Friday, January 08, 2010

That damn patchwork

Last night I dreamed I had a baby, and I wasn’t pleased. Come on – I’ve done it three times, that’s enough for anybody. I realise now why I had that dream. This is it…

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All this staying inside because of the snow, all this enforced separation from my slackline, a woman can write only so much, a woman can play only so much sax before she is sick of the sound of Misty. And that’s how it happened that a little voice said - “Wouldn’t it be nice to make another patchwork…all those lovely fabrics, all those vibrant colours that aren’t WHITE.”

I’ve said here before that making a patchwork is like having a baby. You forget just how awful those sleepless nights and midnight feeds and tantrums at 2.a.m. were, how boring those wet afternoons with a toddler who isn’t well enough for playgroup and yet is well enough to want you to play at fire rescue (actually, what am I saying? – I love pretend play…OK I am getting distracted now). The point is that however delightful babies and children are, there is an awful lot of tedium in bringing them up, and that’s how it is with patchwork. The last time I completed one, I said – NEVER AGAIN. And I expect that that is exactly what I am going to say when I have finished the one I have just begun.

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7 comments:

  1. Hi Sue,

    I love the pics of your last patchwork quilt and was even inspired to try and make one myself!! Sooo do you cut up squares or triangles and stitch them together or stitch them to a white cloth first or what?? Lol!!

    Luv

    Shafia

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  2. Hi Shafia, I cut up squares or triangles and stitch them together. There were a lot of white patches in both those last two quilts - it is a traditional Shaker design.I use a machine as I am far too lazy to sew them by hand. Then when I have the finished patterned patchwork sheet (that is visible on the September post photo) I lay it on top of some lining stuff (last time it was alpaca and cotton mix) that I get from the patchwork shop, and that is laid on top of a piece of fabric such as a good cotton sheet, or half a duvet cover.So it is three layered. Then it has to be bound with strips of fabric. You could use an old blanket as lining if you wanted to. Good luck! I'd be really pleased to answer any further questions, but I am not an expert. Just a keenie who has taught herself. x

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  3. Hi Sue,

    Thanks for that, I sprained my knee a few weeks ago and it is taking FOREVER to heal, my parents are going on holiday for 6 weeks tomorrow, and with this awful weather I'll have alot of time on my hands to start a quilt!! V excited at the mo!

    I'll let you know how I get on...

    Cheers, Shafia

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  4. Hi Shafia, I'm sorry about your knee - I know what being immobile is like - hugely frustrating.

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  5. Anonymous2:45 pm

    Such beautiful fabrics. I can't count the number of times lately that I've wished I'd paid more attention when my grandmother wanted to teach me to sew (especially) and bake bread. She could make me a beautiful dress for school (maybe not trendy for the 60's) without even using a pattern! All she did was take my measurements and voila! a new dress. Maybe I should try sewing again?

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  6. Yes - you definitely should try again, Ruth. It is such a wonderful feeling to have made something tangible and attractive.

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  7. Anonymous1:08 pm

    Timing is everything I've heard, so it probably accounts for my husband looking at me like I'm nuts (more than the usual look) when I casually said to him ,out of nowhere, as we're both almost asleep, that I want to learn how to sew. It's been on my mind for a long time, but I've never voiced it out loud, and it even seemed weird to me that I said it. I haven't sat at a sewing machine since 1971 when I HAD TO for a school project in 9th grade. I can just imagine how good it would feel to make something beautiful....:)

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