Quilt Blocks - Vintage or Not?
 

Hello to all,

I have run across some quilt blocks that have been paper pieced and hand sewn. I don't know what to do with them and there are 3 differant sizes. I have no clue about them and need all the help I can get. Here are a few pics and if anyone can give me a clue as to what to do I would be grateful. There are quite a few blocks and these are just a few pictures.

Can you date the newspaper??? From the prices on the newspaper it doesn't look like farther back that the 70's or 80's. The fabric looks to me like old clothing made into scrappy stripe squares.

Are there enough of the smallest ones to make a larger block from 4 small ones? Maybe make a center panel from these then add the others on the outside. May need to add borders to make them fit, or trim down to fit.
This if one of the parts I like--getting graph paper and figuring what to do with wonderful problems. Tell us what you
come up with!

sash the little ones to be the size of the big one...then when put together it will appear the blocks are floating!

They are not really "vintage" in terms of age of the blocks, but some of the fabrics range a couple of decades!

I would do as jaciqitznok suggested..perhaps go to thrift shop to find some similar materials to size up the blocks..whatever you decide you are going to have a fun scrappy string quilt.

I would take my cue from Babbette's Blanket. If they are not already sizes that work together (like 3", 6", 9" and 12", or 4", 8" and 12" finished) I would attach borders to the squares to bring them up to size, then play with them until they fit together like a puzzle. I think it will be stunning, wish I lived closer, I would love to come over and play with them myself! Please show us what you decide to do, what a wonderful challenge! http://www.interweavestore.com/Crochet/Patterns/Babette-Blanket.html
Babette's Blanket, from Interweave.com.

Not vintage, it doesn't matter, they are lovely and here you can be creative and have fun! I agree with pstrwife by putting the smaller squares together to make larger ones. Just lay them out and move them around and see what you come up with that is pleasing to you. There are no rules............just have fun with them and enjoy! :)

Thats how I was taught to make quilts when I was 6-7 yrs old 1st thing my mom ever did teach me how to sew and it was on a old treadle I'm 56 now so I'm sure thats old time quilt block the fabrics look old! but not as old as me!

Keep in mind, if those are hand sewn blocks you're not going to be able to take the paper off easily if at all.

I think the ads on the papers is interesting.............I have some that were done on catalog pages mens underware. Sometimes I have taken them to guild as new members come in and they think it is a hoot...........the ads...........I don't know where Peck is but if your around Flint you could attend my guild...............calla

There are 3 small, 24 medium and 47 large ones.....74 total

My grandmother and mother used to quilt these, called strip blocks. Whatever size scraps they had they would sew them on newspaper squares, some were bigger than others. When they had enough for a quilt they either sashed them or sewed them without sashing. These were utility quilts. I have one now that some of the fabrics have wasted away and I'm trying to find older fabric to replace the bad spots. This one I have was made in the early 50's.
Also have one made in the 40's and looks hopeless at this point, but hoping to recover some of it.

Hope this helps.

delma

I've heard this technique called string piecing. Bonnie Hunter has quilts made with this technique on her website. You might look there for inspiration on what to do with them.

Did you find dates on the newspaper ads? That might give you a clue as to age of the fabrics.

Thanks for sharing Delma....it makes perfect sense. I wish you good luck and much success with restoring your family quilts....it is priceless to have them!
Nancy

Yes I did 1978 thru 1981