Tag Archives: Retro

Old Made New

Posted on April 1, 2018 by heARTs Creations

An Island Batik Adventure – Vintage Quilts Inspiring New Creations

I scoured my books, patterns and the internet for hours trying to come up with the project I really wanted to do for this challenge. Then it came to me – an apron! How vintage is that?! I did find a pattern for a half apron that was very vintage looking, (Sewing Geek Harlequin Apron pattern) but with these amazing Island Batiks I knew it would immediately be new and exciting.

I did a little altering to the pattern: one row less from top to bottom and one more row added to the side. I also gathered it at the waist a bit so it wasn’t just straight across. It is fully lined, and I straight line quilted the whole apron. A pocket was needed, so I sketched several: rounded, rounded gathered, rectangle. Mimicking the pattern of the apron was definitely the answer. Once the pocket was on I was absolutely giddy about this project. Don’t you just love when that happens – not just being okay or pleased with your creations, but super happy?

My new vintage apron now hangs in my kitchen, adding a burst of color and soon to be worn when having friends or family over for dinner.

Looking Back Vintage Quilt

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Posted in Art, block pattern, Color, Fabric, Island Batiks, Modern Quilting, Pattern, Projects, Quilt Setting, Quilting and tagged Color, Patterns, projects, Quilting, Retro, Sewing. Bookmark the permalink.

A Southern Quilt Shop

Posted on March 5, 2017 by heARTs Creations

The “Reading Room”

Two weeks ago a friend and I visited Charleston, SC with a side trip to Summerville, SC which is just outside Charleston. It is a charming little town with shops and restaurants and best of all, a great quilt shop. People, Places and Quilts is in a fine old building. It is such a treasure hunt as you go from room to room, each filled with fabrics, tools, threads and so much more.

Diane, the owner is a delight as was the other staff members there. They are all friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Above is Diane the worker bee, Diane the Owner and Diane my traveling companion. Then there is me and my cousin who lives in Summerville.

There are quilts on display everywhere – such inspiration! Some on display were also class samples.

Lots and lots of fabrics. Prints, batiks, solids and many scrumptious flannels.

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This antique cash register was not only a joy to look at – it works and is used for all the shop sales! Do you embroider? Applique? Work with wool felt? There was a whole section devoted to all of those!

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I strongly suggest you stop by to see this wonderful shop if you are ever any where near Summerville. I’ve checked out their class list and might just have to “visit” my cousin soon!!

A Little Bit Retro

Posted on February 22, 2017 by heARTs Creations

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Know what this is?! For a little more than 40 years I have had an outdoor clothesline. All our laundry is no longer hung outside on a regular basis due to allergies from pollen, but I do manage to hang some things out, especially in the winter. Recently, when I grabbed the clothespin bag I’ve had since day one, I couldn’t help but notice how shabby and threadbare it was. How the clothespins were staying inside was amazing.

So…off to the home dec fabric bin to pic out something light and spring like. The home dec fabric is a heavier weight than quilting fabric and was the most practical choice.

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I simply copied the original bag making just a couple of tweaks. The original bag had a paper cord that I replaced with a cable from my hubby’s electrical supply stash. I used button holes instead of grommets and used the original sturdy hanging frame.

And Ta Daa!! A new clothespin bag sure to hold up for the next 40 years!

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