On a Major Sugar High!

I've been munching on cookies all day, and I'm a bit punchy!  Can't seem to sit still, so I thought I'd get the guest room ready for our son's arrival tomorrow.  And as I was clearing out some stuff that got put in there, I saw the quilt stand with my antique red and green basket quilt on it and just knew I had to share it!

I've seen so many wonderful red and green quilts lately in the blogs, and I totally forgot that I had one!  When things are out of my sight, they are totally out of my mind!  Sheesh!

I acquired this sweet little quilt at the local quilt shop, when the owner was having a garage sale a few years back.  She had it in a big ball in the corner, and I saw it and asked if she was selling it.  She said it's really torn up, but what about $5?  I said GREAT!  Can you believe it!?!  I'm never that lucky.....never!

This little baby came home with me, and has been on the quilt rack ever since.  It IS very torn up, but it is still a beauty in my eyes!

There are some (to me) really amazing aspects of it......first, the green basket bottoms are a trapazoid, so there are funky angles to piece, not just the usual triangle bottom with right angles.  Second, the border with pieced red end blocks was put on in circular fashion, not the usual both sides on and then the top and bottom.  So with the circular fashion, you go round and round, and you get to the end and EEEK....a set in seam!

The basket handles are appliqued on, but she could have more easily pieced them.....but no.....she appliqued!  I love that!  It just seems that so much extra effort was given to the piecing of it.  It's also hand quilted, in a 1/2 inch grid that is fairly random in placement, and doesn't follow the same direction from block to block.

Yep, it's very worn and torn, and I think that makes it extra special to me!  It looks fabulous on the quilt rack, and when I put it back in my sewing room.....it will be my inspiration piece!


Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

regan