Repairs to a quilt

I've been sewing a new backing onto one of my quilts which I made in 2000, and I made this particular quilt in a hurry.  I had just bought an overlocker and wondered if it would be good for quick piecing of strips.
So I made loads of thin strips which I serged together very quickly and because I only had navy blue or white thread on the cones which came with the machine for some reason I chose the navy. Wish I hadn't now but I maybe thought at the time that I would be able to see what I was doing a bit better.

So the quilt has had some very hard wear and loads of washing with strong powder I suspect and the back had started to go into holes. The front had split at many of the seams so I had to decide to use decorative stitches on it just to save it. So it's now a saved 'vintage' quilt but I can tell you it's owner loves it to bits :-)

Close up of the baskets

I made all the flowers myself just using fibre pens and then appliqued them above the baskets. Some of the quilting stitches have come out but they were done using invisible thread so it does not really matter and anyway after so much time, the ghost of the marks still gives clear chevrons on the quilt.

So I have learnt a lot about how they survive and this will help me to improve my techniques. This last photo is the quilt after it's revamp, I hope it gives a few years more service and it may be used as a decorative hanging in future instead of on the bed!

Fleurs d'ete revamp

You may have noticed that I used one of the baskets as my logo for this blog so I have a soft spot for this quilt too and may even make another one like it for myself, if I do I will show you how it works out. By the way the photo was enhanced because the lighting was not good and the quilt was a bit dark, but the enhancement has made it too bright really so its more muted shades than this in the flesh.

Spring flowers

Aspidistra Flowers

I have a large aspidistra in my lounge which sometimes flowers in the spring and a few days ago I just thought I would take a peek incase and voila there they were. They are always very close to the earth under the stalks so they can be difficult to spot. You can just make out the second one in the photo with its back to you beside the right hand stem. Once there, they seem to last for a few weeks. I have never detected a smell but then I must admit I can't get my nose in close enough.......

My desk calander keeps coming up trumps with some beautiful bags and this was a very pretty one.

Antique patchwork bag

The bag dates from the 1920's and is described as crazy patchwork velvet with a ball closure. I think it is enchanting.

I had to go to White Stuff this week as they were doing a special one day with 20% off. I could not resist buying this top as it fitted well and white is so versatile, I only hope it stays that colour and does not go washing machine grey.....

Not sure I like the big label in the back though

I may need to unpick the label as it is quite noticeable and is pink with a pink velvet bow, it looks good on the hangar but the wearing of all that stuff against my back might be itchy.

A weekend in Glasgow

Reflections in Glasgow shop window

Last weekend we went to Glasgow to visit old friends. Whilst their, I did a little shopping or rather lots of window shopping....This one fascinated me and I had difficulty taking a shot because of the reflection but the whole shop walls were lined with ranks of old sewing machines. I went inside and could not believe it, there were hundreds of them on every single wall. Instead of taking an interest in the extremely trendy clothes I found myself mooching around looking at the different makes of machines and wondering why I did not see any Singers. Not surprising I thought as most of these must have been manufactured abroad and so did not hold their value hence their decorative use in the shop. The shop was on Buchanan Street but I had never heard of the name before and now can't remember it, my friend could tell me but she is in France at the mo.

Meanwhile, I am nursing a stinking head cold, I have had it about 4 days now and its time it left me...........