IT'S ALL ABOUT RECYCLING

Browing through some local op shops through the week (one of my favourite occupations) I came across some beautiful old cotton hankies, in perfect, clean condition - some were 1940's florals, some soft pastel checks, some solid colours. It was interesting to think about who had owned them - when my mother passed away last year I came across a box of beautiful hankies in a dressing table drawer - she always carried a pretty hankie, (and always insisted that I did the same thing while growing up - I even remember tuck shop money tied into the corner of a hankie), and this collection reminded me so much of her. Coincidentally, I bought a copy of Country Threads magazine, which features a Sweet Baby Quilt made from old hankies. So I took home my find, soaked them in NapiSan, dried them in the sunshine, spray starched and ironed them, and cut them into 4" squares. The only sad thing about the cutting was that I had to cut away some beautiful scalloped edges and lace trim. So I now have a neat little pile of pretty squares, all ready to stitch together into a baby quilt .. hopefully there will be a grand daughter in my future, and the quilt will go to her.

I will keep you posted on my progress.

I also have a wonderful, ever-growing collection of embroidered tablecloths, doilies, tray cloths, embroidered hand towels etc. which I have been adding to over the years. I am currently looking for inspiration so that I can make a quilt using the best of these pieces - some have holes, some have stains which just will not budge, and some are simply wearing thin in spots. I will go through some of my magazines and hopefully find some inspiration.

My hexagon collection is coming along nicely as well - I have had tables at a few local markets recently, and take along my scrap bag so that I can stitch some hexagons while relaxing in the sunshine - I love these markets, love chatting to the browsers. and any stitching I do is sure to attract a few fellow quilters to my stall! The photograph above shows my progress thus far - some of these scraps of fabric have been hanging about for many years - some of them bring back fond memories of holidays, and some serious Fabric Acquisition Road Trips through the years!

Take a look at my eBay site, julesandme07 - I am going to be selling some fabric, vintage laces, books etc., you might be interested. Also remember my web site www.julesandme.com - interesting baby clothing, nursery items and some bits and pieces for Mum as well.