A blogging friend from http://patchofzinnias.blogspot.com/2012/01 , has started the new year with a 366 Challenge (leap year gives us 366 days you know). She intends to donate, gift, or toss out one item from her home for each day of the year. Doesn't that sound like a good idea?
I really try to keep the clutter cleared out; actually the most cluttered room in this house is Popa's office, and I don't dare clear anything out of there. lol
The challenge encouraged me to look through some closets where things had been shoved back. I found two old feather pillows with quills sticking out here and there and the ticking seams coming open, a little pink baby blanket with frayed binding, and two old pillow shams. On the bottom of the shelf was an old quilt stored inside a plastic bag. I remember putting it in the bag because it smelled like old crayons and I didn't want it touching anything else. When I got it out and smelled it, the odor was gone! Maybe a good wash and it could be used again, so into the machine it went. Now my washing machine doesn't know the difference between the delicate cycle and the regular cycle; it swishes just as fast no matter the setting. Imagine my surprise when I opened the washer and attempted to lift it out, and balls of cotton went everywhere! Parts of the quilt had simply disintegrated and its innards had spilled out!
Now this made me sad, because many of the little 1 1/2 inch squares were made of scraps from clothing I had worn as a child, and I even recognized some from Mama's dresses.
I cut off a section that was still intact; perhaps a little stuffed bear could be made out of it. But that would just be another clutter in the closet! I'll think about it ~~~
Can you believe this post? I must be desperate to write about a tattered quilt!
Charlotte, I have one in a plastic bag in my storage room. One my mother made and I washed and it did the same thing. I do not sew and can't throw it away...
ReplyDeleteOh, but what a special tattered quilt. I totally understand the "do not touch Popa's office" and the clutter there.
ReplyDeletemaybe you can make a small quilt out of some of it if it didn't all get ruined - a table runner, table topper ect?
ReplyDeleteKaren
It's still pretty, just pretty and tattered. Hope you can salvage enough to use for something else.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your feelings for this quilt; made by your mother, right? I like your idea of making a bear...would look really nice on your little white bed!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so sad when quilts filled with memories wear out. I have a few like that. I know whatever you choose to make out of the quilt will be a true treasure too. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a special tattered quilt.. I have one of those that my grandma made for me when I first got married.. I don't dare use it.. great post.. I Enjoyed it..
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny, Charlotte~ I don't care what you write about I'll still read it! *giggle*
ReplyDeleteIt is such a pretty quilt... would be a shame not to try and save it... *wink*
Oh I'm so sorry it fell apart Charlotte. I love those little patchwork quilts. I think you should try to make something out of the piece that survived. After all, how much space could it take up :-)
ReplyDeleteI love old patchwork quilts. You still have plenty of material to make something else, perhaps some patchwork pillows or a stuffed toy. I think that its neat that you've had it since your childhood. Just think of the stories woven into the squares.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week!
Oh I am so sorry about your quilt. Old fabric and thread can be so very fragile. I'm glad you were able to save a section of it.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww, I know how special this little quilt filled with memories of your little girl self has to be.
ReplyDeleteI'm just broken hearted for ya sweetie!
God bless and I hope the rest of your week is beautiful. :o)
No you're not desperate-I love quilt especially the parts you recognize from childhood!
ReplyDelete