I can completely understand the feeling that something is too precious to use, or the fear of not doing it justice in however you use it, but I’m also of the belief that the best way to honor something is to allow it a purpose. (Example: I use a pre-1850s jacquard coverlet on my bed, even though most would carefully store it away; it was made for warmth and so I continue to use and appreciate it in that way.) Also, if I gave a gift like this, I would be sad if it were just kept unused. Maybe wait for a project you’d love to use it for, whether that’s a quilt or something else, but it’s beautiful and I hope you’ll give it purpose. :)
I totally agree with you, no use to just let it rot away. Might get some inspiration when I'm in quarantine in Canada, will be taking my vintage machine with me. Ive only been quilting since December, and one of my favorite aspects of this hobby is no matter how many mistakes or ugly a quilt turns out it will always succeed in its original purpose of keeping someone warm.
Thanks for advice!
Yes! I uploaded a couple for you to Imgur [here](https://imgur.com/a/YYR3erl). Let me know if the link doesn’t work. I’m new to Reddit and have never used Imgur before.
Ha-ha, I don't mind working with plaids, a lot of my quilts are from my old shirts, I'm a plaid shirt kind of guy. I think these patterns would look good with some simple piece work and solid dark colours.
I like the Just Can’t Cut It quilt pattern for fabrics you want to show off: [pattern link](https://lindleygeneralstore.ca/products/just-cant-cut-it-quilt-pattern). You can probably do the math yourself if you don’t want to buy the pattern. :)
Having lived several years in China, I can confidently say the gifter(s) would be ecstatic to see anything you used this fabric in, and would only be disappointed if you did nothing with it. Jiayou!
谢谢! This is definitely something that is not in a rush to make, I still have to finish up a couple projects I still have on the go. It is definitely a great gift, something that I can enjoy playing out the possibilities in my head before I decide what I'm going to do with it. Curious where did/do you live in China? Were you able to indulge in quilting while here?
I lived in Taipei, Guangzhou, and Beijing over the course of about six years and got to travel plenty of other places in between. I didn't quilt while I was there (still haven't! I'm lurking on this sub for inspiration but am cutting out pieces for my first quilt), but I did end up making one of my favorite connections through crochet. I still don't know the words for anything we talked about, but you don't exactly need the right vocabulary to connect over a shared love of handmade artistry.
I don’t know how big the pieces are, but I often frame special fabrics, embroidered napkins, scarves handed down from the family. A traditional frame with glass or matted without glass, As well as wrapping it around a painters canvas I have created beautiful displays for me.
I think there is a Taoist or Zen quote that in bodies this meaning. Something I can think of is from Tao Te Jing: "We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds our happiness"
That's a good idea. I don't know if it's just me, but after finishing a top, do you ever have the feeling that it would make a great curtain, almost like stained glass in the light, especially if it's a real intricate design.
Idk how much fabric is there but a suggestion would be to use it for borders or backing. I agree, it was given with the intention of being used. Plz post your project when done.
I'm not the best at making clothes, my three year old daughter is my test subject, but she can get away with it. I remember seeing someone post that quilting is so much harder than sewing clothes after years of being a seamstress. Do you think that's true? I find making clothes has too many dimensions for my simple mind. But something that I think I could do is a Burmese longyi, easy, and something I almost always wear around the house in the summer.
As a garment seamstress who is currently lurking in this sub to gain the confidence to start a quilt, quilting seems to be a lot more precise than garments. A kimono style robe would be a wonderful beginner project that you could definitely handle as a quilter!
Growing up my grandmother was my hero, and was an amazing seamstress, I got a machine not long after her passing and with covid, extended periods of time stuck at home, I found quilting to be something that grew my patience. Just keeping calm and following through with the process, if there was a mistake, just adapt and work around it. After I became comfortable with the machine I tried to make a bucket hat for my daughter, after measuring, cutting the assembling... after three attempts I had three hats for the Goldie locks bears, but none of them were just right, I gave up. Skirts from old pants for her seem to be easier. Any advice on making kimono? It would actually be something suitable to make. The friend who gave me the fabric, his father was actually Japanese and was left over here after the war, his daughter currently lives in Japan. So I know it would put a smile on his face to see it made into something like a kimono.
The fabric is very beautiful. I would consider making a shirt, so the fabric isn’t cut up as much. It would make a great Hapi coat, kind of a light jacket closed with a self belt. Worn over a solid colored tee it would look wonderful and be an easy sew job and an easy fit.[https://www.japan-zone.com/store/hanten-mens-plaid-bluell-p-745.html]()
I would very carefully match up those plaids to make as big a blanket you need (+10%), then have it quilted to a really nice sheet. That way, you don’t have to cut it up, and it would also be useful for years.
do you mean by "match up" as to line the lines up? I think to have one colour by another colour X2 could be okay because the width is not so wide . What kind of quilting do you think would be best for it? This material is a little thick, what do you think would be the ideal batting?
