Well, everyone voted for this aged UFO as my next project. I'm not sure I wanted this particular quilt to be next, but...I may as well get started.
I began this log cabin quilt when I was expecting Jonathan in 1985. I got this far with it before he was born in November of that year, and it's been hanging on a quilt rack in our living room ever since....folded just right so no one would ever see the batting and know it was unfinished. Clever? or shameful?
Actually, this is the funny part...the pattern is from Eleanor Burns' Quilt in a Day book. In a day? Really?
See that large faded area in the middle that's been bleached by the sun? Most of the other fabric looks bright and brand new, but that spot that's been exposed to light for 25 years looks way old. So...is this quilt worth salvaging?
This week I've been thinking how to get started. It's tied in the center log cabin block (instead of being pin-basted). I have more borders someplace in the closet...but Sarah just told me she remembers using some of the borders long, long ago for doll clothes. Hmmm...
Well, let me figure out what's going on with this forlorn quilt, and I'll report back with some progress another week.
Other UFO-ers are over at Susan's place, Blackberry Creek. Check out their UFO progress.
p.s. If you don't ask, I won't say how much I didn't get done on the other UFOs this week--just resting from the conference!
~Deb
I didn't even realize it was faded. Maybe if you tea dyed the whole quilt, it would camouflage the faded area. Anyway, I love your quilt in a day. I hope you find a way to save it.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Oh it's lovely!!! I believe the faded spot adds character and charm, which is what I feel all quilts should have anyway:) It also carries it's own story. I hope you finish it, what a neat gift to pass on to Jonathan a one day.
Laura
Posted by: Laura | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 10:38 AM
I also meant to add that the vies from your deck is breathtaking. Hope you have a wonderful day :)
Laura
Posted by: Laura | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 10:42 AM
I didn't notice that it was faded until you mentioned it. Maybe it is more noticeable seeing it first hand. I wouldn't try to hand quilt this as it takes so long and will take you away from projects you want to make. Maybe you could use a "big stitch" and pearl cotton to give it a more casual feel. Good luck to you.
Posted by: Robin Booth | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Oh, Deb, I just laughed out loud when I read "quilt in a day!" That was just so funny, and SO like something I would do (as in a certain eagle cross stitch). I love the colors. Maybe you could just tie the whole thing and bind it like it is, no more borders on it? It would make a great quilt to bundle up in during the winter, or a picnic quilt in the summer, or you could finish it and refold it and put it back on that quilt hanger - feeling all better that it's done and not just folded strategically! ;)
Posted by: Susan | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 02:01 PM
How many days are in 25 years! Finis it the fastest way and move on.I give you credit for wanting to finish the quilts.I am guessing it has been moved about 4 times .
Enjoy the warm weather.
Posted by: Tammy | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Wow, it is quite faded! LOL @ "Quilt in a Day"...whatever! Who could do a whole quilt in one day? Well, I have a great aunt who can but she is the fastest seamstress I've ever known.
What I would do with it: tie it, and bind it. Use it for a picnic throw. Either that, or banish the guilt and just get rid of it!
Posted by: Tammy | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Even though I don't quite follow the technical details, I'd like to say that this is fabulous! Does the fading matter? I guess you'd have to see it up close to know. Good luck with it anyway.
What's your completed FO tally now Deb?
Posted by: Rose | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I always laugh at the "quilt in a day" patterns. I might be able to finish an entire quilt in one day if I didn't do anything else, but definitely not one that big. My goodness! What ever happened to truth in advertising? Good luck!
Posted by: Lynn | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 06:35 PM
Well, at least you're willing to tackle it - no matter how late. I'll look forward to seeing what you eventually decide to do.
Victoria
Posted by: victoria | Friday, March 18, 2011 at 10:52 PM
Great stories. Yeah, the whole "quilt in a day" think has always made me laugh, too.
Posted by: Stephanie in MIchigan | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I agree...tie it up, bind it, and use it for ourdoor activites. Has the fabric thinned out too where it is faded? Howi s Sarah coming along in her hand quilting?
Posted by: Joanna | Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11:08 PM
:) my first quilt that I did on my own was the same pattern... and it is all faded now too. You commented on my FMQ awhile back... well, my input is to get started on this one! (unless the batting is the fiber fill we used 25 years ago)... if it has a cottom batting it would be perfect to practice on and it would help stabalize those parts where the fabric may be weak from the sun dammage.
Posted by: Diane | Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 01:04 PM
Wonderful !!!
Congratulations!
Posted by: alexandrine | Sunday, April 03, 2011 at 02:20 PM