Strolling thru an outdoor flea market, or an indoor antique mall, is like visiting a history museum. It gives us a glimpse of what life was like in an earlier time. One of my favorite outdoor flea markets is in Rogers, Ohio. (I hesitate to share this information, because the selfish in me wants to keep it a secret.) But given the number of vendors and shoppers there, it is already well known! Two summers ago, I purchased 12 half yard pieces of fabric from a Rogers’ vendor for $12. It wasn’t until very recently though, that I realized what a gem I had found – “Color Bars by EZ International” fabric!
“Vintage” is a popular term these days. Merriam-Webster defines “vintage” as “a season’s yield of grapes or wine from a vineyard”. The Urban Dictionary defines “vintage” as “an item of age, usually from around the 1920’s to approximately 20 years ago”.
Now early 1990’s fabric may not seem very “vintage”, but my 25 year old fabric find was beautiful none the less! Each of my 12 half yard cuts has 7 – 6.5″ sections of varying shades of the color spectrums. At 12×7, that gives me 84 beautiful slices of color!
Often fabric purchased at flea markets and antique malls needs a good cleaning. This fabric, as you can see below had been lovingly cared for – seams zig-zaged, washed, starched, pressed!
So… Last week, I got my Spring 2020 issue of Primitive Quilts and Projects. The cover project is designed by Vicki McCarty of Calico Patch Quilt Shop and Calico Patch Designs. I follow Vicki on Facebook. I love working with wool. I immediately knew I wanted to make this cute table runner.
Before buying new fabric I always go thru my stash to see if I already have something that might work. I came across my flea market “Color Bars” fabric. Perfect! I also found some thin light pink fabric, another flea market find that resembled muslin. Since I already had some winter-white felted wool, I was all set!
These are the colors I chose for the tulips and leaves.
And this is my finished project!
I am so happy with how this turned out! Thank you Vicki for such a beautiful pattern! I did all the quilting myself, copying some from pictures in the magazine, and experimenting a little myself. The button and pearl embellishments are such a nice touch!
Old becomes new – again!
Oh my gosh!! It turned out beautiful!!! Thank you so much for the shout out!! And I am so glad you enjoyed making my little Rabbit Patches Runner!! ☺️
Thank you! I’ve been following your work for a while now. Hope to visit your shop some time, and perhaps attend one of your retreats!
Lovely work. I look forward to your posts.
Thanks! This keeps me sane!