Auction Finds

Garage sales don't exist in the UK, at least, I haven't found one yet. But, every other week there is an auction at the auction house. Some of it is estate, but I'm pretty sure some of it is just people clearing out, as there are lots of children's things and bikes. In the fall I frequented the auction before Rowan was born and as I've been revamping my studio on the sunporch, I found a box I picked up for a pound (actually I put a bid in ahead of time and Jim picked it up later in the week and carried it the mile home - he is such a good sport).

Aside from some metal dry good containers these are the contents of the box...

I love that someone attached a photo of the woman working on this crazy quilt top. It isn't finished, but is a large square quilt with all this amazing hand work. As you will see below, it needs some care. I can't decide what to do with it. I had originally thought to cut it up and make some cushions, but the more I live with it the less inclined I am to alter it more than I have too. I think I may go charity shopping and see if I can't find a wool blanket for batting and something I can back it with and put it together as a quilt. The problem with that is that I don't have velvet to finish the corner that isn't done... and I'm keen to do something with it in the near future. Any suggestions?

So this was in the box too and has the same stitching. It is obviously by the same woman, which makes me think maybe the above piece was meant to be cut up to be clothing. This is too small for me and I'm thinking of giving it to Jonah for his dress up box - it is the perfect coat-of-many-colors to play Joseph!

And my last treasure is a stack of pillowcases that are hand sewn and I'm pretty sure some of the fraying lace is hand done. It is at least a much better quality than you would find in a shop these days. It is so amazing to stumble upon such beautiful handwork.