I was happy to hear from some of you in response to the widow's quilt story. Emily (in comments), mentioned that this story brought a whole new meaning to recycling and I could not agree more. Not just the recycling of old clothing, but the memories too I guess. I think most old quilts have a similar history of being constructed with whatever was available and probably held a lot of different memories.
Our old wool quilt is currently in use by the Mister, who has been reading under it in the evenings. I just love that. That it's still providing comfort. And besides being a marvelously heavy fall blanket, it's the perfect "guy quilt" in my opinion. Really. So few handmade quilts are truly man-friendly in that sense. But it "suits" him. (Please forgive the pun—I couldn't help it.)
Wool "stadium blankets" are also cool and on my list of favorite things right now too. I love the colors in this one up there. A lucky thrift-shop find. Matches fall leaves (and my red wool slippers--just out of the shot), perfectly.
It's funny sometimes, how things come full circle. Because all this talk about wool blankets reminded me of Deb (also in comments) who has one, a wool blanket that is, and she is going to use it to make all 40 projects from my book, Blanket Statement. I'm quite excited about this and can't wait to see how it all "unfolds". (Oops...there I go again.)
Anyway, I'm thinking it might be like deja vous, when I was sharing my wool projects as they randomly emerged from the blanket. Go visit her blog: Lindahl News to see what it's all about and what inspired her to start such a project. Interestingly enough, I had just read "Julie & Julia", (right after the book first came out), and it had been the inspiration to try something similar. See? Full circle.
As I've said, you don't really need a wool blanket to make any of the projects in the book, regular wool felt works fine, but if you just happen to have a wool blanket to recycle, all the better!
I like the idea of these blankets being called Match Rugs . That somehow implies loud cheers and hot dogs .
In England they're called car rugs ....for when you're intrepidly driving down a leafy lane and feel a trifle chilly . Or if you get out of the car , set up a couple of folding canvas chairs by the side of the road and drink tea out of a thermos flask .
Your red blanket looks cosy enough for either !
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | October 18, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Beautiful, cozy autumn image! Perfect!
Posted by: Account Deleted | October 19, 2009 at 01:56 AM
I love this type of old blanket. We still have two of them that are from my hubbie was a baby. They are still in great shape too and we use them frequently. Your autumn photos are fantastic.
Posted by: Emily Moss | October 19, 2009 at 02:51 AM
If we were sitting around the table, I would be the one smiling, sipping tea and nodding in agreement.
Posted by: Natalie | October 19, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Well, way to go and inspire someone! You should be feeling pretty good right about now! I need to go find your book... My girls and I want to go to Julie/Julia together... we shall see if we can fit it in!
Take care... keep warm...
Posted by: Jean C. | October 19, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Lovely fall photos!
Posted by: Megan | October 19, 2009 at 09:30 PM