It's a clear, crisp morning here, and I just discovered our tomatoes are finally turning red! (yipee!) I was beginning to think I was going to have to learn how to make Green Tomato Pie. I'd been eyeing the recipe in my Fanny Farmer Baking Book (page 87) for awhile now. Maybe you have been too. Not a great year for tomatoes I hear. Apparently, this pie taste nothing like tomatoes after the addition of raisins and spices. One of these days I'm going to have to give it a try.
But even with the sunshine here in the Willamette Valley, there's definitely an autumn nip in the air. Time to pull out our light sweaters and jeans, cozy plaid flannel shirts--and the lap quilts. I was digging through my closet and found this one I made way back in 1994. I wouldn't have remembered that, except that I signed and dated it on the back. For that I am giving myself a little pat on the back, however, I must credit one of my quilt teachers, Evie Stonewall, for repeatedly saying in class, "Always sign and date your quilts ladies, for the day will come when you'll appreciate it more than you know, and so will the ones who inherit it." She was right, of course, and this proves it.
I love this quilt and don't know why I never shared it before. It's nice for these cool evenings reading (or stitching) curled up somewhere. Or just sitting out on the porch watching a golden sunset. BTW, this pattern makes a fantasic "man-quilt". Especially when done in muted tones and plaids and stripes like this. Perhaps made from his old shirts if you have them. Mine is made from cotton scraps and good quality unbleached muslin. Lined it with 60" wide heavy cotton flannel; the backing is also unbleached muslin that is cut a little larger than the quilt top, then turned over twice and stitched to the top to make a self-edging. It looks really nice if you mitre the corners with a bit of blind stitching just inside the folds.
Joseph's Necktie is easy piecework and goes together quickly, but should not to be confused with "Bow-Tie" which requires a square in the middle and can be a bit fussy to sew. For example, here's a good tutorial for that one here. See the difference? Anyway, I did a bit more digging in my pattern files and found the pattern I used, then turned it into a PDF that you can print out and use if you like. Follow this link: Download JOSEPH'S NECKTIE QUILT BLOCK.
Have a great weekend!
It's lovely! Don't you just love it when you stumble upon something that's been forgotten? Crisp evenings are the best -- when you have a quilt to snuggle under.
Posted by: Jodi | September 30, 2011 at 01:20 PM
I am so glad your tomatoes are turning red! Are you going to "put some up" for the winter, or make fresh tomato sandwiches? Either way I know you and your family will enjoy them.
My grand-son loves bow ties. This quilt patern is purfect for him. Thank you for sharing it. You are so thoughtful.
Posted by: Velma | September 30, 2011 at 04:09 PM
It is so true that I need to learn to sign and date my quilts. I don't remember when I made them. I only had two quilts that I dated and signed. I always think it is not important, but no look back. I wish I could have!
Posted by: Chase | September 30, 2011 at 04:13 PM
Paula Deen just had a guy on that wrote Civil War recipe cookbooks & they made green tomato pie on the show. I've been wanting to make it ever since. Be sure to blog about it if you ever do it!
Posted by: Heather | September 30, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Love your quilt! I have an old quilt I got at an auction I bet you'd like. It's a star one. It's on my website... http://byteresa.com/quilt/
Have a great weekend! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | September 30, 2011 at 07:54 PM
It's beautiful! I just learned that from the block of the month I go to, never thought of it before.
Posted by: Judy | October 01, 2011 at 06:22 AM
This quilt is beautiful (and a really great reminder to sign & date them - thanks!).
I love your new header (although I've loved all of your others, too) - very appropriate for this new fall season!
Thank you so much for sharing so much with us on your blog - it's always so much fun to read and learn new things from you (and I so enjoy your children's creativity too!)
Posted by: Barb | October 01, 2011 at 08:39 AM
I love the way you've decorated both your porch and the blog for Autumn Vicki. Your quilt truly is lovely, a perfect mix of fabrics.
Thank you for sharing!
xo
Posted by: Account Deleted | October 03, 2011 at 09:59 AM
The bow tie quilt is wonderful - thanks for sharing the pattern I had never seen this one before. Bernie
Posted by: Bernie | October 03, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Oh yes! I love rediscovering what I have. When you get older, it's one of the joys of forgetfulness. lol
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I'm afraid we don't have enough tomatoes to can this year and that is a bit disapointing. On the other hand, the pickles are still going gangbusters (hee hee) and are keeping me plenty busy in the canning department. I just put-up four more quart jars yesterday!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 09:57 AM
I know what you mean, I have some quilts that I neglected to label, thinking I'd do it later, then forgot. Digital cameras make it easier to keep track of projects and dates. I try and photograph everything soon after I make it for a quick reference later.
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I certainly will! A friend of mine is sitting with a bushel of green tomatoes right now, I may pass this recipe on to him!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:09 AM
It's beautiful! I can't seem to leave a comment on your site and am having similar issues on other blogs. My comment just disappears when I click on publish. Anyone else having this problem? How do you fix it??
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Thanks Judy!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Thank you Barb, I do try and make my little corner of the blog world a fun place to visit. I appreciate that you stop by! xo
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Thanks for the sweet comments Lena. Merryville is looking pretty spiffy too!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Glad you like it! Thanks for stopping by Bernie!
Posted by: vicki haninger | October 05, 2011 at 10:27 AM
Just had to return to this post...am shocked that I didn't comment...to say that when I saw a quilt in this pattern at the fair last week, I remembered that I had seen it here first.
Posted by: Vee | October 11, 2011 at 09:31 AM