Saturday, September 26, 2015

Jacob's ladder progress!

 I have finished 48 blocks toward finishing this quilt!  This is not the final layout, but I wanted to take a picture before Rosie the poodle got on the blocks, because I know that is what will happen as soon as she sees them all laid out!  She wants to help and be in the middle of whatever I am doing.
 I still have the next border to make, which will finish up the pinwheel shapes.  Those pieces are all cut and ready to sew.
 I had a great walk yesterday, and found a yard sale in the neighborhood.  A lady was selling these bears...for two dollars.  TWO DOLLARS!!  I bought this one. I normally don't like to see vintage quilts cut up to make other items, but it was obvious that this quilt was just worn out.  The bear is quite large; about two feet tall.  The original quilt looks like it is a crazy quilt, and hand quilted in a Baptist fan pattern.
She also has this little Singer sewing machine.  It is a 185J.  It was manufactured in Canada, and weighs a ton.  I bought her too.  She is most definitely a female sewing machine, and she sews just like a dream.  It is about the size of a featherweight, but oh, so much heavier.  I loved her on sight!  $50.00 for her.

Turns out that this lady goes to estate sales, and buys things that are quilting and sewing related.  I am so glad to know her...she has two Janome sewing machines, and is a quilter!  So it is great fun to know that she is close and in the neighborhood!!  She is downsizing and moving to a condo soon.






Have a great day, everyone!!

Julie

23 comments:

Chookyblue...... said...

Love the layout of your quilt. ......

Julianne said...

Wow! Great score on the yard sale, love that little machine!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

I passed up a 185J a few years ago, and have been kicking myself ever since. I'll be passing south of you on Wednesday (San Angelo to Bristol/Ennis) then on to the Arkansas TOGA on Thursday. I'll wave at you;) Wish I had more time.

KaHolly said...

Beautiful quilt..love the secondary pinwheel design. Great haul. A girl can't have too many vintage sewing machines! Especially if they work!

Quilter Kathy said...

What terrific finds....love that gorgeous mint green Singer!!
And the quilt is fabulous too :)

Dasha said...

Love the Jacobs Ladder quilt as is. Did you do it as part of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge? It would certainly fit that bill.
Great find in the machine.

AnnieO said...

Your Jacob's ladder is lovely! A $2 2 foot bear made from a quilt--who could resist that? Love the color of your new machine. I don't garage sale but sure would keep an eye out for something like this if I did!

sophie said...

I have never been so lucky at garage sales, but your post made me think maybe I should keep trying. I love that green Singer. I really like the pinwheel corners in your Jacob's Ladder blocks–it's going to be great.

keryn said...

Love your quilt, those pinwheels make it special. I can't resist green sewing machines; I have 2 green 185s, and a brown one. They are wonderful little machines, but pretty heavy.

Chantal said...

Always fun to read you posts. Not disappointed with this one either. Love your Jacob's Ladder/pinwheel quilt. So fun! I think it will look great with the border finishing off the pinwheels on the edges. I think you scored big with your little purchases. That bear is adorable and the machine well... it's a Singer. Can't go wrong. TC ;^)

mereth said...

I had a 185K and sewed on it for fifteen years. The belt finally broke and I can't find one to replace it, or I'd probably still be using it. You did well!

Linda O said...

Love your quilt progress! Glad you snapped the picture before Rosie came to help! Great finds at the garage sale!!

Janet O. said...

Oh, that quilt is so pretty! I LOVE the way you incorporated the pinwheels, but I think I have told you that before.
Great yard sale finds! I used to be a regular at yard sales, but I spent too much on all of those great "finds". I find if I am not finding so much, I have a healthier budget for quilting supplies. : )

The Quilted Finish said...

I do love the pinwheels in your Jacob's Ladder, they really make it sing! Gorgeous old Singer. I learnt to sew on an ancient Singer my Grandmother had bought in the 1930's.

Helen in the UK said...

Love that Jacob's Ladder with the pinwheels. Great colours too :)

Anne Heidi said...

LOVE those pretty blocks, the quilt will look amazing!

Bonnie said...

I always love to see what you are doing. You get me in a great deal of trouble, ha ha. When I first saw your banner quilt I had to make it. My first quilt using shirts. I also have a 185j. Because it is so heavy I thought of it as a man and named him Shrek. You know tuff and sweet at the same time. Have a great time.

Bonnie

Vic in NH said...

Oh boy, a quilter who is downsizing in your neighborhood? What luck! The little Singer is a sweetie and you got it for a good price, too. Your Jacob's Ladder is coming along beautifully and, like everybody else, I, too, love those pretty pinwheels in it!

Tired Teacher said...

The weight of the old machine is a good thing. It means it was well made. Since it's had great care, it should see for many, many years. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Leave your name/phone no. with her...she might call you for giveaways. I know when I packed up to move states that it was overwhelming all the stuff I had to pack quilt wise and I shared some w/ others...got tired of packing.
A friend of mine went to a neighborhood yard sale that her husband begged her not to as she had so much. A neighbor had died and the aunt was selling all the stuff....she bought a featherweight and the "card table" that went with it acc to the aunt......for FORTY bucks.....I dream of sales like that but have never run into one. Sigh....congrats on your goodies.
Diann/KY

Randy D. said...

Jacob's Ladder is such a great block. I love what you are doing! And the yard sale finds?? GREAT!!

Flickenstichlerin said...

Dear Julie,
your quilt is turning out wonderful, all blocks already done, great progress.
Love your new bear and sewing machine. You are really lucky to have met a quilting friend close by.
Greetings,
Sylvia

Me and My Stitches said...

Your quilt is fantastic! And what a great walk you had! I don't ever find those treasures on my walks - haha (I walk on the treadmill!).

Puffins and purples!!

I was tempted by Puffins...a squirrelly breed!!  LOL!  This fabric was shared with me, and I have been loved these bright, candy corn colors...