I'm Back! And I have a new project!!!

OK - honestly, I never left Brissy...just took a break while we had guests for a few weeks. I could have been a tour guide, if only it didn't involve interacting with the general public.  With family and friends, I love it!

But on to my new project!

For years, we have used a summer quilt my mother made.  I has to be 20 years old at least...if not older.  Of course, the only time it was truly a "summer" quilt was during our time in Alaska.  In Houston and Australia, it has been the "all year" quilt.  It has become soft and supple with age.  No more stiff fabric.  Much used and loved.

And now it is starting to wear in a couple of spots and unfortunately, the fabric is so thin, I can't sew it together with any hope of saving it. 

I consulted a fellow quilter who suggested sewing fabric on top of the existing pattern.  That way all I have to do is match the fabric.  There's a long shot...as old as the quilt is...the fabric is at least 3-5 years older.  I have no idea the pattern name or even which state Mother found it.

After much internal debate, I've decided to stick with the pattern but turn it into a patchwork quilt.  I am going to get a much used and loved t-shirt with a cool design on it and patch the one quilt block.  Nope the colors won't match and nope the fabric pattern is nothing close to the existing pattern.  But I decided Mom would be OK with that.  It is an heirloom but now it will have not only her touch but mine also.  And if it really looks bad or I stumble across the fabric someday, I can always undo it.

The next problem is getting started.  My last big project (moving my recipes online) has blazed along at approximately one a month and that's only because I want to use a specific recipe.  I have quilted before but it has been a long time and my eyes aren't as good for small stitch work as they used to be. Plus, I sew/quilt when it is cold or rainy or gloomy, etc.  It's an inside affair.  Not something to be done on beautiful, sunny, 70 degree weather days. (Down in the low 40's this week at night...Perfect!)

So far, I have postponed it by doing both normal and unusual chores around the house.  For example, Tuesday I vacuumed the inside of the car.  Yesterday, I sacrificed and had a delicious lunch of beer and chips with a friend in CBD and people watched.  Today I washed the car by hand and had coffee with the girls.  Alas, I am running out of things and will have to start soon.


Maybe there's some laundry...