Into My Hands

In the thrifted fabric lots I sometimes find things I don't expect. In the 40 lb. lot from North Carolina I discovered the original owner's floral applique UFO, a big book of cross stitch designs, and some double-sided fusible material. What was our NC stitcher thinking of making? Was this their first attempt at applique?

I find oddball things, too, like this brand-new pretty pot holder. I suppose it can go with the brand-new kitchen towels from that earlier lot.

NC was a sportsfan, or maybe their spouse was; is this a game day banner in the works? It's over eight feet long. Go Panthers!

A few of the patchwork pieces I found sewn from holiday fabric suggest NC was making quilted stockings at some point, too.

I can sometimes date the lots, too; this one goes back to at least 2018. The storage smell suggests it was kept in a closet for a few years before being donated. I never like thinking an original owner died and their family donated their fabric, but because there's so much in this lot that a quilter would never give away (including some sizeable yardage) that might be what happened. That thought is depressing until you think all this bounty might have been thrown away. By the way, it's my wish that my family donates my stash after I'm gone to the local quilting guild or Goodwill. I think most quilters feel the same.

Anyway. Whether NC is alive or left for the next place, I'm awed by their beautiful fabrics, and will make sure it gets into the right creative hands.