One of the things I love about going to guild is the different ways they approach fundraising. I’ve been to a couple of groups over the years that do an auction. “One mans trash is another mans treasure” is the mantra, and oh it is soooo true. Over the years you see what the ladies bring to Show & Tell and watch with awe how they articulate their color sense, their vision and their design skills.
Auctions can be an economical way to build up your own stash, or purge for a good cause if that is the case. At one of these auctions I bid on a set of quilt blocks. Did I want the blocks? Not necessarily, but a $5 bid would get things moving. Did anyone else want the blocks? Apparently not, as I won the bid.
These blocks stayed in my stash for a couple of years until I finally figured out what I would do with them. I didn’t necessarily want am entire quilt just for the holidays, but then it came to me!
When my husband and I travel with Grand Circle Travel or Overseas Adventure travel we bring a gift for the hostess of our home hosted dinner. I’ve agonized over what to bring in the past, but this last trip was an easy fix. If your having a meal generally you sit at a table, what easier gift is there to assemble than a table runner?! The one that I created for our trip has been delivered, but I did finish these two for January using those very blocks that I won at the auction.
This was my first attempt in many years to quilt my own work. It is a little simple, but I got the job done, and it looks pretty good.
Another place to adopt orphan squares is a block exchange. Once in a while there might be a couple of blocks where the sizing is off or the colors don’t quite go with its mates. These are perfect for table runners. That being said, I think I will continue participating in those block exchanges.
The place that I find hardest to leave the orphans behind are antique stores. These treasures are just begging for a home. Last time I brought these home. It is almost time for me to create something lovely out of them. But there are issues to consider. More on that in a later post.
My finishes for January are my two table runners. It isn’t all I worked on, but it is what I finished.
Fabric that left the sewing room in January in projects and donations to the upcoming Hospitality Guild Auction totaled 10 yards.
Fabric that came into the sewing room 5 yards of Kona White, and I have a specific plan for that!
What do you do with your orphans?
divadiversion 
What’s the 5 yards of white Kona for Mama Di?
You know when American Patchwork & Quilting magazine sends out subscription advertising? Often they will send a “free gift” as in a pattern. This one is “Now and Later”. Truly this is a no brainer piece perfect for a beginner, or someone that just wants to sew mindlessly. It is all rectangles and squares, shown in 30’s prints, and that is exactly how I’m doing my first one. I’ve cut up all of my 30’s prints that have been hanging around (some of the fabric dates are 2002), and decided to give it a go. I’ll post when complete.