A while back the lovely Susan of Canadian Abroad was looking for a new home for some fabric that was 'ugly' She was happy to send it to a new home knowing that someone else might use it. I honestly didn't think the fabric was ugly. A bit muted, floral and old-fashioned perhaps, the sort of thing my Granny might favour, but definitely not ugly. I told her I would use it to make a charity quilt.When the fabric arrived I couldn't believe how much she had sent me, and I actually really liked one of the prints. I'd had an idea brewing in my head for a sweet baby quilt and thought these fabrics might be perfect.
Last night I sketched out a quick idea and this morning persuaded my daughter Hannah that she might like to help me make something for charity. She was all for it and got straight to work.
I showed her my sketch and explained my idea and she totally went for it, and laid all the bits out, just the way I'd pictured.
I've already fused the uglies to the white (whilst ironing the school uniforms) and while I was doing that Hannah was worrying that there might be a little boy that needed a quilt too. With only the tiniest bit of help she has designed a quilt, and chosen the fabric she thinks would be best. I've promised her I'll make a quilt for a little boy using her design and fabric choices.
Isn't it great what can come from ugly fabric :)
Thankyou Susan x
it's wonderful what can come from 'ugly' fabric. The wonderful thing about those floral fabrics is that actually, they're pretty timeless....whereas the much more 'attractive' boys fabrics below are likely to date when those colours are less in vogue.
ReplyDeleteBoth of those quilts are going to be gorgeous!
I think fabrics are rarely truly ugly - it's just our tastes change. I went to a craft open studios a month or so ago and there was a room full of quilts but despite incredible workmanship all the fabric choices were very old fashioned - more the sorts of fabrics around in 1980/1990's. Unfortunately they tended to make the quilts look ugly.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really lovely post/story.
ReplyDeleteOne man's meat is another's poison! So true even for fabric!
ReplyDeleteThat is going to make a gorgeous quilt! :)
ReplyDeleteBoth quilts are going to be adorable! I could use some help from Hannah in designing my quilts :)
ReplyDeleteAww they're not uglies, I'm doin my whole hexie quilt out of prints like those! lol Love what you're doing though, and very impressed wee one joined in so happily!
ReplyDeleteYou clever old stick - you got the 'vision'! x
ReplyDeleteFab quilt and another great designer in the house too - move over Fiona!
ReplyDeleteSusan is amazing - I have her `ugly` rocket fabric which I plan to make into PJs for my son. I love your design and so wonderful to see your daughter helping and designing too. Those `uglies` are suddenly looking quite beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLovely idea! Those elephants are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased you have a use for those FQs. The thing about fabric is once you have a mental block about it there is not much chance you will use it. I was there with the stuff I sent you. But it looks lovely now! Love the designs of those two quilts. They are going to be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a mother & daughter team!! Go girls! Love those cute elephants. Jxo
ReplyDeleteWell done Hannah!
ReplyDeleteLove the 'ugly' fabric - I adore the elephants! Hannah is so sweet to think of a boy who might need a quilt, she's a credit to you! I can't wait to see how the quilts develop! (P.S. Are you very good at drawing or did you trace Elmer?!)
ReplyDeleteHannah's design is fantastic! It was so sweet of her to think of a little boy needing a quilt. :)
ReplyDeleteThe quilts are both fantastic, Hannah is clearly very talented and thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteAw, bless Hannah's wee heart! What a lovely, thoughtful child wanting to make a boy's quilt. I think these are going to be fabulous projects!!
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