Thursday, September 13, 2012

Quilts and things

I am in the midst of getting ready for Quilt Market, which takes place in Houston in October. The time is fast approaching and I still have much to do. This week I brought home a few quilts from the LQS that have been on display there for oh-so-long. 
Several of them are going to market with me. I am formulating how to set up my booth. The booths there are so beautiful and it is a little intimidating. The hardest part is trying to make my booth attractive in an auditorium filled with so much eye candy. 


 Meanwhile, I got it in my head that I needed a little rug in my booth. I decided to try and crochet a rag rug. I have been wanting to try this for years, ever since a fellow blogger, Finn, showed them on her blog. This was several years ago, but I managed to find her comments on the topic and went to work. First I went through my scrap box looking for long strips, then I trimmed them into 3/4" wide strips. I experimented with a couple different sizes, but 3/4" seems to be the magic number for me. I also learned that a strip doesn't go too far, and it is a little difficult pulling the seams through with the crochet hook, so the longer the strip the better. I was happy to find some really long pieces in my scrap box that had been trimmed off the backing of quilts after they were quilted. And I used a J hook and Finn used a K hook. Finn posts about it HERE and HERE. This is a fun way to use up fabric that you know is going to waste. The problem is that you get hungry for more and you run out of long scraps, so then you start looking in your stash for old or ugly fabric. Last night my husband accused me of using my good fabric for a rag rug. That's just crazy. I used old fabric. "Good" is a relative term, right?

 I have to share this darling doll furniture that my granddaughter just got from her other grandfather (the one I am not married to). He made it for her American Girl Doll. Such a talented man, and such a lucky little girl! Hmmm, maybe she needs a rag rug!

 

13 comments:

Libby said...

'Good' is a relative term, don't you think? If you are not using it for something else, why not a rug?

You are going to have a beautiful booth!

Janet said...

Your booth will be amazing because it will have your lovely quilts in it. I'd LOVE to see it in person!

I better not show your post to my daughters - they are mad for American Girl dolls and don't have any furniture...yet...

Gypsy Quilter said...

Hmmm, Dolly needs a new rug. I wonder if I have any "old" fabric. LOL. What beautiful furniture! If I adopt an American Girl, would grandpa adopt me?

Jeanne said...

Marcie, your quilts speak for themselves! No need to worry about your booth at Market. WIth your items in it, people will notice. Love the rag rug. I've always to do that, too. And your granddaughter is fortunate to have creative and talented grandparents on both sides.

Katie said...

Oh yes. She needs a rag rug and one of those circular rugs for the chair seat! :-)

Angie said...

Just look at all of that quilty lusciousness :0 not to mention that wonderful rag rug (of course, that's a 'relative' term)---oh, Marcie, I do so love ALL of these fabric delights. :D The doll furniture is just too adorable. :)

sewprimitive karen said...

Have a wonderful time at Market, Marcie (your quilts look SO pretty all grouped together). The doll furniture is masterful.

Lori said...

How excitng to be ready for Houston!! Love the rug and think it will be the perfect touch!!

Michele Bilyeu said...

Oh, your quilts are wonderful..but that little rag rug..so much fun! Ever since I read Finn's post on them, I have wanted to make one. Now I really, really want to make one..in you know, my 'spare' time ;)

Michele Bilyeu said...

Oh, your quilts are wonderful..but that little rag rug..so much fun! Ever since I read Finn's post on them, I have wanted to make one. Now I really, really want to make one..in you know, my 'spare' time ;)

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your booth! I hope you enjoy yourself. And I love the little rag rug.... I may have to give that a try sometime!

Kindred Quilts said...

I'm a little behind on blog reading... I think you have plenty of wonderful eye candy for the Houston Quilt Show in October! I can't imagine how much work it must be setting up a booth, but I have to admit I'm a bit envious! Don't forget to have fun... wishing you a great show!

AnnieO said...

Yummy pile of quilts back from your LQS!

Love the rag rug. I have one in my sewing room that my grandmother made many years ago and I treasure. Finn is such a helpful crafter!

Age of fabric and goodness is TOTALLY relative :)