What are blocks from the past? Just an euphemism for UFOs – unfinished objects that have been long forgotten but have recently been put into a beautiful quilt. It’s also a reference to how my tastes in quilting have changed over the years. I have a number of UFOs that are based on more traditional blocks and traditional fabric that don’t appeal to me anymore. I’ve been taking them out and trying to finish them – sometimes as is but sometimes I try to change a few elements, add a wonky sashing or an off-grid layout. This quilt is one of them.
I’ve been part of an online quilting forum – formerly part of GardenWeb, but now part of Houzz.com – for many years. The wonderful quilters in the forum are responsible for almost everything I know about quilting but they are also responsible of most of my UFOs :-). The participation has dwindled over the years but I always find inspiration, suggestions and fresh new ideas in the group.
I won these blocks in a block lotto in 2009. Since then we went through a remodel and a move to a new home, and I had “lost” these blocks in the sewing room. The pattern is called hole in the barn door. The “hole” nicely frames various red floral prints. There were 20 blocks. I put them together 4×5 and added a border that echoes the “barn door” part of the block pattern.
I did an overall flowery, swirly design for the center and a swirl chain along the borders. I wanted the quilting to blend into the center flower fabric – so I used a red thread for quilting.
The quilt goes to my aunt, Kanaka. I was able to give it to her when I saw her last month on an unexpected trip to Chennai. My aunts were a big part of my childhood – each of them has influenced me and made me what I am today.
Linking to all the usual linky parties:
Main Crush Monday @ Cookingup Quilts
Freemotion by the river
Midweek Makers
Let’s Bee Social
Good Morning! I am 100% sure your aunt is going to just love this quilt. I really love how you finished it off, with the frame around it and the cornerstones. Your quilting is impeccable and the red thread really makes it shine. It looks so nice and squishy – I can feel all the quilty goodness through the screen. Happy Happy Tuesday to you. ~smile~ Roseanne
Vasudha,
This quilt is the best of spring and winter in one gorgeous project. Love the red floral centerpieces. Flowers are so reminiscent of spring but since the overall scheme is red and white it is a perfect Christmastime quilt too. I am jealous of your FMQ skills, but you will forgive me for that, won’t you?
Love,
Preeti.
So interesting, to add those colorful fabrics in the middle of your churn dash blocks. Your border quilting is especially beautiful. Such a nice way to say thank you to your aunt.
I’m having the same experience right now – pulled out a quilt from six years ago, which is not my style anymore. And using up fabric for donation quilts that doesn’t appeal anymore either. I guess we all go through this.