The 4:25 p.m. Pacific Northwest....

departing Chicago....heading west..come ride with us

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

From the somewhat distant past...

Standing here in mid 2007, something done in the early 1990's seems like a long time ago. In terms of vintage quilts, it's not. But way back before the Orphan Train Heading West became a reality...there was this one. It's obviously(hard to miss that)a orphan block quilt top. A really UGLY one!! And it's mine...Finn's.
And it's NOT that I'm bragging, I'm claiming responsibility for it. But I don't love it...or even like it. I just wanted to use up those blocks and parts. So I sewed and sewed and added fillers til I got to double bed size. And then I passed it on to the missionary ladies, thinking it would be fine for a homeless person, etc. They accepted it, graciously....lucky me...it was gone!
But of course what goes around, comes around. About 6 years later, my friend Jean told me she had a top from her mom(one of the missionary ladies) that she wanted me to look it. She had a feeling maybe I had made it, and if so,did I want it back?? Well you could have knocked me over with a feather. There all folded up and rumpled, stuffed in a brown paper bag was my really UGLY Orphan block quilt top! I had thought maybe they could use it for a backing if nothing else...but apparently not.
Seems I managed to make a quilt top that was TOO UGLY for even the missiionaries!!! So I have it back with me...and it's a good story and a good joke on me...LOL Shall I sandwich it and either tie or machine quilt it?? Can I stand looking at it long enough to do that??????? Any opinions?? *VBS*

11 comments:

Holly said...

What a funny story, Finn! I don't think this orphan quilt is ugly at all and I'm a former missionary kid (MK) and I know if I had been given that through the missionary cupboard I would have treasured it. Those missionaries just didn't know the value of what they had :) which often is the case because they are out in the boonies and out of touch with what's "in". I, for one, am glad it made it's way back to you! Whatever you decide I know will turn it into a loved quilt :)

P.S. My quilt looks great on your blog. Thanks for the post and the mention :)

Jeanne said...

Finn, you have me laughing here! Not because the quilt looks funny, but because your story is. LOL This sounds like something to send to Readers Digest. Now that this quilt top has such an interesting story to go with it, you almost have to finish and keep it, don't you?

Barbara C said...

This poor quilt is a survivor. She has really earned her batt, back and quilting.

Carol E. said...

I like it! There is something just yummy about orphan quilts. I agree, those missionaries didn't know a good thing when they saw it. Finish that baby up and let someone love it to shreds (preferably you).

MARCIE said...

That is so funny, Finn! Does that go under the "no good deed goes unpunished" label?

Magpie Sue said...

What a story! Can you talk yourself into believing that the ladies just put your top aside for later when they received it and then never got around to it? It truly *is* an orphan! I agree with Barbara: it deserves to be sandwiched and tied or quilted. Maybe tying it would give it more personality and make it more endearing?

Elaine Adair said...

The story deserves to be on the label, and you just MUST get this finished. I heard this story some time ago, and it has remained with me. Who woulda thunk?

The quilt is no longer ugly, when you put the story behind it.

Mama Spark said...

I think you *have* to finish it and give her a place of honor in your home. The story makes it beautiful! I bet a child would love it. I used to sleep under a crazy quilt from my grandma and spent many a night trying to find fabircs that matched or choosing a favorite only to find I had fallen asleep looking. It is a memory I cherish. Your orphan could be "that quilt" for a child too!

Henrietta said...

I agree with Holly, I don't think it is ugly at all. I am sure it got put aside for 'later' and maybe passed on to another for 'later' as such things do until it got lost in the bag. It is fate that it came back to you at a time when YOU have time to pick up the thought and send it back on it's interrupted journey.

BIG HUG

Fuzzy White Dogs said...

I agree with Mamaspark - the quilt could provide hours enjoyment for a child (or adult) looking at different fabrics of the quilt. I remember doing that as a child too!

If you don't want to keep it yourself, you could give it to your local Women's Shelter. Many women arrive there with only their children & the clothes on their back. Having a hand-made quilt could mean a lot to them (especially if you include its story on the tag, since they probably would be feeling unwanted just as the quilt did.)

Anonymous said...

Hi,
Your quilt isn't really ugly, but if it didn't please me, I'd take it apart and turn it into something or some things I did love. And if you don't want it, I can certainly find a home for it-- Mine! LOL Jennifer C in IN

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