08 June, 2007

My Adventures In The Attic, And Other Places...

Last Saturday I was hunting for something I thought might be in the attic. I didn't find what I was searching for, but I did find a couple of quilts! This one I made for my son in 1992, he had it stored in the attic with some of his belongings and I decided it needed a label and a good washing. This technique, Circular Patchwork, a version of "Cathedral Window" (or, more accurately, a modern adaptation of "Orange Peel") was popular at our LQS at that time, the pattern was created by a shop owner in Wytheville, VA. It's entirely machine done and has no batting, but rather a layer of muslin in the middle. After top-stitching the circles together it's done and ready for the bed! I made a series of these- another one I made for our daughter was an autograph keepsake quilt, comprised of bright pastels, her friends signed inside the frames with Pigma pens.


I carried this quilt to the laundry room and was considering how I'd make, and where I'd attach, the label when I discovered this: (horror!)
evidence of chewing along three of the edge circles. I suspected my grand-dogger, my suspicions were later confirmed; yes, she had "loved" this quilt a little too much in her puppyhood! I knew I could fix it, I saw this as a challenge and I immediately began planning a trip to "fabric mecca", it was time. Quiltkeemosabe and I usually make pilgrimages twice annually, it's located one hundred miles away and is ALL fabric in a store the size of a discount department store. People literally travel from all over the country, even by charter tour buses! I knew I'd be able to match these muted solids as the Kona Cotton selection is vast there. I began composing a list in my head of other needed items. Quiltkeemosabe was more than happy to accompany me, I knew she would be. Off we went, yesterday was the day! We had a lovely time, a great visit in the car to and fro, a superb lunch together and "goodies" to bring home and admire. All except for one, the star of the show! When I got home I quickly noticed the above pictured quilt was missing! It couldn't be, but yes, I'd left the tote bag with the quilt inside at our destination! I phoned. They had it at the front desk, they'd be happy to hold it for me. All I had was my three matching fabrics (and other treasures). I suppose in all the excitement (!) I'd left it on, or near, the cutting table there. Luckily, our son needs to go to a location halfway between here and there today, we've decided we'll ride together and go a little farther to retrieve "our" quilt. I'm already planning to pick up one more item I was deliberating on, but didn't purchase yesterday, a pretty piece of pink that will become a baby quilt backing... it's the least I can do. After all, I'd hate to "waste" a trip!

What about the other quilt I found last week in the attic?
Stay tuned!
~another post for another day~
Life is Good!

18 comments:

quiltkeemosabe said...

I can't believe you left the quilt there!!!! I had no idea! Maybe we were doing too much talking while shopping???? Too bad you have to go back to "that place". How awful for you! LOL Be sure you only pick up 1 extra item.

Flake said...

As soon as this story was told, my first suspicion was that there was a lot of talking going on.

Mama Spark said...

This quilt is fabulous. Was it difficult? It looks like it was. Your children are very fortunate to have such a talented mom. Where, exactly is this fab fabric shop located? Perhaps I need to make a road trip...

Shelina said...

This is a gorgeous quilt! I love the interplay of the muted circles and the variety of colors. Is it made the same way as my denim circles? I'm guessing that you first sewed two circles togehter and turned them right sides out. Then sewed on the straight lines, inserted the colored fabric, and then top stitched the flaps down.
I'm glad that you are going to fix it, and I'm also glad that you were able to find the coordinating fabric so you could do so.
Leaving the star of the show at the quiltshop sounds like something I would do.

Libby said...

A double crisis quickly averted and two shopping trips in the bargain . . . life is good *s*

Jim V said...

Okay, come clean Mrs. G. This was all just an elobarate scheme to go back there and buy for fabric....

His Office, My Studio said...

Love your sons quilt. I have a few quilts that have been loved my our dogs.

Enjoy your road trip!

Paula, the quilter said...

A fun relaxing day, a disaster in the making, a crisis averted. The makings of a great story.

meggie said...

Great post! How awful you have to go back~~haha.
BTW, I think that quilt is fabulous, love the colours, & the way it all sings so well together.

Quilting Memories said...

I can't believe you forgot such a beautiful work of art. I am so glad you were able to retrieve it. Glad you are "getting out" more.LOL
I'm sure you both had a great time. Hope to get to the LQS sometime tomorrow, although I don't know why I feel the need to go. I haven't sewed even a stitch since before we went to Las Vegas. I think the trip across Hoover Dam scared me so badly I can't
think!!!!
Oh, well I will get back soon, still not feeling too good, but some better.
See ya soon.

CONNIE W said...

Yeah, likely story. :-D

Tanya said...

What a beautiful, colorful quilt! I'm not sure I really understand how it was made, but it certainly is striking. I'm going to keep your picture on hand so that I can go back and check it out again when I want inspiration.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Oh goodness -heart failure at loosing the quilt and then happiness to know it was being held for you, safe and sound. Phew! It is a very interesting pattern. Last month I left Little Boy's special pillow in a hotel and even though I called every day for a week after we checked out - they never found it.

Sounds like you had a good trip and a happy 2nd trip in the making!

Cheers!

Evelyn

Teodo said...

This quilt is so nice and lovely the story.
ciao ciao

Gretchen said...

Hi,

I just hopped over from Quilted Together (Bonnie). Gorgeous quilt! Absolutely gorgeous, no matter who chewed on it! :)

atet said...

What a fun quilt. I did something similar recently for my own daughter using lots of brights! I used batting inside of mine -- but I like the thinner/lighter version you made. I may have to revisit this pattern!

Unknown said...

Two trips to a quilt shop in two days, it is too good to be true! I am glad all went well at the end though. And the quilt is worth all the trouble, very elegant and very suitable for a young man. Take care.

MARCIE said...

Great quilt! I think I would have been tempted to remove a row...