Saturday, March 06, 2010

Old and New

Since I'm easily distracted, I started a new project. The Alliance for American Quilts' contest this year is themed "New From Old," which is my favorite creative approach. The deadline for 16 x16 entries is May 31.


I'm working with a vintage handkerchief and a transfer from an old holy card. I'm going to use some of my vintage trims as well. Here you can see my silk ribbon spiderweb rose swag is studded with old pearls from a broken necklace. I threw in a few new ones too.


I remember buying this handkerchief at a garage sale in the 70s. I've always liked old things. This one is stamped with the original owner's name: Olive Welsh. I love that detail, and will make sure it shows.



I also made this apron, which is a hybrid from a few patterns. The pocket shapes are copied from an old apron that my grandmother wore. The Scottie dogs are reproduction fabric, but the pockets and sash are vintage fabric.

Don't you love that scallop?


And here are some lovely towels to match. If you'd like to win these and even more beauties, check the Operation Pillowcase site. There is a gift basket giveaway and all you need to do to enter is make a few pillowcases for soldiers serving in Afghanistan. We are currently collecting pillowcases for a unit of 500 soldiers, so we want to encourage lots of contributions. See the site for details.

Have a wonderful weekend. I'm so glad it's finally here.

8 comments:

Kay said...

This is perfect for you. You're off to a great start!

Rian said...

B, I'm so glad to see you working on another Madonna piece, which is stunning already, and excited for you entering the AAQ contest! Best of luck!

The apron is so fun. I can just see you serving up little cocktail weenies in that!

beth said...

Lots of inspiration here today! lovely!!

Judy S. said...

Awesome! Good luck on the contest, Barbara. I love the apron too and the towels as well. Do you have a source for the towels that you've embellished?

Debra Dixon said...

Totally love the new Madonna piece, of course! Great way to showcase her image and the hankie.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

This hankie is really beautiful. I love the flowers you added to it.
Take care
Maggie

Amy Milne said...

Barbara, thank you so much for making a contest quilt and for spreading the word! It's gorgeous and I'm a hanky collector so this especially floats my boat. All the best and thanks for the Alliance for American Quilts.

Magpie Sue said...

Your old hanky into a new quilt is off to a fabulous start. I know of two bloggers now who are making entries for this contest. Seeing the quality of their work just confirms that I made the right decision in staying out of the running! You have given me further motivation for making pillowcases however ;- )

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