That Thrifted Quilt Just Kinda Jumped In My Basket
Somehow I managed to buy a quilt the other day. I wasn't shopping for a quilt. I hadn't been planning to shop for a quilt.
But somehow I ended up with a quilt!
I guess that's what happens when you go to the thrift store! At least, it's what happens when I go to the thrift store. Ha.
Admittedly I do always cruise the linens to see if I can score any vintage beauties -- hand embroidered pillowcases and that sort of thing. So it was inevitable that I would discover this cheery little quilt tucked in among the 80's comforters.
It's not fancy patchwork, it's just cheater cloth. And the ruffle, while adorable, is way too puffy for the couch. There's a couple of holes and the ruffle has some damage.
But I can't help it, I just love it anyway. Look at those cute little bows! And it's all hand stitched. You can just tell that someone's mama or nana made it for them with lots of love.
Of course, no matter how charming it is, in the end it has to work in my home. SO (brace yourselves), I'm going to cut the ruffle off and put a regular binding on it. Since I'm using it on the couch, folded up when not in use, the ruffle is a bit unwieldy, you can see here:
And, as mentioned, damaged:
But don't worry -- the ruffle isn't going to go to waste. It's going to trim the curtains for the very same room, so it'll all be in there, just not, you know, attached to each other.
Either way, this little red quilt will get to live on in our home, where my kids can snuggle under it and play peek-a-boo with it and build forts with it, and it'll be very loved.
No wonder it jumped into my basket!
Best,
P.S. Do you guys hesitate before altering things like this? Or do you just chop and go?
Comments (4)
Tricia:
Ashley | Domestic Fashionista:
Myra Neuford:
Angie in So Cal:
What a pretty find. I wouldn't hesitate to give it a little makeover either :)
Posted by Tricia | August 3, 2011 9:42 AM
Posted on August 3, 2011 09:42
I struggle with altering vintage finds...for example I just bought a vintage dress I would like to hem quite a bit. The thought of altering it makes me nervous but at the same time I wouldn't use it if I didn't. So I figure it is worth it. I just would like to keep things at their "worth" but chances of me trying to get money for half the things I have anyways is unlikely. But your desire to alter gives me a little more okay to alter my own! ;)
Posted by Ashley | Domestic Fashionista | August 11, 2011 2:09 PM
Posted on August 11, 2011 14:09
I understand how this quilt could have jumped in your basket, it recognized your appreciation of it and it's history as a loved item. Quilts, especially, are an obsession of mine. I have to almost handcuff myself at quilt shows, as I want to touch them, which in a no-no.
I commend you for finding value in handmade items. embroidery and other such skills are fast fading, so these are really important finds with history and value that will probably be almost gone in another generation. Oh, I'm making myself sad.
Although this may not be a strictly handmade item and was only embellished, it was important to someone and inherited their love. I have a quilt I found at a yard sale that I cherish and use. It's not the most beautiful quilt I've seen, but it is comforting and homey.
And oh, that stash storage picture reminds me, I haven't had time to quilt in way too long.
Posted by Myra Neuford | August 12, 2011 11:09 PM
Posted on August 12, 2011 23:09
I would have bought that quilt - love red and white. I'd be more inclined to repair that border with a piece of a new one overlay the damaged spot, but since you have plans for that border....go for it.
I also live in a 40-50s ranch and like cottage style.
Posted by Angie in So Cal | September 7, 2011 9:41 AM
Posted on September 7, 2011 09:41