a relative will give them to Good Will or use them as rags!

13 comments:

Rebecca Halley said...

Very nice Kerri! I have similar embroidery/fabrics in my UFO pile too. It will be interesting to see how you finish this-Rebecca

LouAnne said...

Kerri: this is SUCH a great idea. I can relate to figuring out how to put different size blocks together. I have a still unfinished fireman quilt I started for my grandson when he was born. His room is now decorated with baseball memorabilia, so, when I DO get the quilt put together, I guess I'll keep it for a future great grand..... Also, I have a lot embroidered linens here and was going thru a drawer the other day and found even more. My Mum was a prolific embroiderer and I think I'll use your idea to put some of her pieces together!

Maureen said...

Kerri, I think you should really get that done! It's really going to be pretty and so soft looking. Maureen

Colleen said...

Wow! That is a lot of hummingbirds. I only have a couple and they're very territorial about their feeders.

I love the linens quilt too -- great idea for using up all those cool old doilies and things.

Terri Lee Takacs said...

I collect old linen and have many ragged pieces. This is the BEST idea!!! Thanks for sharing it!

gocrazywithme said...

Kerri, it's beautiful and deserves to be finished. Great way to preserve old linens. I have some pillowcases that I embroidered as a child. Not well done, but sentimental value....

Gerry Krueger said...

I started buying old linens years ago and made a jacket, a dress, and 2 vests and have lots of linens left over... this would be a great way to use them all... I'd never thought of putting them on calico to show off the edges.. Thanks for the idea

Gerry K.
Spokane Wa
http:olderrose.blogspot.com

Pat from Florida said...

This is really a lovely idea. I have old linens my grandmother made. This would be an excellent use for them.

Thanks for sharing.

Judee said...

You are inspiring me!
judee

NickiLee said...

Oh!!! I love your idea! I have dresser drawers full of pretties like these that were made by my grandmother, Aunts and some I've been collecting. I love how you have them all ready to be sewn together and can't wait to see what you do to them in the end.

Unknown said...

Kerri, this is a great quilt. I have a drawer full of old linens ... hmmmm.

Thearica said...

This is a fabulous idea! I have a drawer full of my mothers old linens...You have truly inspired me!

Thearica said...

This is a fabulous idea! I have a drawer full of my mothers old linens...You have truly inspired me!