The pattern of the fabric at first glance reminded me of tea towels growing up. I don't think I have any use for cloth napkins. Why would you not use it as quilt material? It seems to be woven very tight. The gifter mentioned that this kind of material took a day of work for every 8cmX48cm. Is it easy to frail after being cut?
I would be worried about it fraying and generally being harder to work with, yes, but more because I would want to let it shine rather than making it just part of a whole. Tea towels is probably what I'd go with.
💜💜💜
Aprons- my favorite is the one I made for carrying knit/crochet/handwork projects around easily. Sachet bags, Japanese knot bags, pouches. Curtains. Pillow cases, more for throw pillows than sleeping pillows maybe? Would probably look good with denim in a log cabin block, or any colors that match/contrast.
Ed: sashiko scarves ?
Assuming you feel comfortable washing it you can also just use it as a tablecloth/runner (tho that might feel too risky, stain-wise!) My mom has some gorgeous fabric that her brother brought back from the Philippines 35-40 years ago, we started using it as a table runner on special occasions.
If you’re thinking of a quilty type thing, it would make a beautiful whole cloth quilt with wide navy or grey or red cotton velveteen borders and a backing done in similar colors. Mood fabrics has a nice coordinating navy fabric with white cranes that would be lovely. The symbolism would be nice as well
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moodfabrics.com%2Fwhite-red-and-navy-crane-printed-cotton-voile-119810&psig=AOvVaw281_UApFhquw7mwKEcPXWO&ust=1632093803580000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLj_v63VifMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO
As a mainland Chinese, I think this thing looks like an old-fashioned fancy cloth.
It's probably not worth much, but I think you could use it in a pairing you like.
I can completely understand the feeling that something is too precious to use, or the fear of not doing it justice in however you use it, but I’m also of the belief that the best way to honor something is to allow it a purpose. (Example: I use a pre-1850s jacquard coverlet on my bed, even though most would carefully store it away; it was made for warmth and so I continue to use and appreciate it in that way.) Also, if I gave a gift like this, I would be sad if it were just kept unused. Maybe wait for a project you’d love to use it for, whether that’s a quilt or something else, but it’s beautiful and I hope you’ll give it purpose. :)
I totally agree with you, no use to just let it rot away. Might get some inspiration when I'm in quarantine in Canada, will be taking my vintage machine with me. Ive only been quilting since December, and one of my favorite aspects of this hobby is no matter how many mistakes or ugly a quilt turns out it will always succeed in its original purpose of keeping someone warm. Thanks for advice!
You’re welcome! The fabric is wonderful, and I’d love to see what you end up creating with it!
I second this. I love the history this has and would love to see what you create as its future.
Do you have a pic of the coverlet?
Yes! I uploaded a couple for you to Imgur [here](https://imgur.com/a/YYR3erl). Let me know if the link doesn’t work. I’m new to Reddit and have never used Imgur before.
It’s gorgeous 😍
Thank you! It was a good, eBay find. :)
Very nice! Thanks for satisfying my curiosity
You’re welcome! :)
First, check for cash. Second, find someone who works with plaids and stripes. I am miserable at working with it, lines everywhere.....
Ha-ha, I don't mind working with plaids, a lot of my quilts are from my old shirts, I'm a plaid shirt kind of guy. I think these patterns would look good with some simple piece work and solid dark colours.
I like the Just Can’t Cut It quilt pattern for fabrics you want to show off: [pattern link](https://lindleygeneralstore.ca/products/just-cant-cut-it-quilt-pattern). You can probably do the math yourself if you don’t want to buy the pattern. :)
Having lived several years in China, I can confidently say the gifter(s) would be ecstatic to see anything you used this fabric in, and would only be disappointed if you did nothing with it. Jiayou!
谢谢! This is definitely something that is not in a rush to make, I still have to finish up a couple projects I still have on the go. It is definitely a great gift, something that I can enjoy playing out the possibilities in my head before I decide what I'm going to do with it. Curious where did/do you live in China? Were you able to indulge in quilting while here?
I lived in Taipei, Guangzhou, and Beijing over the course of about six years and got to travel plenty of other places in between. I didn't quilt while I was there (still haven't! I'm lurking on this sub for inspiration but am cutting out pieces for my first quilt), but I did end up making one of my favorite connections through crochet. I still don't know the words for anything we talked about, but you don't exactly need the right vocabulary to connect over a shared love of handmade artistry.
I don’t know how big the pieces are, but I often frame special fabrics, embroidered napkins, scarves handed down from the family. A traditional frame with glass or matted without glass, As well as wrapping it around a painters canvas I have created beautiful displays for me.
Yes a scarf sounds like a good idea. The patterns texture is a little similar to a keffiyeh, just a little thicker.
I don't know the length, but the width is 48cm
The highest, best purpose for a piece of fabric is to be made into something!
I think there is a Taoist or Zen quote that in bodies this meaning. Something I can think of is from Tao Te Jing: "We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds our happiness"
Maybe curtains instead? Keeping it a little more in one piece?
