Simply Stitchy

Hi all, I’m starting to think sewing patterns are becoming my new thimbles. My other blog over at Simply Thimbles is about my thimble collection. Which grew to over 800 in no time at all. It all started with a tiny little bear thimble I found on eBay. Well, I’m fast becoming the proud owner of an ever increasing collection of sewing patterns. Only a few of which I’ve actually got around to sewing. I just can’t resist a cute sewing pattern when I see one. Or two. OK, three or four. Especially when the pattern is for something I know T, Eldest or Youngest will adore. If I’m getting a pattern for them, I may as well pick out the ones I like too, right? Thrift stores are a great source of cheap sewing patterns. You do have to be careful though. Some stores bag up the patterns and sell as a bundle for between $2 - $4 which is fine. But, you can’t check the condition or completeness of any of the patterns. Or tell what patterns you’re getting. My local thrift store sells...

Hi all I found this quilt top at a yard sale. According to legend, this quilt block design was one of a number used as part of the Underground Railroad . A support system geared to helping slaves flee the southern States of America for the safety and freedom of the north and Canada. Active from the late 1700s through the American Civil War, the busiest period was around 1830s to 1860s . Known as Flying Geese, there is more than a little bit of mystery surrounding the use and meaning of this particular quilt block. If it was a design linked to the Underground Railroad, there is a choice of two possible definitions. Some say the message is to follow the migrating geese flying north in the Spring. Others, simply follow the direction of the arrows. Whether quilts were used in this way is debunked one minute and confirmed the next. It depends on who you talk to. Little written evidence exists to prove or dispel the theory. Not really surprising considering the s...