Throwback Thursday
It’s Throwback Thursday over at mmm!Quilts, so I’m joining up with Sandra and her linky party today.
Quickly Go the Years
Tevya is singing “Sunrise Sunset” as I look at this little quilt. Where did the years go? It seems like just yesterday I was putting this together.
The pattern for this Advent Calendar quilt was given to me by my sister in law for a Christmas gift many, many years ago. Back then, she and I had this standing joke between us; she would find quilt with the smallest pieces for me. Not much has changed since then. Haha. She’s still finding little things for me to do. I’ve managed to retaliate now and then . . .
This quilt was made way back in my early days of quilting, when I really didn’t know too much about it. The plaid is a homespun. Both the homespun and the sky fabric came as part of the gift. I think the rest of the fabrics came from my stash. There are 25 figures that hang on 25 little teensy buttons. I pulled this together so fast I didn’t even think to take a photo with all of the figures showing!
Each of those little pieces on the figures were cut out and fused to black felt. There are some really small pieces on those figures. You can imagine how I was just gushing with thanks to Nita for giving me such a fun project.
Maybe the quarter with the nativity scene will give you an idea of how small. See that little band on Joseph’s head? Yeah, that. Small pieces, fusing (think burned fingers). Oh, the memories.
But oh, the memories! My kids loved this quilt. It had a place on our wall each Christmas and each day they would hang a figure. Surprisingly, they took turns rather happily.
At the bottom of the quilt are three pockets that hold the figures.
Take a look at the snazzy hand quilting. I was trying to imitate desert sand, or something.
The roof of the stable is just strips of fabric cut to resemble a thatched roof.
One strip on the left side is coming loose from its moorings, but it will be a quick fix. I’m surprised the entire roof hasn’t completed frayed.
And then there’s the snazzy looking back, with all those thread tails. Hahaha. Who sees the back anyway? At least that was my philosophy back then!
I recall that sewing those little buttons on felt like it took forever.
The finished quilt measures approximately 20 inches by 36 inches. We no longer hang it, but it is still a favorite of mine.
Should I or Shouldn’t I?
And now the dilemma. With two kids, and the hope of grandkiddos someday, do I make another? Or let the two of them tussle over the one?
Thanks, Sandra, for hosting the linky party and letting me walk down memory lane!
Wendy
29 Comments
Eileen
Adorable! What a fun project to do over the summer, easy to carry along and fun to fill relaxing time.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Eileen!
Barbara
It’s very sweet. If you’re asking, I’d say to only make another if you want to.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Barbara!
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts
Hmmm, that IS the question! My vote is to make another…they’ll love you for it. 🙂 I bet they have so many good memories with this quilt. Isn’t it fun to look back to see the projects that floated our boat so many years ago? Kudos to you for persevering and seeing the project finished even with all those tiny pieces.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Beth. It is fun to pull these oldies out!
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! I have to go along with Beth and say you make another. Although none will be as cool as the original, they will still enjoy it so much. It sure looks like something I would have loved to participate in each day – finding just the right piece to hang for the day. ~smile~ Roseanne
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Roseanne! Might have to ask my two. Maybe neither wants it! 😳
Tu-Na Quilts
HI, Wendy, That’s a lot of tiny pieces and a lot of love you put into that piece. Have you asked the kids? Maybe they no longer have the same feelings.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Karen. I haven’t, but should!
Cindy Pieters
I would make another but make it a little different.
piecefulwendy
I had considered that, Cindy. One in brights would be fun, or batik!
quilte2
Thanks for showing us your Nativity/Advent wall hanging. What a special way to honour the season in such a unique manner. I can see why there are such special memories attached to it for you.
Making another might be nice. Though the family feud may be on as to who gets the original? and who gets the new? Or should you make two new ones, to avoid that? Before you go to the work of making one (or two?), I’d suggest finding out whether your kids really would appreciate it or not. Or is it better to just leave it be for now, and hang it up this coming Christmas and see whether either even take note of it?
piecefulwendy
Good thoughts! I’m actually thinking my son may get the original, and my daughter, the pattern. But I should ask and see!
Diann Bottrell
Wendy, that is so adorable! I can just imagine your kids enjoying it! I bet those little tiny pieces seemed like they were worth it in the end. We used to get an Advent candle that was marked for the 25 days of December and I always wish I could still find one of those.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Diann, we did enjoy it and that made it worthwhile. I haven’t seen those candles lately, but if I come across one, I’ll let you know.
Lisa J.
I love it. I think you need to make another one.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Lisa! I may, someday!
Kathleen McCormick
Yup, you need to make another! I think you would have a good time too, and maybe easier the second time around. It really is so sweet.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Katherine! It might have to go on my project list!
Nita
I don’t see anyone “ standing up” for the WONDERFUL sister in law that saw the potential in MY favorite sister in law 😉—knowing that she could accomplish great things!!!!! And also knowing that her niece and nephew would get such enjoyment out of this!!!
And don’t let her be the “innocent angel” here—-she has returned the “favor” many times over!!!!!! Love you Wendy!!! 😘
piecefulwendy
Hahaha! Yeah, yeah. I do owe you for that!! Love you too! 😘💕
Sandra Walker
I have never seen anything like this Wendy! It is so interesting and sweet, and painstakingly created. What a kind (grin) SIL to give you this! Seriously, I think she found a gem, and I’m glad you made it, that your kids loved it so, and that you still have it. I’d ask them to see if one wants it and the other doesn’t (that’s what happens with my girls). If they both do, then yeah, find something similar maybe, and make another. Thanks for linking up!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Sandra! My SIL really is a sweetheart, and she and I have so much fun together. I’ll be asking the kiddos!
Sparkle On! with Abbie
Oh my gosh Wendy! This is the cutest Nativity calendar.
I didn’t really realize how tiny the pieces were until I saw the quarter. It’s a one of a kind! I say let the kids tussle! 😉
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Abbie! It still is a favorite!
JanineMarie
This is so sweet, and especially for the memories. I agree—what do your kids think? It could be fun to make one with a more modern feel, but that might not feel the same to your kids. I’d almost be inclined to keep the original for potential grandkiddies to play with (maybe to tell the story if not as a calendar) at Gramma’s house. Our grands love playing with things at our house that they don’t have at home. Then you could always make different advent calendars for them to use at home.
piecefulwendy
That thought, for grand kiddies, had occurred to me too, Janine! Thanks!
thedarlingdogwood
This is so cute, and what a great family treasure! I don’t know the ages of your grandkids, but could they help make the figures of another? It looks like a great scrap project and you could do all the work with the iron, but picking fabrics and maybe cutting the out could be a fun family craft. But, as another commenter said, only if the though of making another appeals to you.