Waste not, want not: Thrift Store challenge quilts

This week, we celebrated Earth Day on April 22, with an emphasis on renewing and saving valuable resources -- including fabrics!  In honor of that occasion, we're presenting a showcase of  quilts from reclaimed clothing from the 2014 Arizona Quilters Guild Show.

Fancy Pants by Stella Kennedy

Winner of the Best Overall Recycling award, Stella notes," [I was] using recycled infant/toddler size jeans with embellishments, thus the title. Being legally blind, crazy quilting is my favorite to make. Made for a great niece. " 

Close up, Fancy Pants by Stella Kennedy

Stella's original design contains so many cute embellishments ! There's a variety of lace, darling floral embroidery, butterflies, and bows. Solid pink background fabric provides bright splashes of color.

Two Shirts and a Dress by Donna Hilliard

Winner of the Best Goodwill ( as in the thrift store) Ambassador, Donna states, "I went to Goodwill and bought two shirts and one large dress. I designed and quilted this wall hanging. I used most all of the material."

Close up, Two Shirts and a Dress by Donna Hilliard

Donna did a great job in appliqueing these flowers, which are a lovely shade of pastel peach. The buttons add a very cute touch to this very creative project.

Blue Jean Blues by JoAnn Taylor Rice

JoAnn says of her original design, "The quilt top of made from men's 100% cotton Levi's jeans. The thread came from my stash. Binding and backing are Michael Miller's  'Fairy Frost' fabrics. We were impressed by  this modern quilt with the whimsical curves and cheerful round "bubbles".  The peaceful waves motif reminded us of a day out on the ocean.

Close up, Blue Jean Blues by JoAnn Taylor Rice

JoAnn quilted this abstract work herself on a stationary machine. The array of stitches used in pink, peach, lavender, and silver thread was very impressive. 

Now I Can See The Moon by Maureen Tollman

Maureen was inspired by Japanese poet Mizuta Masahide's philosophical haiku, "Barn's burnt down, now I can see the moon."  Winner of the "Best Salvage Artist" award, Maureen used a recycled tablecloth, which was dyed, discharged,  solvent transferred, and embellished with a wooden necklace. Maureen's work is certainly eye-catching, with its soft complementary colors, balanced symmetry, and artistic lettering.

MomMom's Table by Andrea Williams

Andrea notes, "This quilt was made using the tablecloth from the children's table at MomMomWoodward's. It was one of the first quilts done on my new  Tin Lizzie Longarm Machine."

Close up, MomMom's Table by Andrea Williams

What a great way to preserve an obviously much loved tablecloth which undoubtedly was a part of family history and some very memorable meals. Muted calico print sashing gives a vintage look to this quilt and helps the tablecloth blocks really pop out.

Image credits:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration.