Thinking of my Aunt

Last summer my Aunt Mary thoughtfully bought me this beautiful teacup fabric while we were in Door County, Wisconsin on a family vacation. It was a very special gift then, but became even more meaningful after she died unexpectedly this past Christmas.

My aunt knew how much I liked pretty tea things. She even passed along a few miscellaneous plates and bowls that once belonged to my grandmother, and that I use regularly when having or serving tea.

My aunt and I shared a common love for sewing, and crafting. Each time I would visit she was always in the middle of refinishing a piece of furniture, or some big needlework project. I would always look forward to seeing what she was working on. The last time I was at her house, she showed me a collection of furniture, chairs and a dresser, in her basement that she had refinished. They were painted mostly blue with other bright accent colors, and were very eclectic looking. Her talent never ceased to amaze me, she was one of the most creative people that I've known.

I had been holding on to the fabric for a while, and after my aunt died, I felt a strong desire to make something with it. Many things crossed my mind but I only had 1/2 of a yard of two different fabric patterns so my options were limited. I finally decided that I had enough fabric to make a patchwork table runner. I found some coordinating purple floral fabric, at my local fabric store, to use as the border . I did not have a pattern, and decided to cut 7 x 9 inch pieces out of the tea fabric, and 3 1/2 x 9 inch pieces of the floral to go in between. The floral sides and back are all one piece about 20 inches wide by 62 inches long.

I'm very pleased with the way it turned out, and I think if my aunt could see it she would be too. I have a little fabric leftover, and when I get a chance I think I'll make a matching tea cozy. Thank you Aunt Mary for giving me such a happy memory of you.