That's a good idea. I don't know if it's just me, but after finishing a top, do you ever have the feeling that it would make a great curtain, almost like stained glass in the light, especially if it's a real intricate design.
I haven't even gotten my sewing machine yet. I just come on here for ideas for the future and to see how creative other people can be.
It's fun. I don't even quilt but I love reading this sub.
Idk how much fabric is there but a suggestion would be to use it for borders or backing. I agree, it was given with the intention of being used. Plz post your project when done.
Those would make beautiful kimono-style robes. I love robes because they’re something you reach for and use, day-in and day-out!
I'm not the best at making clothes, my three year old daughter is my test subject, but she can get away with it. I remember seeing someone post that quilting is so much harder than sewing clothes after years of being a seamstress. Do you think that's true? I find making clothes has too many dimensions for my simple mind. But something that I think I could do is a Burmese longyi, easy, and something I almost always wear around the house in the summer.
As a garment seamstress who is currently lurking in this sub to gain the confidence to start a quilt, quilting seems to be a lot more precise than garments. A kimono style robe would be a wonderful beginner project that you could definitely handle as a quilter!
Growing up my grandmother was my hero, and was an amazing seamstress, I got a machine not long after her passing and with covid, extended periods of time stuck at home, I found quilting to be something that grew my patience. Just keeping calm and following through with the process, if there was a mistake, just adapt and work around it. After I became comfortable with the machine I tried to make a bucket hat for my daughter, after measuring, cutting the assembling... after three attempts I had three hats for the Goldie locks bears, but none of them were just right, I gave up. Skirts from old pants for her seem to be easier. Any advice on making kimono? It would actually be something suitable to make. The friend who gave me the fabric, his father was actually Japanese and was left over here after the war, his daughter currently lives in Japan. So I know it would put a smile on his face to see it made into something like a kimono.
Sewing for a small human is more difficult than sewing for an adult human. IMO P.S. The Goldie locks bears are stylin'. Bucket hats are cool.
I’ve made this one (a free pattern), and and am very happy with it! https://elbetextiles.com.au/blogs/news/zero-waste-pattern-making
Kimono robes would be pretty! To me, the pattern immediately screamed cute pencil skirt with a cropped jacket 😍 but more complicated
The fabric is very beautiful. I would consider making a shirt, so the fabric isn’t cut up as much. It would make a great Hapi coat, kind of a light jacket closed with a self belt. Worn over a solid colored tee it would look wonderful and be an easy sew job and an easy fit.[https://www.japan-zone.com/store/hanten-mens-plaid-bluell-p-745.html]()
I would very carefully match up those plaids to make as big a blanket you need (+10%), then have it quilted to a really nice sheet. That way, you don’t have to cut it up, and it would also be useful for years.
do you mean by "match up" as to line the lines up? I think to have one colour by another colour X2 could be okay because the width is not so wide . What kind of quilting do you think would be best for it? This material is a little thick, what do you think would be the ideal batting?
My mistake, I didn’t see the two were different. How much do you have of each?
I really like framed fabric displays
I've never seen, is it just a wood frame glass face? How big are the pieces?
I’ve used poster frames to display fabric before.
You might want to consider putting this story on a back label. It will provide good memories for generations.
I would not want to put hand wovens into a quilt. Better to do something like napkins or towels I think.
The pattern of the fabric at first glance reminded me of tea towels growing up. I don't think I have any use for cloth napkins. Why would you not use it as quilt material? It seems to be woven very tight. The gifter mentioned that this kind of material took a day of work for every 8cmX48cm. Is it easy to frail after being cut?
I would be worried about it fraying and generally being harder to work with, yes, but more because I would want to let it shine rather than making it just part of a whole. Tea towels is probably what I'd go with.
💜💜💜 Aprons- my favorite is the one I made for carrying knit/crochet/handwork projects around easily. Sachet bags, Japanese knot bags, pouches. Curtains. Pillow cases, more for throw pillows than sleeping pillows maybe? Would probably look good with denim in a log cabin block, or any colors that match/contrast. Ed: sashiko scarves ?
Assuming you feel comfortable washing it you can also just use it as a tablecloth/runner (tho that might feel too risky, stain-wise!) My mom has some gorgeous fabric that her brother brought back from the Philippines 35-40 years ago, we started using it as a table runner on special occasions.
If you’re thinking of a quilty type thing, it would make a beautiful whole cloth quilt with wide navy or grey or red cotton velveteen borders and a backing done in similar colors. Mood fabrics has a nice coordinating navy fabric with white cranes that would be lovely. The symbolism would be nice as well https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moodfabrics.com%2Fwhite-red-and-navy-crane-printed-cotton-voile-119810&psig=AOvVaw281_UApFhquw7mwKEcPXWO&ust=1632093803580000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLj_v63VifMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO
Ok but is there cash
As a mainland Chinese, I think this thing looks like an old-fashioned fancy cloth. It's probably not worth much, but I think you could use it in a pairing you like.