Wrapping Up the Old Year

I'm wrapping up 2013 with a finished doll quilt top.  Last Saturday I picked up Crib Quilts and Other Small Wonders by Thos. K. Woodard and Blanche Greenstein at the library (I have this book at home, but not in my current location) with no intention of starting anything new.  That evening the hubster had 'control of the controller' - we have very different TV viewing interests.  So, what to do?  Start cutting from the meager strips I have with me for a doll quilt that caught my eye earlier in the day!  The stars were invisible when I was piecing (had to squint real hard), but they stand out in this photo.  Unfortunately, I didn't have enough of a light fabric that I could use as a constant.

The Variable Star inspirational quilt is on pg 26.  It was made in the second quarter of the 19th century.  The dimensions are given as 41" x 38", but this must be a misprint.  The quilt is 13 x 9 blocks (a difference of 4).  That would make the block size under 1" which would make for very different dimensions.  My block units are 1" making the pieced area 13" x 9". 

I did a little staging on a doll bed I picked up earlier in the year.  The mattress is a cocktail table book and the bedshirt is an orphaned lace doily picked up at flea markets/yard sales.  Don't you hate to see those bins of handwork jumbled together with a $1 tag?  The quilt top will be too small for this bed, but it looks great by the Christmas tree.

I visited the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL last week.  The properties were all dressed up for the season. 

Edison's Library

Christmas Tree in Edison's Home

Ford's Maid's Room

Thanks for stopping by and visiting with Jan and me this year.  We love to read your comments and appreciate your enthusiasm for and support of our shared passion for antique textiles.

From my home to yours - "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Owie

The other day I was watching an episode of Sew Many Quilts, and I remember thinking, as I have before, that the safety glove they wear seemed kinda silly.  It looks so cumbersome, and awkward.  Monday afternoon, I had been cutting long strips for a baby quilt backing - no problem.  When I cut the first of the short strips at the top of the photo, I cut into the side of my fingertip.  There was't any blood visible on the blade so it didn't seem too bad.  Then I ran my finger under the faucet - ouch - to see the damage.  It really isn't awful, but the side of my fingertip, and fingernail, were sliced off.   My first, and hopefully last, rotary cutting incident in 25 years of quilting!  At the off-hours clinic, I did learn that a cut like this heals from the outside in, and should be kept moist, and covered until completely healed.  Also, that running the cut under tap water for 15-20 minutes is as good as irrigating with saline, OR mix some wound disinfectant into a glass of water, and soak for the same amount of time.  I really hope none of you need this information, though!

When I got back home, I checked to see if I could still cut with a giant forefinger, and it was no problem.  Get back on that horse!  But, maybe, that safety glove isn't such a bad idea now.