Thursday, August 13, 2009

book of inspiration


Sometimes it's only about the fabric.... it's not fancy but, I like it.

I got this quilt back today from Linda, who machine quilted it for me. I made this the last day I was in the city before we came to our house for the summer... I had yards of vintage brown/orange/gold fabrics, that all vaguely went together...

They made me so happy looking at them.
First because I want a dress made out of each of them...so my colors!
And second because they remind me of my grandmothers house. Her wall paper, the couch slipcovers, and upholstery...

I had a very real dream last night that i was back in my grandmothers house, and I cried because I was so happy to be there... then I woke up. drat.
So it's funny that I got this quilt back today. Linda, by the way, did a fabulous quilting job, and has made the quilt a lot more special when you see it up close.... Gorgeous feathers, and vines and leaves... I'm so pleased with it...

This book inspired me to make it in the first place.

Calico & Chintz, Antique Quilts from the collection of Patricia S. Smith.

Very simple, some whole cloth quilts, Simple but with Incredible fabrics... patterns that have withstood the test of time, Quilts that look modern now, even though they were done in the 1800's. I pour over this book, and is often the first book I go to for inspiration.
This was the quilt that hit me... Two fabrics, simple, great quilting. Straight up. Nothing better.


My fabrics may only be for the 1970's but, they do indeed capture and essence of my grandmother, and for that, I declare this quilt a success.

I did have to add a little zing to it... I remember these lamps g'ma had made out of bottles in her home. They were turquoise, gold, and a little bit of orange in the pictures depicted on them... this backing fabric sort of fit the bill...


Speaking of Vintage fabrics. I won a giveaway at Craftfarm!
I'm so blown over by the wonderful fabrics, I may need to pass along the good fortune.
Perhaps another charity quilt to pay it forward.... Will have to think what it will be...
***

Do you have a book that you find yourself going back to over and over again for inspiration?
Please share with me... :-)

13 comments:

  1. I keep turning to Liberated String Piecing by Gwen Marsten for those pictures of fabulous antique string quilts from Nancy Ray's collection. Lovely, lovely, lovely. fun vintage fabrics -- I've got some of that sort in my stash too.

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  2. Wow - that IS a beautiful quilting job! I love the backing fabric, too. So bright and happy! Nice work!

    I don't have a favourite book that I keep going to. I'm always on the lookout for great patterns and ideas.

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  3. I used to go to my books, the few I have, but now I have so many idea churning around that I have no shortage of inspiration.

    My latest book purchase though was The Quilter's Book of Design by Ann Johnston.

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  4. Other than my sketchbook where I jot down ideas as they come to me, my latest purchased inspiration book is called "Japanese Quilt Blocks to mix and match". I love how the blocks don't look fussy even when they are complex.

    What a nice memory of your Grandma!

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  5. What a terrific quilt that will help to create new memories. Funny, I often have dreams about being in my grandmother's house and often feel sad when I awaken. On the book front, I have tons of books that offer up inspiration at any given time. I couldn't say that I refer to one over the other.

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  6. I go back to Gwen Marston's Liberated Quiltmaking over and over. In fact I picked it up last night, opened it and read at random. It is always an inspiration.

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  7. oooo... your "grandmother" quilt turned out perfect. I love that you made the backing like the lamp.. that is just the kind of thing that makes it really special.

    I want to see the original size picture of the 70's stash you won. I know I have some of that same fabric here. :-)But is doesn't really look like your style. LOL!

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  8. Glad you received the quilt V. We're on vacation now, so I won't be posting for a bit. I was going to try posting from my phone, but it's not working, can't get a charge. Enjoy your quilt.

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  9. oh, i love it. and the zingy backing makes it so you! love love love this idea...simple fabrics, simple pattern, lots of quilting...just my cup of tea. now if only i had some larger chunks of fabric laying around... :)

    as far as books...i own very very few quilting books. but some of my favs are denyse schmidt, of course. and kaffe fassett. (i have about 6 of them out from the library right now.) love to soak in all that goodness. over and over and over again.

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  10. The book I go to over and over is, the very first quilt book I bought, Judy Martin's Scrap Quilts. I go to it to just relax, mellow out and get renewed. Then start working on again on what ever my current project is.

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  11. For mr it's always back ti 'Quilting' by Diana Lodge, which looks at the traditions of quilting and traditional patterns. Must find you a copy, I think you'd love it!

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  12. I love that you made a quilt only because it reminded you of a loved one! That is so precious!
    As far as books that are inspiring, hmm, there are so many I flip through. I guess my focus right now is to get better with quilting, so One Line at a Time by Charlotte Warr Anderson has been a book I have been referencing a lot for quilting inspiration.

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  13. Ooh, I like the book.. and that fabric on the back really adds zing. I love it!!

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