Sometimes a prized collection is difficult to display, and so it needs to be carefully stored, if possible in a small vintage herringbone suitcase.
Such is the case with my collection of quilt blocks and pieces.
They would be easy to display if someone would actually sew them into a quilt. That doesn't seem likely, at least any time soon.
These were a gift from my friend Patty. I'm a lucky person to be her friend, and not just because she's generous with the vintage quilty stuff. You should visit her Etsy shop. Probably you should have visited it earlier today, before I did, because I purchased some of her lovely vintage fabric. If you live near her, you can pick up your purchases and say hello to her wonderful son and play with the impossibly cute puppy.
(I'm taking a moment here to reflect on the incredible cuteness of that puppy.)
The suitcase also houses the prettiest nine-patch squares in the world.
Unless these are the prettiest nine-patch squares in the world. I could be persuaded either way.
Even though these stars are a little oversized and awkward, I love them because a) they belonged to the mother of my beloved aunt, b) the fabric is incredible and c) they were intended for something really lovely that, for reasons that will never be known, didn't quite come together.
An autograph quilt.
Sailboat squares made of a nautical print. Should I ever be a grandparent (note to God: Someday. But not anytime soon. Please.) I think I would be motivated to stitch them together.
Some Sunbonnet Sue pieces made by my grandmother. I think everyone who had a grandma who ever picked up a needle and thread inherited a few Sunbonnet Sue patches. I find them charming, but I am aware that some quilters find them reprehensible. Everyone's entitled to their opinion.
In their current state, my quilt patches are quite useless and out of sight. They serve no particular purpose. That does not make them one less bit beautiful in my eyes.
You don't have to explain the purpose of a suitcase like that..you just open it up and get a feel good! (I have a similar herringbone suitcase, but mine is full of Christmas reflectors). I love the autograph squares and the old fashioned names.
Posted by: laurie magpie ethel | October 05, 2012 at 10:37 PM
Oh, but they DO serve a purpose - they bring you joy when you take them out and sort them and admire them again and again. It is why we collect! And I think you have given them the perfect home in that vintage suicase.
Posted by: Kathy | October 06, 2012 at 01:40 AM
Oh dear, very green eyed monster here! I think it is very cute that they are in a suitcase, must be a lovely surprise each time you open it.
Posted by: Hen | October 06, 2012 at 06:30 AM
Your quilt blocks are a joy to behold! I truly envy you. Pretty soon there won't be anything for the rest of us quiltaholics, because you have found it all!
Posted by: Kat | October 06, 2012 at 06:54 AM
I think they are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous B - we all have collections like that - its nice to know you have them tucked away to look at and share with us! Have a great Canadian Thanksgiving weekend LOL
Posted by: Jewels | October 06, 2012 at 06:55 AM
I love your Grandmother's version of Sunbonnet Sue! She added a little extra embroidery to make them special. All the other quilt blocks are lovely too!
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | October 06, 2012 at 03:15 PM
I should be so lucky to have a few of these gorgeous pieces. Perfectly housed in a vintage suitcase. These are with the right person. Beautifully done....smiles...Renee
Posted by: Renee | October 06, 2012 at 07:58 PM
You have a Midas touch - or should I say Vintage touch - with everything. Your visit was too brief for my liking. Indiana and Chad anxiously await your return!
Posted by: Patty | October 06, 2012 at 10:26 PM
I'd be tempted to open that suitcase every other day or so, and just gaze at all of that prettiness!
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | October 07, 2012 at 02:38 PM
Wow...I scrolled through this a few times just to make sure it sunk in. Beautiful!
Posted by: melissa | October 07, 2012 at 08:01 PM
Someday (but not anytime soon) when you become a grandparent, maybe we can all get together and have a quilting bee. I know we'll all be carrying vintage luggage...
Posted by: Into Vintage | October 08, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Oh my!! Such a beautiful quilt pieces!! I could spend hours looking at all these pretties! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | October 17, 2012 at 06:12 PM