Thimbleanna

Birds in the Air

Poor, poor little neglected blog. It’s been so boring here lately that there hasn’t been much point in blogging. Not that nothing has been happening — it’s been very busy, but there just hasn’t been much blog-worthy to report. Lots of cleaning, errand running, cleaning, visiting, cleaning — with all that cleaning, why doesn’t it look much cleaner around here? That drives me crazy — you work and work and work and things still look much like they did. At least there’s a big pile of garbage in the garage to show for the efforts. Too bad the pile isn’t bigger.

One little bit of excitement happened this weekend when MeMum and I put one of her antique quilt tops on the basting frame. I’d forgotten how much work it is to baste a quilt. We could just quilt it on this frame, but she has another quilting frame that tilts, which makes the quilting a little easier on the back.

Red Quilt

We basted for a few hours today and there’s still a bit more to do. There was a little debate over whether we should quilt it at all, but in the end, we decided it might help protect the quilt. This is a very old, hand-pieced top. Some of the seams aren’t even 1/4″ wide, which makes them pretty fragile.

Red Quilt

It’s been a fun basting job and I’m really looking forward to the quilting.  I love looking at all the different fabrics.  There are several pieces that were cobbled together — I always think that’s a fun thing to see in an older quilt.

Red Quilt

And there are two or three tiny holes.  We’ll be doing a little research in how to best handle their repair as we do the quilting.  I’m looking forward to working on this quilt — I hope we finish it in this lifetime.  Our basting has been so slow, I’m beginning to worry a bit!

Red Quilt

Alas, another weekend gone.  They always whiz by.  ;-(  Have a good week!

XOXO,
Anna

35 thoughts on “Birds in the Air”

  1. Your quilt is a treasure! I enjoyed seeing the poverty patching amongst the wonderful piecing. Was your MeMum the creator of this quilt top, or was it from family? I think you’ll only be glad for quilting it! Thank you for the peek ~
    :-}pokey

  2. Now that is a treasure of a quilt – is it a family thing – did I miss that in your post? First off I admire that you are even doing the hand quilting – that’s what the quilt deserves but I’d have to do the machine quilting cuz I don’t hand quilt – you rock sister. Isn’t it amazing how time does fly by – holy smokes hubby has been retired almost 11 months – WOW seriously it’s gone fast – most days LOL.

    Looking forward to seeing you in KC – Hugs – Me

  3. I was having similar thoughts about cleaning this evening and finally had to remind myself that my home doesn’t have to be perfect and I don’t have to do it all now. It’s hard to let it go, especially with two cats shedding like crazy.

  4. What’s more fun than having a mother who shares a love for quilts! I’m not sure if I would have the patience to restore an antique quilt, but it’s beautiful! Especially love those little imperfections!

  5. I know what you meant about cleaning and cleaning and some more cleaning, and still, the next day it looks like it’s never been clean at all. I think I need one of those door mats with the words “The house was clean last week (sorry you missed it!) ;).
    Your mum’s antique quilt is gorgeous. Are you going to quilt it together?

  6. Wow, that looks like a real labour of love.

    And I am almost at the stage where I think there is no point in cleaning, as it will look the same as it does now within 5 minutes of the girls coming home, but I will feel resentful. If I don’t bother, I may stay in a good mood. Right? If only life worked like that!

  7. Oh wow Anna, that is a beautiful quilt. How nice for you both to do this together, and I believe you’ll get it done.

  8. So beautiful. Is it 1870-1880? Love the fabrics, especially the shirtings. Aren’t we lucky to have mothers near by? I know what you mean about quilting that top but it needs hand quilting right? And I do agree that quilting it will preserve it best. Can’t wait to see it finished.

  9. A women work…… hmmm!! That is one amazing quilt, and one amazing basting job. When it’s done it will be such a treasure. If only that quilt could talk…the history—wow!!

  10. Maybe you can convince sweetie pit to come visit for a long weekend and get her to help with the quilting? It’s a great opportunity to learn, take pictures, create memories… ;p

    it really is beautiful. :P

  11. Why, oh why, do weekends fly? You are so fortunate to be able to share this with your mom. It’s a lovely quilt in every way and it’s going to be a beautiful heirloom. :)

  12. So love that pattern and, the fact that it’s an antique quilt makes it even more lovable! ;o) I read you about nothing worthy to blog and yet busy! So love the way you bake and decorate. Gosh, I feel as though I’m reading a Martha Stewart post! Everything is so lovely! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!

  13. That is a lovely quilt! It is such a great fabric study and that red is so rich.
    I thought the time crunch was just happening to me, how is it going by so quickly?

  14. What a lovely old quilt, you need to draft in more quilters and have an old-fashioned quilting bee:) I wonder what the history of the quilt is – I take it that it isn’t a family piece?

  15. What a great project. and your doing it with your mom, that’s even better. I can’t wait to see it when you girls are done. I bet you can’t either. lol

  16. What a challenge you’ve got ahead of you! I’d say you and your mom are dedicated quilters! Can’t wait to see the finished project.

  17. Looks like a very labour intensive way to baste…but I bet the results of doing it this way make it worth while. The quilt is lovely and I think it is great that it is being finished…wouldn’t the quilt-maker be thrilled.

  18. That is a labor of love! And how fun to be able to do this with your mom! I can’t wait to see the finished quilt. :)

  19. It is wonderful that you and your mum can work on the beautiful antique quilt together.

    Every stitch will be worth it when you see the finished quilt. :)

  20. Love the shoes, the fabric and drooling over the cake. That is a very interesting quilt y’all are basting, how old is it?

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