Sunday, March 22, 2009

Every Quilt Tells A Story

I'm a firm believer that every quilt tells a story. And, this could be the reason I have such a difficult time parting with my quilts. :-)

Here's a story about a flimsy I finished this morning!


Once upon a time in a place called "The Surface of the Sun" (aka Arizona) a quilter named Darlene vowed and promised to herself that she would stop buying fabric unless it was necessary to finish a project! You see her stash closet, stash shelves, stash drawers, etc are simply overflowing with fabric 'she had to have'. Staying true to her promise and herself she's been working primarily from her stash for several months and quite proud of herself, I might add. :-)

Recently she discovered and purchased a pattern called "Dutch Treat" by Pieces from my Heart and was quite smitten with it. It's a Honey Bun pattern - oh my! Darlene loves to work with fabric from Moda and in the past has purchased Charm Packs, Jelly Rolls, Fat Quarter Bundles and Layer Cakes but has avoided purchasing Honey Buns and/or Turnovers. Not that she hasn't been tempted, mind you, but she's stayed true to her word and to herself.

Sometime last week Darlene visited a nearby LQS and came across a handful of Honey Buns (Flag Day Farm & Zippity Doo Dah). Either one would be perfect to use with the "Dutch Treat" pattern - she picked them up - oohed and ahhed and put them back on the shelf with a small sigh! Then she thought to herself "oh what the heck" and turned around to grab one and they were all gone - some one came along, quick like a bunny, and grabbed both Honey Buns. Bigger Sigh! "Just wasn't meant to be" she told herself. She spotted bolts for American Primer by Moda and it hit her like a bolt of lightning - "make my own Honey Bun from my American Primer fat quarter bundle that's sitting on the shelf in the closet - they're just 1 1/2" strips". She grabbed the bolt, had the clerk cut two yards of a sweet background print and skipped off to her car anxious to get home to start pressing her fat quarters.

The fat quarters were pressed, separated into piles like the pattern suggested, two 1 1/2" strips were cut and then the sewing began. WooooooooooooooooooHoooooooooooooooooo!

Saturday was National Quilting Day so Darlene spent the better part of the day working on her "Dutch Treat" quilt top. And, this morning she finished assembling the 'guts' as she calls it and tomorrow she'll make a quick dash into the same quilt store and purchase her outer border fabric. And, now the decision - what to do with the 14+ inches of American Primer fat quarters that are leftover. I'm sure Darlene will think of something. teehee!

A new flimsy with a new pattern using a fat quarter bundle that was sitting on a shelf in her closet! Do you have any idea how happy Darlene is? There's a huge smile on her face today.

The End!

I appreciate that you've stopped to visit with me - come again soon!

In Friendship!

31 comments:

Beth said...

Oh Darlene I love it! And the story is wonderful as well. I know ust what you mean about having attachments to certain quilts. I feel very attached to quilts that I start just because, I don't get as emotionally attached to quilts that are intended as gifts from the beginning. Great job working from the stash! I've been working from the stash alot as well :)

Becky said...

Darlene,
Your quilt top looks fabulous!!!! Love your choice of fabrics especially the squares. Great job using what you have! Please let us see the finished top.

Take care!

Amy DeCesare said...

You know, I was thinking about the same kind of thing - I already have some fabric lines that would make some great "homemade honey buns" and I'll have to try this, too!

Latane Barton said...

ooooh I like that quilt. Great job. I like the fabrics you chose to make it. And, the empty squares makes me think of a signature quilt. I guess it could be used like that

Anonymous said...

....and she lived happily ever after under her quilt.

Abby and Stephanie said...

I need to be more disciplined! Pretty quilt. I can't wait to see how you quilt it. :o)

Janet said...

I loved reading this story, you've ended up with a lovely quilt top.

Karen from Sew Many Ways... said...

Love this story and the quilt top is just beautiful...the fabric is perfect.
~Karen~
ps can I go shopping in your stash?!!

Michelle said...

That's a great story -- thanks for sharing it!

Pat said...

What a wonderful story. I wish I could be more like Darlene.

Cathy said...

I really like your Dutch Treat, it looks great. Plus great use of fabric you already had.

Nan said...

Love the story and LOVE the quilt! It is very warm and cozy looking. I know what you can do with the American Primer fabric - send it to MOI!! I know.......NOT gonna happen! Tee hee. You put National Quilting Day to very good use, and I'm proud to say I know you.
H'moosies!!

Wendy said...

I know what you mean about being attached to your quilts. I have a hard time giving any away. I'm so proud of you for using your stash, I need to do more of that too. Thanks for the inspiration. I love your new quilt.

Sherri said...

This is such a great quilt! And it's so rewarding when we use our stash!!!

Quilter Kathy said...

Thank you for a wonderful bedtime story! I am off to bed now and will dream about cutting my own honey buns and making quilts from them!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh sooo cool. But then it is in my favorite line of fabric!!!!!

Tazzie said...

Good on you Darlene for sticking to your guns and using what you have. It's a great feeling isn't it? And what a lovely quilt top you made too!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Kim said...

Your story was a great read! I love to hear what inspires one to make their quilt. Thank you for sharing. I also like the new girl in town...

Carol said...

What a wonderful story with a very happy ending. I love your quilt. It is so fun to look at our stash in a new light...

Millie said...

Darlene, I love this quilt and the story behind it is wonderful.

Carrie P. said...

I am sure Darlene will come up with another quilt made with those fat quarters.
The quilt is just beautiful, Darlene.

*karendianne. said...

What a lovely sweet quilt with a wonderful story. Super creative!

Kaaren said...

Oh dear. I'm doing this all wrong. You're supposed to use the fabric in your stash?

I thought that we just had to keep on adding to it and then if we were good, the Quilting Fairy would come along every so often and make one while we were sleeping, provided we left her cookies and milk.

Wait...I think I'm getting everything all mixed up. You mean I have to tell my DH that's not how it works? Oh my!

Great story and a super quilt Darlene.

Tamara said...

Darlene, I too have been thinking about cutting my stash into honey bun size. Even purchase a tool to make stripping faster. Thanks for leading the way to motivate me the rest of the way. As always another great quilt you have created with an awesome story.

Unknown said...

OMyGosh! 3 things! one, I say quick like a bunny all the time...two, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE moda's american primer fabric and I love your quilt! three...good for you for using up your fabric and stickin' to your word!!!

Candace said...

That Darlene is one smart quilter!!
Cheers!

swooze said...

Wonderful quilt. Great thinking!

Cheryl said...

What a gal that Darlene is!!! Your quilt is wonderful. I have my Dutch Treat done except for the border. I just love that pattern and can't wait to make it again. I'm thinking it would be great out of 30's.

Vicky said...

I love this story! Especially because it had a happy ending!! The top is great! I haven't bit the honey bun bullet yet, but it's SO tempting!!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

I love that quilt Darlene. Great job!!!!

Thimbleanna said...

That's a super cute quilt Darlene -- and even better story!

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