01.11
Back in Brunei again, back to the sewing room and making another version of a hornbill wall hanging that I sold just before Christmas.
A few days ago, Traci, one of my Facebook friends asked if anyone did English paper piecing and it reminded me of the unfinished ‘Grandmother’s Flower Garden’ quilt that I probably started over thirty years ago. She was keen to see a picture of it so I dug it out of the cupboard so that I could photograph it.
In my opinion the top looks better in the photo than it does in real life but I was surprised at how enthusiastic people were about it and everyone who commented said I should finish it. When I look at it, I see the fabrics and they are so different from the batiks and hand dyes which I love to work with now. I don’t like a lot of the colours and patterns and some of the fabrics aren’t even 100% cotton. Back then, however long ago it was that I started it, there were no shops selling the wonderful quilting fabrics that you get now, at least there weren’t where I lived in England. Quite a lot of the fabrics in the top are ones that I bought for dress making and then others were bought whilst traveling and living in various places overseas.
Floral fabric bought in Morocco many years ago
Many of the blocks bring back memories of living in Morocco and first time round in Brunei, travels to California, Malaysia and Indonesia.
This was dress making fabric bought in California and I remember making a lovely Vogue patterns full circle skirt and top out of this.
As time went by I started buying fabrics specifically for quilting and so these fabrics have also found their way into the quilt, so it really is a patchwork quilt in the true sense of the word.
This fabric came from the Philippines
The problem with trying to finish it off now is adding more blocks that are in keeping with the original ones, but then maybe that doesn’t really matter as it is already such a mixture. Another New Year’s resolution: to finish this top, my other is to try making some of my quilts on a larger scale.
My original template set from all those years ago
Of course the cats are attracted by the bright colours and it didn’t take Millie long to spot it and make herself comfortable.
Millie quick to choose her spot.
Quilter Blogs & Store Search
I have at least 2 grandmothers garden quilts, I know 1 has a black background , they are lovely . If you browse my blog you will most likely find one–cottonreel
I,m joining you as a follower ,it,s easier to find you . Would you care to join me———–cottonreel
I made one of these years ago. I still have it around someplace, I must have made it 30 years ago also (before I knew what I was doing so lots of puckers) good luck on finishing
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
It’s beautiful!! I think you should just keep going like you were and not worry about what the fabric is.
Keep going Anne, these are quilts to treasure just for the memories -otherwise I know a museum which would love to have something like this (Ryedale folk museum).
Wonderful quilt! I love the flowers. I made a king size GMFG when I first discovered EPP. I have been addicted ever since. I now run a workshop where we do EPP projects all year around. 8o)
You can visit the home page at
http://program.quiltcampus.net/004QC/
I would love to have you join us. 8o)
cindy aka MsDesigns
Thank you everyone for commenting on my Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt, it’s surprising just how many people have made or started one of these in their time. I will try and finish it and I will keep it out in my sewing room rather than put it away to be forgotten in the cupboard again.
Cindy I enjoyed looking at your web site and the lovely designs that you have come up with for using English Paper Piecing, very inspiring and perhaps once I do finally get this one completed I’d be tempted to try one of them.
Sounds wonderful Anne. I look forward to you participating in a future workshop. 8o)