I grew up with the term "redding up," which probably is familiar to anyone who grew up in western Pennsylvania. My mom said it (and still says it) all the time: "I need to redd up the house," or "I'm redding up the attic." It's the same as tidying up. Putting things in order.
I'm in an all-things Pittsburgh mood this week, so I did some redding up. Sorted through the bin of fabric scraps. Considered getting professional help for my inability to throw away the tiniest scrap of fabric. Found this little quilt top, which I forgot I had. No, it's not enough that I have my own unfinished projects. I collect other people's unfinished projects, too.
So it went in the "out" pile, and now I'm wavering. I don't think I'm quite ready to part with it. But I'm hoping I'll be in an all-things-Pittsburgh mood next week, too. I'm hoping I'll be reflecting on yet another glorious Super Bowl. Either way, I'm sure I'll have more redding up to do.
Happy Super Bowl Sunday! Go, Steelers! (And Bruce? The halftime show? I can only think this may be the greatest Super Bowl in NFL history.)
Now, let's not be hasty here! It's not a fabric scrap, it's a QUILT TOP! There's a BIG difference here. That thing screams SPRING!!!, so how could you possibly get rid of it? Please do something with it, it's too sweet! There. Have I talked you out of it? Oh, and GO STEELERS!!!
Posted by: Carol | January 31, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I'm glad I'm not the only one who collects other peoples unfinished projects!
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy | January 31, 2009 at 10:42 PM
I don't want to talk about professional help for people that cannot part with even the tiniest scrap of fabric. Last year I managed to give away an awfull lot of fabric to the goodwill center. And now I keep on searching. I must have that piece of fabric somewhere...after 5 boxes...or did I give this piece away???Mmm perhaps a fabric catalogue would be the answer. I'll make one if I have a few spare hours (=never). Happy Superbowl Sunday. I'm going to check whether I can see something on one of our sports channels over here.
Posted by: LiLi M. | February 01, 2009 at 05:00 AM
I love this post. One of my best friends growing up used to "redd up" the house for her mother!
I do feel better that I'm not the only one who collects other people's unfinished projects to keep mine company! Would a local quilter's guild take the top? Some take discarded tops and make quilts for the needy or crib quilts for the NICU. Are you sure that won't go in your new bedroom?
Posted by: Tina in Duluth | February 01, 2009 at 07:35 AM
It's so beautiful! Send it to me! Just joking. How about doing a giveaway, so I can throw my hat in the ring. I completely understand, as I am also addicted to fabric. Love your blog.
Posted by: Leslie | February 01, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Oh I agree a givaway would be good :) Or the ebay/etsy route. It is lovely.
Posted by: Gail | February 01, 2009 at 12:51 PM
As soon as i saw your pictures, my thoughts were the same as Carol's and Leslie's. Gorgeous little quilt panel!
Although i can imagine the organising of a giveaway on your blog might be more trouble than finishing the actual project itself. Can you list unfinished projects for sale on Etsy? :o)
Posted by: whit | February 01, 2009 at 01:39 PM
It's a lovely quilt top and so is your blog.
Posted by: Phyllis | February 01, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Hello! This is my first time visiting your blog and I truly enjoyed reading your posts. You have beautiful things and we share a love for crafting - embroidering in particular.
Also, I have fond memories of Pennsylvania as years ago I spent several summers in Philly and loved the people and the food, so I will be back often to visit and think of those lovely times:)
Posted by: Sarita | February 01, 2009 at 09:22 PM
Redding up, Pennsylvania... that makes me think that it comes from an old-fashioned dutch expression: we call the same thing "redderen"...
I love that little quilt. Gingham and flowers, I would never have thought of that combination, but it looks great!
Posted by: Geertrude | February 02, 2009 at 03:05 AM
Congratulations Champ!!
Posted by: Tina in Duluth | February 02, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Redding up! That phrase pops up in my family, too. I grew up about an hour north of Pittsburgh, and just across the state line in Ohio.
However, non of us are great housekeepers, so we don't redd up or even say "redd up" nearly as often as we should. ;-)
Posted by: Janelle | February 02, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I'm not a blogger but enjoy reading others. Your commentary on "redding up" took me back to my roots. I was born and raised in Wilmington, DE., and it was a common phrase at our house. And I think I have the same compulsion as yourself in that I feel I need to rescue projects in progress from thrift stores, etc. Keep writing. I enjoy your jottings.
Posted by: Karen | February 02, 2009 at 10:40 PM
oooh such pretties!
if you send the quilt top to me, i will finish it for you????!!!
Posted by: susan | February 05, 2009 at 11:04 PM