Recently a brief conversation at sew day about a use for empty spools led to those who collect wooden spools with or without thread and what , if anything , is done with them. I have a few but would not say they are something I collect nor do I save the plastic spools in case some future generation finds a creative purpose for them or even finds them “collectible”. I do remember, however, using the wooden spools to make toys, spool toys. My memory was jogged to remember those toys last night when I was perusing an old magazine from 1915. The ad is pictured below. I wasn’t born yet in 1915 so this toy idea must have been renewed some 40 years later. I don’t recall if we made them in “art class” at school or if they were made around the dining room table as a rainy day activity. I do remember having a lion and an elephant and I am sure there were others. I don’t remember them coming from the thread company as promoted in this ad. For only a nickel and the coupon included in the ad you could get a complete set of six spool pets. You could also collect them as you purchased bias trim because one came in each package for free—for a limited time. The ad further promotes that over “300,000 boys and girls have had great fun making and playing with these clever toys”. What do you suppose was the favorite: Puppy Dog, Kitty Cat, Bob Bunny, Hal Horse, Clara Cow or Pete Pig? Love those old ads!

Today I will be joining a group of fiber arts enthusiasts at the Rockport Center for the Arts to share the rust dyeing technique. Coming from a farm background I am familiar with how equipment rusts if not taken care of. I remember greasing plow blades and cultivator shovels to prevent rust. Now I am looking for all kinds of bolts and washers and nails and chains and anything else that is or can be rusted to create an interesting pattern on fabric. The sample shown combines a Tyvek leaf ( my favorite technique) on a rust dyed background with felted leaves on the side. I painted the background fabric using Setacolor paints with commercial batiks that combine so well with hand dyes. Made on a rainy day, it reflects the mood of the day with the sun trying to shine but the rain prevailed. Looking forward to the exciting but unknown results that take place when a group with artistic bent comes together.

Wow!! I was so motivated to try this that I made a mistake.  You will need 2 1/2 yards of background solid or reads as solid rather than 1 5/8 yards.  So then there are some additional cuts to be made. The new directions as as follows and thank you to my wonderful artsy group for trying this and making the corrections.  In actuality the directions were for four blocks rather than six.

Week 1 of 4

“It’s A Mystery” Quilt Challenge

Finished Quilt Size: 39.5” x 54.5”

 

Fabric Requirements:

• 2 ½ yd of solid or “reads as solid” for background
• 1/8 yd of at least 4 different coordinating prints for accent

(optional substitute: 24 different 3 ½” squares)

• 2 ½ yd backing

 

 

Cutting:

Background-

Cut 6 strips 6 ½” by width of fabric (wof);

Subcut each strip as follows:

Strip 1-21 ½”, 3 ½”, 12 ½”

Strip 2-21 ½”, 9 ½”, 6 ½”

Strip 3- 24 ½”, 6 ½”, 6 ½”

Strip 4-24 ½”, 9 ½”, 3 ½”

Strip 5- 21 ½”, 9 ½”, 6 ½”

Strip 6- 21 ½”, 9 ½”, 3 ½”

 

Cut 2 strips 3 ½” x wof;

Subcut strip 1: 18 ½”, 15 ½”;

Subcut strip 2: 18 ½”

 

Cut 2 strips 9 ½” x wof;

Subcut strip 1: 18 ½”, 15 ½”;

Subcut strip 2: 18 ½”

 

Coordinating prints-

From each of 4 prints cut six 3 ½’ x 3 ½” squares (24 total)

Label each stack of six squares 1-4

 

Binding: Cut six strips 2 ½” x wof