Submitted by Naomi Macioce
(click images for larger view)
How does one collect a million scraps…let me count the ways? First, you sign up for your first quilt class, which somehow continues into multiple quilt classes, UFO sessions, workshops, joining a guild, going to yard sales, and shop hops, etc!!! Especially when there are those free “give-a-way tables, or $3.00 for a bag promotions.
Needless to say, in my almost 5 years of living in San Diego, I had collected one very large garbage bag of scraps. When it was time for me to move to Portland, I decided to bequeath this treasure to my daughter, Lea. Naturally it did not happen without several strong protests- “No way you’re leaving that with me”, “Ma, I hope that you don’t think all of your unwanted stuff is landing here”, and of course, “Ma, I don’t know what you’re thinking – we have two kids, and a small place, and now you’re unloading your scraps?”
Somehow I got away with it, and after several years had passed, she decided that she was going to make a King sized quilt, in a purely random checkerboard style.
Soon she settled on 3.5” squares. During my visits, I was called into action to help with the cutting. We soon realized what a mammoth task it was. Approximately 1054 squares needed!
The most fun of all was all of the reminiscing. “Ohhhhh…I remember this fabric, it was from my first completed quilt!”…Naomi
“Oh…this was from that sweet little dress that I made Nina!”…Lea
“Oh my goodness, this was from those goofy potholders that I made Linda!””…Naomi
Gradually we were starting to amass many squares.
On second thought, Lea decided to actually create some type of pattern using the color schemes of the fabrics – somewhat like a rainbow or watercolor type quilt. Here they are sorted into color.
Soon it started to take shape; she started laying it out.
Things have slowed down a little because for all of those living in California, and in many other states, everyone is “Staying at home, and Staying Healthy,” which means that Lea is now working from home, with her husband also working from home, and her two daughters (my grand-daughters, Nina and Cora) going to school at home, and even the cat, Louie, is home a little more.
However the first few rows have been completed! Yeah!
STAY TUNED!
Wonderful story. Give me hope that someday I’ll do something with my mega-bin of scraps. When I do paw through the scraps I remember what quilts they were from. Great memories are in our scrap bins!
Naomi, I love this story and thrilled you got Lea hooked! 😉 (or is it “squared”!?) I remember the first class you took right here in BOSTON! before you left for the “other” coast! (Just remember where it all started) I’m excited to see the finished piece! It’s wonderful seeing Lea too.
I love it!
Took me until my daughter was 28 to get her to try quilting. (“Why would I quilt when I have you?” – Barbara) Now she has a respectable stash and goes to Quilter’s Affair with me and my friends.
Love this story! I made a crazy quilt back when my girls were very little and I was very new to quilting (such terrible angles). It was filled with fabrics from my high school days (the 60’s and 70’s) and my little girls’ clothes. I thought it truly ugly but perfect for a tent or a picnic or to be drug through the sandbox, etc. When downsizing for our move I must have mentioned that I was getting rid of this now very shabby piece of fabric and I was stunned at my daughters’ reactions. So I cut it in half and now each has a piece of this connection to their early history.
What a great story! Something you will both look back on and smile about.
Way to go Lea, and you to Naomi. It’s looking good.
Love this. So fun to see others surprised by the joy of quilting
Your story and pictures are beautiful! This lovely quilt is a legacy for your family with so many memories held in the fabric and the living bond with your daughter.
I love this! This quilt will be special to you both. Can’t wait to see the finished product.