Monday, June 2, 2014

Vintage Fans

Not being able to ever have my hands idle, I was looking for another project to fill in time until I can get back to the wedding gown quilt which needs to have the label embroidered onto the backing before I go to the next step. That will happen after my little embroidery machine comes home tomorrow from a service visit to the shop, nothing bad fortunately just a regular CLT! That's Cleaning, Lube and Tension check.
I went searching among my "project boxes" and found these vintage fans that came from an estate sale a few years ago. Hand pieced, there were thirty four fans all missing outer corners, along with some extra blades.
I was able to piece together six more fans - by machine, I am not that much of a purist - for a total of forty fans.
Then using off white Kona muslin from stash I cut forty outer corners and sewed them on. However there was no extra fabric for the small corner pieces, so I will have to look for something appropriate when I visit 35th. Ave store later this week, surely I can find a retro plaid that will blend in.
Along with the fans etc in the project box, I found this pattern saved for a possible design choice for the quilt.
Serendipity, would you believe this pattern requires exactly forty fans for the body of the quilt!
Hmmmmm, I don't think I ever  counted the fans before nor did I read the directions below, I just liked the picture, serendipity indeed!
Regretfully I doubt I am able to duplicate the pieced border so that it looks age appropriate, perhaps I can find an alternative while shopping for the corner fabric. Any ideas, suggestions?
It makes me happy to know that I will shortly have another WHIMM [Work Hidden In My Mind] off the shelf and onto the "completed" list!



4 comments:

Gari in AL said...

What fun. And amazing that the pattern fell into your hands at just the right moment. Right now I have no ideas for you for the border but I'll bet it will come to you, just when you need it.

Heather said...

I do like that setting, I considered it for my fan blocks as well. I'm glad you enjoyed my quilt show, more to post on the weekend. I did put up Mister Linky a few minutes ago, if you don't mind, I'll add your link to Needlework Tuesday.

Tami said...

What a fantastic estate sale find! I love that you are finishing them into a quilt and honoring some strangers work. Can't wait to see the finished quilt.

Sherrie said...

Hi Roslyn,
What a find! It will beautiful when it's done, no matter what fabric you choose. Have a great day!

Sherrie
Food for Thought
http://100sweets.blogspot.com/2014/06/needlework-tuesday.html