Kestrel Makes: That Project You Never Quite Get Around To

You know what I mean - that thing you think you are going to make, but never quite seem to manage to make the time for it?

For me, I have been planning to make a patchwork throw using vintage embroidered tablecloths from charity shops. I've gathered up quite a collection as often they are priced cheaply, and I think what a shame it is that no body seems to value all the work that went into making them.

The tablecloths I've used are all small sized ones with a range of patterns and designs. I first cut them out last year, but I've been envisioning this project for much longer than that. Now, with only time on my hands as I wait for the baby to arrive, I thought I should get on with it.

I've made the patch work top and cut a vintage sheet for the bottom. I just have to make the binding for the edge and this long-awaited project will be complete. It's shaping up ok, though I think that some of the cloths have more linen in them than others as some of the squares are looking pretty creased. They were also really hard to cut accurately, so there are lots of mismatched joins.

Who knows, maybe I'll even do some mending next - stranger things have happened...

K x

p.s Dot wasn't included intentionally, she just can't resist lying on anything I put on the floor.

16 comments:

ElleC28 July 2013 at 12:25
I have bought a lot of these pieces over the years, for the exact same reason. It bothers me that someone went to all the effort to embroider them and no one values them. Really bothers me. Good for you to actually do something with them, instead of keeping them in a drawer like I do.
Philippa28 July 2013 at 13:29
Aww, I love your cat! I defy anyone who seriously sews to say they don't have some of these projects lying around...there never seems to be enough time for all the fantastic things there are to make! I think your quilt will look very pretty and fresh with the materials you have chosen. Can't wait to see it complete! (P.S. I hate mending but I have forced myself to do it - see first post of my blog - and it makes you feel realshe happy when it's all done!!)
The Vintage Knitter28 July 2013 at 18:49
Ha! I only know too well! I've got too many ideas and not enough time :-(
I've also collected embroidered bits and pieces and thought of turning them into cushion covers, but they'd only end up grubby with Monkeychild playing with them and Husband using them whilst crashing out on the sofa! By the way, if you have a little girl you could use the embroidery to add to a cute sun-dress. This is an idea that I thought of and never got round to doing. Funny that, eh? ;-)
Anonymous29 July 2013 at 01:49
What a lovely idea! That sort of quilt would look so pretty and crisp in a bright spare bedroom. I may steal this one! :-)
Lucy in the Clouds29 July 2013 at 09:37
Aww I love Dot's belly :) This is a lovely idea, I always feel terrible seeing old embroidery abandoned in charity shops. I'm always tempted to buy it all but would only be hoarding so I have to be strict and stop myself!
Vix29 July 2013 at 14:38
I know exactly! My fabric trunk is bursting at the seams with stuff I'd bought with a specific idea in mind.
Love Dot's fluffy tum! xxx
Anonymous29 July 2013 at 18:15
This is so pretty! What a lovely idea!
Zoë30 July 2013 at 06:42
The table cloths look so pretty :) Your cat is exactly like mine, anything on the floor is fair game. I'll wait until she is outside to cut out patterns but I swear she can hear the rustle of tissue paper from miles away as she always appears as soon as I lay it out!
Kazz30 July 2013 at 07:00
What is it with cats and fabric?...I think your idea is fab and you're right about all that lovely work going to waste. Have fun.
Joy2 August 2013 at 20:33
Huh, reformatting all those old pieces of needlework is not a bad idea. We struggle knowing what to do with all the pieces we've inherited. Not that I'm going to cut into them quite yet! But abandoned charity shop pieces is another story.