Bridging generations

Last summer, my friend Tami surprised me with this gorgeous stack of vintage quilt blocks.  They had been pieced by her Grandma.  Neither Tami or her Mom sews or does any quilting, so she wanted me to have them.

Such pretty blocks in shades of blue with white polka dots and white with a tiny red pin dot.  It didn't take me long to know I wanted to make something special for Tami with some of these special treasures.

I started piecing 4 of the blocks Tami's Grandma made together & added a red with white pin dot border.  That red fabric is also vintage, but only from the 1970s.  I did some hand quilting since I'm sure that's what Tami's Grandma would have done.

Of course, Fluff had to help me...such a good kitty.  Tami loves kitties, so I knew she wouldn't mind.  

Each stitch made me feel connected with a quilter from the past...and honored to be able to use Tami's Grandma's quilt blocks.

I added some white with red pin dot fabric for the back & mailed this pillow off to Tami.  She has received it so I can share it here with you.  I'm so happy I was able to thank Tami for her wonderful gift by making something special for her.  That's what friends are for, right?  Thanks again, Tami!  

One of my Collections...

I admit it...I'm a collector.  I love certain things & love to have them around.  I also love to use the things I collect...I'm thinking that gives them a certain redeeming social value, no?

 

One of my favorite things to collect is fruit & vegetable shaped stuff.  If these fruits happen to have a cover...like a sugar bowl or little fruit shaped container...all the better.  Another passion of mine is bowls...fruit shaped or otherwise.  See those bananas in the corner...they're bowls.  I hate the smell of bananas & can't even bear to be around someone eating one...but I do love how they look.  The watermelon & cantaloupe bowls are favorites, too.  The peach is from a way too long layover in the airport in Atlanta...and my Mom had lots of fruit shaped paperweights that are now living happily among my other fruits.

 

Each of these fruits has a story...and it makes me happy to remember where & when I acquired them.  The pineapple in the back is actually a tropical drink vessel that I talked the owner of a favorite Chinese restaurant into selling to me.  A week later, we planned to go to dinner there & the place was empty...it looked as if they closed down in a hurry.  Every piece has a story.

 

This shelf is in our living room...the bright colors add a bit of whimsy to the bookcase & the fruits are in easy reach when I want to use them.  My vegetable collection is spread out in various cabinets...but is well loved & used. 

 

Do you have a collection of favorite items?  Do you use them or simply display them?  Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Valentine Humor 1950s Style

While looking through some Vintage Valentines, I came across this card from my Dad to my Mom from while they were dating.

That's a big rhinestone glued to the front of the card.  Now here's the kicker...and proof of my Dad's sense of humor.

You can just barely make out his "Ernie" signature at the bottom of the Valentine.  I do believe that this was the Valentine Dad gave to Mom the month before he proposed...on St. Patrick's Day.  I had never seen this card before and I wish I had been able to show it to her before she died.  I wonder what SHE thought about it?  How could she resist such a "romantic" guy???

Happy Almost Valentine's Day...hug those you love & tell them you love them.