Friday, April 13, 2012

Alabama or Bust!

Greetings from the kitchen table--my temporary sewing and computer space!  We've got some serious down-sizing going on at our house.  Soon I'll have a room for sewing.

Next week I'll be in Alabama to sew with some dear friends and some Gee's Bend quilt makers.  I've prepared hand work for the journey.

In my cleaning-out-of-all-things-unused, I came across some of my baby clothes.  I'm going to take them to Alabama and make a quilt.  My grandmother, an excellent seamstress made these.  I may shed some tears while cutting them up.  But I decided it's better to put them into a quilt that I can see every day, than to have them sit in the cedar chest for another 50 years.

I actually have a faint memory of this pillow case and a photo of me sleeping on it!

Do they call this a "romper?"  I must have had a few.  There are photos of me in other ones.

How about that skirt in the back?  I wonder if this is where I got my love of red and green plaids.

I suppose this is a nightgown.  Looks like a choking hazard to me.

Red gingham and rickrack!  What could be better?

Little bitty buttons

I can't imagine doing all this handwork, and then letting a toddler run around in this!

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26 comments:

  1. fiberchickApril 13, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    Have a wonderful time. Am sure you will make something wonderful with the clothing and perhaps you can feature the handwork somehow. That kitten pillowcase is to die for!

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  2. Elaine MApril 13, 2012 at 12:38 PM

    What great things to have. Save the yokes, must have the rickrack and handwork in the quilt.

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  3. Tonya RicucciApril 13, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    ooh, hope you have such a blast in Alabama. My mom made me adorable little dresses with embroidery and pleating. And taught school. aiyee.

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  4. KimApril 13, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    Oh don't cut them up until we get to see them :0)
    I made clothes like this for my kids too.

    Happy Sewing

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  5. Deb RowdenApril 13, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Cut them up and enjoy seeing them, that is the way to go. I can't wait to see what you make with them........

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  6. Sujata ShahApril 13, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    Those cloths will make something great with even more memories tied to them. Can't wait to see what becomes of them.
    Have a great time!

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  7. ChrisApril 13, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    Love those gingham dresses, so sweet! I'm sure your grandma sewed each stitch with love - like how you sew your quilts now. :) Enjoy your trip!

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  8. MeredithApril 13, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    I have put a lot of time into toddler dresses. I did it out of love. Now the toddler is out of high school. I just found scraps from the last dress I made her.

    Have fun. Sweet memories.

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  9. Miki WillaApril 13, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    This should be a fun quilt to create. Have a wonderful time in Alabama.

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  10. Julie FukudaApril 13, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    I am still using fabric from left-overs of clothing I made for my kids way over forty years ago... and some of those were from my own cut-down skirts made over sixty five years ago. Talk abour vintage...

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  11. SharonApril 13, 2012 at 5:51 PM

    What fun to still have these little treasures, and a super idea to put them in a quilt!

    Have a fun trip - it sounds wonderful! Oh, and enjoy the sunshine too! Ours has been good lately, but theirs is sunnier, I'm sure! *grin*

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  12. apiecefullifeApril 13, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    Good luck with the cutting up. I have some similar clothes and just can't do it!
    Tell us more about yor trip!

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  13. cityquilter graceApril 14, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    what precious memorabilia; i'd have a tough time cutting them up for sure...

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  14. HelenApril 14, 2012 at 5:48 AM

    These baby clothes are precious...in the best sense of that word. I do remember rompers and baby-choking kimonos. And that gathered gingham dress style is still my favorite to wear... so cool and comfy. Loved this trip down memory lane, Lee Ann. Only wish I could be at Gees Bend when you do the transformation.

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  15. Victoria Findlay WolfeApril 14, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    See you MONDAY!!!! Wahoo!!! Alabama or BUST!

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  16. TeodoApril 15, 2012 at 12:10 PM

    LeeAnn your next quilt will be fantastic if you are going to use your little dresses.
    You could take some photos, print the photos on the fabric and then work around with the fabrics that you are going to cut.

    Your MAC is like mine.
    ciao ciao Linda

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  17. AndreaApril 15, 2012 at 12:42 PM

    How lovely! Can't wait to see what they become next! Have a lovely time on your trip. Sounds like so much fun!

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  18. RachaeldaisyApril 15, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Your grandmother would be happy knowing you're using those clothes to make something you'll use and love. I know you'll make something amazing in that wonderful Nifty style! Have a fabulous trip!! Take lots of photos :)

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  19. antique quilterApril 16, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    OMG I remember a dress I wore everyday my mother would let me out of that red tartan plaid
    I remember those patterns exactly in the fabric....hmmm maybe thats when my obsession with fabric started and RED and GREEN!!!!!!

    have a wonderful time and I can't wait to see what you come up with from this trip and workshop
    Kathie

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  20. bethApril 17, 2012 at 7:20 AM

    Have a great time! I look forward to seeing what you do with those treasures!

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  21. BarbApril 17, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    have a great time!! can't wait to hear all about it.
    I have a collection of my sister-in-laws dresses from the 60s with lots of smocking.
    I love your romper -

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  22. smazoochieApril 19, 2012 at 8:58 AM

    Have a WONDERFUL time!!!
    I am eager to see what you do with the little dress. I have a stack of my to work with & not sure what direction to take.
    Wishing you safe & joyful travels!

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  23. PamApril 19, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    Have a fun trip. I can't wait to hear all about it. Love the little gingham & rick rack. My mom made me lots of clothes like that when I was a baby. That explains my love of rick-rack, i think.

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  24. Diane Harris, Stash BanditApril 20, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Oh my goodness, those things are so precious! I can see how hard it would be to cut into them, but agree that it would be great to see them more. Love love love the rickrack dress. And you made me LOL about the choking hazard! Please take photos on your trip--I'd love to see what goes on! Hurry back to bloggy land, cuz I love your posts.

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  25. Cynthia@wabisabiquiltsApril 21, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    I love the juxtaposition of your old machine and modern laptop:). Lovely to have your vintage clothing to use - totally in the Gee's Bend tradition. I will look forward to reading about your experiences!

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  26. KimApril 21, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    Duh......I came to see what you posted about the retreat and realized you are still on the road :0)

    Happy sewing, safe travels

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