Eileen Daniels, At guild this evening.

The theme of tonight's lecture by Eileen Daniels, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, was "Using Orphan Blocks".

It was interesting how she used orphan blocks in different ways.

This first is pieces of "fan" blocks sewn together to create the circle. She had quilted, washed and dried the background fabric, before adding the newly created circle.  The circle of vintage fabric is added, then a doily and buttons. By making the background first, you have more of the antique look of a quilt.

This one shows more detail and how you can use he vintage dresden blades.

Notice the zipper used as the stem of the flower and leaves.

This is an orphan block made into a clock.

How about using dresden circles, making them into skirts for your Barbie doll.

The flowers on this quilt are made from hankies.  The hankies have a stabilizer on the back to help with getting crisp folds.

This is a bed runner, made using the Dolly Dingle fabric and having detachable skirts made of hankies. She made the bed runner for her 4 year old granddaughter.  She loves to move the skirts around.

This wall hanging Eileen made using orphan butterfly blocks and embellished with earrings.  

Here is a closer look. Fancy buttons and earrings are in the flower centers.

This quilt is made of men's ties. She used the ties in the border as pieces of a crazy quilt.  They have fancy machine stitches on the seams.

She gave us a lot of tips and sources for embellishments.  It was interesting how she re-purposed, recycled vintage embroidered pieces, orphan quilt blocks, zippers, buttons, pillowcases.  She made tote bags, purses, pillows, aprons, Barbie clothes, and wall hangings to name a few. She also created framed works of memory keepsakes.
Most all of us have orphan blocks we can re-purpose into works of art.
Creativity at work!
Have a great sewing day.
Mary