Tuesday, April 6, 2010

April Shoo Fly Blocks (9)



Here are my blocks for April. They are made from the 3 different techniques (which were all very clear). These pictures include the one I sent in for the sneak peek for a total of 9. I'm not big on florals, but while I was looking, I pulled out a big bag of scraps someone gave me after the death of a family member. They are neat florals in three colorways, probably from the 1950s. I didn't include them in the lotto because I'm not entirely sure of the fiber content, but you've inspired me to turn them into Shoo fly blocks.

3 comments:

  1. I've updated your blocks on the list. We now have a total of 101 blocks so far this month.

    When you make your vintage floral shoo fly quilt, be sure to share it with us.

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  2. You could 'burn test' them to find out the fibre content...

    Get a scrap, set fire to it somewhere sensible like in a sink or over a saucer/plate, and see what colour the ash is.
    If it's powdery grey ash, it's all natural fibres. (I know there's a way to tell if it's cotton, silk or linen but I'd have to look that up)
    If it's black or a bit chewy looking, it's manmade fibres.
    If it's a bit of a mix, it's probably poly-cotton.

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  3. Thanks, I actually did burn it when I first got the fabric. I knew to look for the ash, but didn't know about the color. It must have been a mix, because it was ashy, but blackish-brown.

    Very clear description of the burn test! You wouldn't believe the looks I get when I tell some of the garment district people that I want a swatch so I can burn it.

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