These were suppose to be tea towels that my Grandma had done (she has passed). I wanted to put them in a quilt or wall hanging for her for Christmas. But, was looking for suggestions of how to do it. TIA for any help.

What about getting a 1930's print or two to use for a simple sashing and a couple of borders? The embroidery reminds me of 1930's.

You are very lucky to have these ... they are really nice.

If it was me, I'd start by watching patterns that I like, and think about how I could convert it to use the embroidered blocks.

Some ideas ... look for a pattern you like with a focus fabric. Then use your blocks as the focus fabric. Or make your own design by sashing the blocks, and mixing with other block patterns.

Log Cabin blocks made in 1930's prints, the same size as your blocks could work really nice.

Or find something with a gardening theme -

I forgot to mention that I am still wet behind the ears in quilting.

I have that set of blocks as well. They were embroidered by my 88 yr. old aunt. Here is what I did with the kittens blocks.

I have that set of blocks as well. They were embroidered by my 88 yr. old aunt. Here is what I did with the kittens blocks.

When you press these blocks, put a thick folded towel under them and press from the back side. This way the stitching is not crushed. They are adorable.

Since there are only 4 of them, I would consider putting a border around each one and frame them separately.

Don't know if you have any brothers or sisters, but I would consider giving them one after it is framed since it was made by their grandmother. (Unless they have no such interest is such items.)

Ok will do but, have another question though. The material that they are on is very thin. Do, I need to put them on another material?

The border can be anything that will compliment the squares. If you are going to frame them, you may be able to put a stabilizer behind them (like in a t-shirt quilt). If you have a good framer in town you might ask them for advice. I had one they stretched it onto a backboard and used the mat to frame it rather than fabric. But a friend of mine did it herself, put a fabric border and stretched that one the board and framed it. You have several options.

there is a light weight fusible used in clothing that would be good on the back of your blocks. would make them not so thin and stabilize them more. comes on a roll, just ask at Joann's. it's permanent, doesnt' wash out.
also you might have room to add some colorful corner triantles to the blocks. have fun.

Lovely work. Once you've decided what you want to do with Grandma's embroidery make a sample or two. Get comfortable with your skills and then work on them.

If you want a country look, you could frame them in an old window frame that had 4 panes. Sash if necessary w 30's repro fabric, color to match your decor. You may wish to have glass put back in the frames to preserve the fabric.

I realized my miss-type. Want to make it for my mother, she was her Mom

ditto. 30s prints or feedsacks and borders

So sweet! I inherited some of these and I am planning to frame them in 30's prints (probably log cabin) and make pillows.

I agree with the 30's prints .........and I also HIGHLY suggest the stabelizer. The fabric she probably embroidered them on are called "tea towels" and the fabric is VERY flimsey and ravels easily when cut. So look for a stabelizer that will be flexible and soft when quilted --- so you don't have a stiff area on each block. I'd also stabelize the whole block....not just behind the embroidering. Will be ADORABLE!

awesome idea there!

Thanks for all the suggestions

A friend gave me two Sun Bonnet Sue squares from her grandmother and I framed them in an oak frame and have them hanging in my "studio", they look really nice and a constant reminder of our friendship.

When she made these, they were usually set in plain colored sashing, and the inner border the same color . surrounded by at least another border, and perhaps another around those.
Interestingly, if you have only four blocks they also could have been made for a baby quilt.
In those days, I cannot remember ever seeing any small quilts hanging on a wall for decoration.
....and it is hard to see how they would go on a tea towel.
Those olden days, tea towels and lots amd lots of household items were printed with the embroidery in washable blue ink
patterns, and the embroidery was done directly on them.

Looking more, one is meant to be set on point!

To straighten them out, you could carefully draw and cut out a same size circle, or oval around them, remembering to add a seam allowance and then appplique the circle onto plain colored backgrounds to make blocks.

Use the window block as a look back in time theme.

I don't know why but gingham ( not sure that's spelled right, but it's the fabric with checks...use to come in pink or blue or red or yellow with the white checks). The blocks are lovely and so meaningful.

I can see these blocks as either a table runner or a wall hanging. I would add sashing between each of the 4, in a row. Then I'd frame the 4 with a border of the same sashing. Layer them up with backing and batting for quilting, then add binding. That fabric is thin but it is very sturdy. I have dishtowels made of it from 1964 that are still going strong with the embroidery still bright and intact. I can't begin to imagine how many washings and dryings they have been thru.

That would be my suggestion too.

Lot of good suggestions. Be sure to show us how you finished it. To me the most important was to use stabilzer behind the blocks. It will make the blocks stronger.

How about a simple (about 2" finished, 2 1/2" cut) sashing in a 30's print, and then a little bit bigger border---maybe 4" finished or so? Take the blocks to your local quilt shop when you go to pick out fabric; the ladies will love to see them and you'll get lots and lots of suggestions for the "perfect" fabric! They will also calculate yardage for you, too.

Super idea :thumbup:

It was already mentioned about putting blocks in a picture frame. I have done that with drawn thread handerchiefs that my grandmother made and they turned out terrific--helps to preserve them. You could add material borders or colored matting. Recently I made two applique blocks and my son had them framed--has them in his bathroom (eagle and cracked liberty bell). They look great.

Ok I will take all these wonderful suggestions and I will be sure to post a picture of finished project. Everyone have a great week.

Ditto! Oh, by the way, I think the little one with the wheelbarrow should be turned a quarter turn so his feet are on the ground... :D :D :D

My first reaction was that he was going downhill, though when you see the ♥, it tells you teh 1/4 turn is bang on!