I've always had an affinity for quilts, just not necessarily for quilting.
Old quilts, in particular, talk to me, sharing stories of where they've been, the women who made them, the tough times they've survived.
I found this old quilt recently - it was being sold quite cheaply because there was some damage to it, but I loved the colors and the pattern and took it home, hoping there would be enough to salvage.
Surprisingly, there was remarkably little damage - a few holes and worn spots, but mostly near the edges. Some discoloration, but isn't that to be expected in something that's over 60 years old? We should all be in this good a condition by that age!
The quilt sat for a week or two while I considered it. I wanted to make a few stockings - I'm getting ready for the holidays in a big way, and though I'm not into country the way I'm not into quilting, there's also something attractive about it, especially when you add in all the emotional baggage of the holidays; it seems right.
I thought it was a great way to indulge in some country-themed items without going full-on, over-the-top into cheesy country kitsch.
I've done the stockings two ways - one, with the "JOY" applique, because it wanted that appliqued on it. The applique, and the reverse side of the stocking, are repurposed denim.
The second stocking is plain patchwork, with a denim reverse, and meant to be personalized.
After I finished a pile of stockings, I realized there was still quite a bit of undamaged quilt left.
That's when the bag bug kicked in. I like hobo bags. I like roomy bags that you can wear on your shoulder or cross body, with storage and pockets and a little cuteness to perk you up on a dreary day.
I decorated this bag with a jeans pocket on one side and an appliqued denim heart on the other. Both sides had a few embellished pink roses.
The bag strap is made from the waistband of the same pair of jeans that gave up its pockets to the cause.
The bag is lined in a cheery mid-century-looking pink, yellow and green print, just to cut a little of the sweetness.
Somehow, there's still a pile of quilt left on my table.
More stockings? More bags? More . . . something. I'll figure it out.
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