Quilting was probably born of necessity –to keep families warm. Worn clothing and scraps were used by the majority of the quilters. But in the twenty first century, most quilts are sewn from new fabric, and are made to satisfy a creative urge. The Quilters at First love to shop for new fabric–a trip to a Quilt Shop is a mimi vacation. But we also congratulate each other on “reusing” and “recycling” … it is easy to go buy fabric but it takes thinking outside the box to reuse or recycle.
Some quilts can be made from “free fabric” that might be wasted. My definition of “free fabric” is fabric that was left over from a project for which the fabric was originally purchased. Of course, it cost something in the beginning but once the original quilt was pieced, there are always scraps remaining and they are “Free”. Commercial patterns almost always require more fabric than necessary. For example, the following two baby quilts were made from left over fabric originally purchased to make three other baby quilts!
“Stair Steps”. 36″ x 44″. $60. “Dot, dot, dash”, 45″ x 64″. $100
Scrap quilts refer to quilts that use many different fabrics from many different projects.
The greens, blues and neutrals were chosen from bins of scraps sorted by color. Why they were purchased was long forgotten.
This queen size quilt is 76″ x 80″ and is $250.
Some scrappy quilts are less color coordinated, but no less eye catching.
“Spring” is 60″ x 72″ and is $225
The fabrics used are bright solids and prints –Vicki was selective in choosing her scraps–no brown or grey or primitive scraps.
“Diamond Trip” used a wider assortment of fabrics but the blue square on point pulled the scrappy collections together. Measuring 60″ x 78″ , it is $125
Novelty monkey prints in flannel were used to coordinate the look in this scrappy baby quilt. $43″ x 46″ $30 SOLD
Well loved but worn, tattered quilts demand respect. Each vintage quilt was once brand-new but after years of use show their age. If they could just tell us their stories! Quilters have found ways to share the very last parts of these quilts with another generation. Shirley recycled a well loved quilt and a chenille bedspread to make these pillows and bunting.
The pillows made from a wedding ring quilt are 12″ x 12″ and are $25.There is chenille on the back side. The center pillow is chenille on both sides and is $20. SOLD The bunting with 10 pennants is $20.
Smaller pieces of the quilt were used to make country Christmas trees. The large one is $25 and the smaller ones are $20.SOLD
Quilters at First receive many gifts from families sorting and organizing their parents and grandparents homes after a life change. Most of the items are from a different time — lovely but not particularly current in style. Paulette repurposed these beautifully embroidered butterflies into a quilt more appealing to today’s shoppers.
The satin stitch on the body and wings of the butterfly is incredible.
.Paulette used a batik fabric and set the five blocks in a more more modern adaptation of a nine patch. I will wager the original artist did not imagine her butterflies in a field of batik. These repurposed beauties were not lost to the trash or hidden in a closet but will shine in a place of honor in someone’s home. Measuring 50″ x 55″, it is for immediate purchase for $175.
It isn’t always fabric that we reuse/recycle/repurpose! We have more quilts for the October Quilt Etc. Sale than we have ways to display them! A good dilemma… but how to show off each quilt? I found instructions for a “inexpensive” PVC pipe quilt hanger. My husband priced the needed supplies! Oops, I had forgotten about inflation. But when I was exploring the sub basement at Church, I discovered long pieces of PVC pipe that had been used to create a “Country Store” at previous Quilt Auctions. So after securing permission to use this valuable commodity, I ask my husband and grandson to “repurpose” the pipe into sturdy quilt hangers.
Four more quilts can be displayed; I only had to buy some t-joints and they are easy to take apart for transporting. Win-win-win!
They used everything but these two pieces. Very little for the landfill.
Quilters by large are a thrifty group. But the feeling one gets from creating a quilt or gift from “throw aways” is great! Come to the Quilts Etc. Sale in October to see all the ways we reuse, recycle or repurpose.
Quilts, Etc. 