I was rereading Angela Water's Quilting is my Therapy for my Quiltfolk Patchwork and Prose Block of the Month project. (Our May prompt, non-fiction books to recreate as quilt blocks). The book provides a history of how she got into quilting (her boyfriend's grandfather taught her), and that same grandfather encouraged them to purchase a long arm. She practiced on quilt tops that were purchased at yard and estate sales. In Wichita, KS, where I live now, we have a quilting supply resale boutique that is thriving. Faithful Remnants Fabrics is where I found a wonderful, large (76 x 84") vintage quilt top constructed in the pattern I know as card trick.
Some of the fabrics are quite worn, like they were cut from used clothing, and by the inconsistency in the block sizes it's obvious that these blocks were cut and assembled before the days of rotary cutters. I made quilts in those days; I remember how much error is introduced using standard scissors and paper patterns. Our patterns might accidently get smaller every time we used them.
In some blocks I repaired the seams, but others (like the one pictured here) I will patch over once I have it loaded on the quilt frame. It will be a great opportunity for me to learn long arm quilting techniques. Learning how to quilt a quilt top with wonky seams and other irregularities will be useful. I've heard that bean bags are useful for wonky tops to allow quilting without creating tucks, we'll see how I do. This pattern, with geometric shapes will be great for practicing ruler work. Purchasing these tops is much more economical that practicing on new fabric, and offer more opportunities to learn real quilting skills, like determining the quilting design to match the quilt pattern, practicing with pantographs, and figuring out how to get in and around the block without painting yourself into a corner. (Stippling, I'm talking about you.)
If you are ever in Wichita, Faithful Remnants is worth a visit. They also sell online; you can join their online sales group on Facebook. They do have limited hours but are frequently in the store working and will open at other times upon request. Some other wonderful finds (linens, hankies, and unfinished projects) that I have purchased from them are pictured below.
If you have unfinished projects that you are no longer interested in, send them out into the world to find a new purpose. Resale boutiques and charity shops would love to have them.
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