Latest ‘Acquisition’!!

I’m so tickled to have found this amazing, super quirky quilt top!! Most sewists might have left this as a dresden plate only top, but the maker added these red and blue circles that make no sense. I LIKE IT!! I am so drawn to the craziest quilts and often think, ‘what was she thinking’? If only we knew! So, I make up lots of good stories! I like to think she might have been a Jayhawk fan (University of KS, located 3 blocks from me) and that possessed her to make those bold circles. HAHAHAHA!

Sadly, the year has ended with no March madness. I’ve slowly worked this out, grieved and I’m back to sewing. Tough for all the basketball fans out there, but worth it to stay safe and healthy.

I’m really excited to get this one on the frame. I have no idea how it will be quilted, but quilts usually start talking to me the minute they are on the long arm. Time will tell!

The fabrics in this one are 1930’s and 40’s and it’s been completely handpieced and embroidered with a buttonhole stitch around all the circles. It was fairly clean when I got it, but I’m giving it a day in the sunshine to brighten and freshen up. Did you know that the chlorophyll from grass mixed with sunshine will actually brighten fabric??!!! It really works!

I’ve often had my neighbors tell me they want to snatch up whatever they see on the yard. So far, no one has, but I do check out the window every now and then.

I give it about half a day on the front and then half a day on the back. The back of a top really tells the story. LOTS of hand stitching on this one!

I’m always on the lookout for a quirky quilt. Where do I find them?? Online, antique stores, thrift stores, estate and garage sales. Right now, online is probably the only way to shop. It can be done 24 hours a day, which can be a little scary when it’s 3 am and I can’t sleep! 😉
Have a great rest of your week! I hope if you are self isolated, there is some sewing in your day. I’m just now headed to my machine, but I really wanted to share what I think is a happy quilt. Since I won’t be teaching or traveling for awhile, I’ll try to do some more show and tell here when I can. QUILT ON everyone!!
Pamela Meyers Arbour
March 19, 2020
You really have my interest on this one! I am in a similar situation. I picked up some tulip applique blocks that were very primitively cut and appliqued. No two were the same size, fabric, background everything different but similar but I felt I needed to rescue them. Someone had taken the time to make these 13 blocks and for some reason they weren’t able to finish. Like you, I will be making up possible stories! LOL
Kelly
March 19, 2020
Ha, sometimes you gotta have a story! Good luck with yours too!
Elizabeth Adler
March 19, 2020
Thank you for a bright and happy quilt story! Because I have self quarented myself from Facebook for a while I really miss my quilt related groups! I have been making progress on the Guatemala quilt I am making for my niece! It has been a big job but I am happy with it so far! Pictures soon I hope, stay safe!
Kelly
March 19, 2020
Thanks Elizabeth! I don’t think I could give up FB for quilt reasons, too many great ideas and inspirations for me! It’s also a great community, especially during this isolated time. You stay safe too!
Mariani
March 19, 2020
Really cool and unusual.Thanks so much for sharing! Happy quilting everyone!
Kelly
March 19, 2020
You bet and it really is!
Diane Vankirk
March 19, 2020
Definitely looks like a KU fan had a hand constructing this quilt top!! What an exciting find, can’t wait to see how you quilt it and bring it to life!!
Kelly
March 19, 2020
It’s the first thing I thought! I’ll be anxious to get to it!
Red Willhite
March 20, 2020
That one is a real find and quirky is the best way to describe it. I do wish you knew the real story. After seeing the quilt turning at our quilt show I realized how great the stories are.
Kelly
March 20, 2020
Thanks Red, it is!! Stay home, stay healthy and happy quilting!!!
Judith White
March 19, 2020
Wait – you have sunshine?!?! And grass? Jealous
Kelly
March 19, 2020
Hahaha, sunshine just came today and yes, grass seems to be early too! 😉
Susan Skuda
March 19, 2020
Omg. Saw another in this pattern! Need to spend hours finding it. Looked like hazmat symbol.
Kelly
March 19, 2020
Haha, yup, it’s crazy and I’d like to know if it’s a real pattern!
Judy
March 19, 2020
Do you hear me chuckling? I’m sitting here wearing an old KU sweatshirt. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Kelly
March 20, 2020
HAHAHA, Rock Chalk!!!
Linda Frihart
March 20, 2020
Kelly, your chlorophyll bath reminds me that Barb Allen, my first quilt piecing teacher, told us that everyone needs a quilt bush. Why, a quilt bush is for drying your freshly washed quilts. Miss you.
Kelly
March 21, 2020
HAHA, what a great line! Miss you Linda! Hope to see you if there is a guild meeting in May, I’m scheduled for Pittsburgh! xx
Alycia Quilts
March 21, 2020
That is a cool top!! It will be so beautiful when quilted. I always love thinking of why things were done and your story sounds very plausible!!! Enjoy!!
Kelly
March 21, 2020
Thanks! It’s cool now and hoping for some added cool! 😉