Vintage Patchwork Quilt

For the past several years I have kept my eye peeled, looking for vintage cotton/polyester blend sheets. They show up now and then in thrift stores. It takes some time to build up a collection because many of the pieces that are available are too worn to use. But if you are patient, it is possible to find pieces that are in new (still in the packaging) or like new condition.

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My collection has finally grown to the point where I had enough variety to make a large quilt with it.  The photo above shows the majority of my collection less just a few pieces that I bought after taking the picture. (By the way, if you are a lover of vintage sheets, I have many listed in my Etsy shop. Take a look.) I was a bit concerned that I didn’t have enough change in value with these pieces but it has worked out well.  The overall look is very soft and feminine.  I decided I would make a simple patchwork quilt, which is definitely my overall favorite quilt. I originally cut 9″ squares but they looked way too big so I trimmed them down to 7″ squares, a much better size. Created some waste but I am glad I cut them down. If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen some pictures of this project in process.

It was quite a feat to lay them out and get the balance that I wanted. At first I tried to just generally group the squares by colorway and make it flow. That didn’t work. The colors are not defined, or saturated, enough to get a good result. Picking up the squares and trying again, I organized them into diagonal rows with the same fabric in each row but still sorting by color. This was much more effective and it was the look I liked best.

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This picture was my guide so I could be sure I was sewing patches together in the correct order.

It really didn’t take very long to get the top assembled. Once I did, I decided I would also make matching pillow cases for the quilt. (I used a very simple pattern from the book Home Sewn that I reviewed last week.)

IMG_6741The bed is going to be so pretty when this is finished. Not sure if you remember but I also made a few throw pillows last summer and they use many of the same fabrics. What do you think?

IMG_6742This quilt is a bit of a monster. I’ve only ever quilted one other queen size quilt and it wasn’t easy. I think I will quilt this with my walking foot and do straight lines on the diagonal, running both directions. That should be a manageable approach.

Julia was so kind as to help me layer this on the floor. It was much easier than doing it alone. I had a brand new sheet that I saved to use as the backing making this an incredibly affordable quilt.

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At this point, I have a quilt top finished, basted and ready to go. Hopefully, I will get it done soon as I want to put it back on the bed! Want to throw in a vote for binding? I am thinking of using the pink stripe that I used for the pillow cases. What do you think?

Linking to my favorites this week. Check them out at the top of the page, under Link Ups.

25 thoughts on “Vintage Patchwork Quilt

  1. Tami

    Lovely. Simply , lovely. Your diagonal lines achieved the perfect balance of color and pattern. I always like a dark binding to set off those pastels, so I’d go for that gorgeous teal-y blue in the upper right. On the other hand, that ticking stripe is sooooo vintage and perfect for this quilt. And coordinates with the pillow cases. And is your darkest pink. And, striped binding. Yum. Tough call, but I think i just talked myself into the pink!

    When I get back from dropping Isabelle off at band camp, I’m going to try to add your Vinegar Girl button to my sidebar I got the package yesterday, and will start reading tonight. Can’t wait!!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      I do love that blue but don’t have any left for binding. Just a few bits of scrap. So, I think the pink stripe is going to look pretty and it ties everything together.
      Hope you like the book Tami!!

      Reply
  2. Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl

    The quilt top turned out so lovely, Bernie, and I love seeing it on the bed with the pillows you have already made, too. I think the pink stripe would make a great binding; any chance you can cut it on the bias to get the striped to be at a 45 degree angle? That might be a fun detail if you have enough left to do that!

    Reply
    1. Lois Palmisano

      Hi ya I am thinking since you feel pink stripe is your favorite choice, maybe diagonal an idea. Let’s AUDITION all your faves! Lois in Omaha

      Reply
      1. Bernie Post author

        Hi Lois –
        I don’t have enough of most of the fabrics for binding but luckily, I do have enough of the pink stripe. A friend of mine found two of those striped sheets and grabbed them for me so I have plenty. Have a nice Sunday!

        Reply
  3. Donna MENDENHALL

    I think on the bias in the pink stripe would look really nice. How big are the blocks? Didn’t see that or missed it.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      They finish at 6.5″. I had cut them as 9″ blocks at first but that was way too big so I trimmed them down. Enjoy your day Donna!

      Reply
  4. Wendy

    What a neat idea for a quilt. It’s so pretty, simple and fresh! I love stripes in a binding, so I’d lean toward the pink stripe. Hope the quilting goes well!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thank you Wendy. The pink stripe is definitely the winner. Luckily, I have tons of it so I shouldn’t have any problem there. The quilting is coming along well. Yay!!

      Reply
  5. Lori Morton

    What a Beautiful quilt! LOVE it!! & Love the idea of the pink stripe on bias for binding! AWESOME JOB!!! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kate Heads

    It’s beautiful Bernie, so soft and feminine, very pretty, and a lovely summery feel. I agree with the others about the pink stripe on the bias, perfect. Good luck with the quilting.
    Smiles
    Kate

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      The quilting will go quickly because I am just doing straight lines. It is such a beast when I pick it up!! It looks so light and flowery but that is deceiving. 😉

      Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      The pink stripes are a win. Now if I can only remember how to properly cut bias bindings. I know I have the instructions pinned so off I go to that time-suck that is Pinterest!!

      Reply
  7. Claudia W

    That quilt is so soothing and comforting! I love the subtle colors. I vote for the pink striped fabric you used for the pillow cases. Very inspiring!

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Seems like the pink striped binding is a win. It is going to be so cute to have in the sewing room. Thanks Claudia!

      Reply
  8. Rosemary Bolton

    I love the quilt. I love the flower sheets, so romantical. Just my favorite thing ever!
    Well, what ever you bind it with, will be perfect. It is sweet.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Aww, thanks Rosemary. I think I love your term ‘romantical’. Yes, this is perfect and if it’s ok with you, that will be the name of this quilt. Romantical. ❤️?❤️?❤️

      Reply
  9. Mari

    This is so sweet! Just lovely and soft and spring-like. A great use for those sheets. And if you’re taking suggestions, I suggest a yellow binding. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      Thanks Deb. I have the listing about 80% finished so striped binding is coming up next. I’d better cut some strips!

      Reply
  10. Sandra

    You know this is why I like blogs so much; yes I saw the photo on Instagram where you said Julia had helped you baste the montser, but here I got to see the planning, follow your design process and find out a bit more about the story behind this beauty of a quilt. Yes I love the pillows with it, so soft and airy of a feeling.

    Reply
    1. Bernie Post author

      How interesting to see this comment today. Come back over and read my post for today. Smart minds think alike……

      Reply

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