What To Do With Vintage Blocks, With Jenny Doan of Missouri Star! (Video Tutorial)

[@martyglo7]

I love this idea! I found 8 point star blocks my great granny had made... not enough for a quilt, so I used reproduction fabrics and made another simple star block and put them together in my "Granny and Me" quilt. I love it. Thanks Jenny.

[@notasoutherngirl]

I was just sifting through some of my grandmother's unfinished blocks that i inherited earlier today. And after a good, well-needed cry while watching your video, i went back to that old cedar hope chest and started to sort what was in there (ok, i cried a lot today but in a good way.) Because of your cleverness, i plan to finish and gift about 20 (give or take) quilts to her church for their homeless and families in need programs. She didn't quilt just for her family, she quilted for her community but she mostly quilted for her soul ... Thank you, Ms. Jenny... just thank you for being who you are.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

That is amazing, Denise! It sounds like you have a wonderful mother and you are following in her footsteps!

[@karenbullington878]

I inherited blocks just like these from a lady in my moms retirement community, about 90 of them, they were made by her grandmother, and she herself is in her 80's, so they are deffinitely antique and have been well preserved. Thank you for this tutorial!!!!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Sounds like you have some very special antique blocks to work with Karen! very neat!

[@karenbullington878]

I've been scared to touch them, LOL But will attempt to after the holidays

[@DramaMamaLM]

OMGosh! Jenny is such a hoot! What a dear, dear lady.

[@jennykiser2627]

OMG, I have over 100 of these I found in my parents closet after they passed. I know I wouldn't be able to match old fabric by joining together. This is the answer for me to get them finished for a great memory quilt. Jenny you are the greatest, finally got to meet you last year at Maysville, KY Quilt Trunk Show. Love your tutorials!

[@wendyblackburn6418]

I have a collection of these my Mother in law gave me. Thank you, I can finally do something with them. She would have loved knowing they will finally get made into what will now be an heirloom.

[@sueburbidge5401]

I made mine into a door curtain to stop the cold coming in! It makes a lovely bright splash in our hallway! Thanks Jennie, from the UK

[@cathywestholt5324]

What a true treasure you found.

[@RROmelody]

I love this! Rescuing old blocks or embroidery and giving them a new life. It makes me feel like I am able to honor the person that started the project and couldn't finish.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Glad you enjoyed this tutorial Melody! It's a wonderful way to honor the person who started the project!

[@amytransue8756]

I have a stack of these very same flowers from my great grandmother!!! Now I know what to do!! Thank you!!!!

[@dianaroye8047]

Love this idea. I just pulled out of my hope chest some vintage unfinished quilt blocks and can't wait to get them in a quilt. I would love to see some more ideas of using and finishing quilts from old blocks. 30's fabric is my fave. Thanks Jenny!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

30's fabric is so fun Diana! Glad you enjoyed this tutorial!

[@dianncall9971]

I have blocks of the little girl, I think they are called "Sunbonnet Sue", that were my grandmothers. I told myself when I learn how to quilt I will make a wall hanging out of them. This will be a perfect project for the spring. I had forgotten that I had these blocks and Jenny this quilt reminded me of them, so thank you!!

[@leilaniabbott8944]

I inherited this type of quilt top when Mom passed. Have been looking at it for15 yrs. She came into quilting late and this is one of the few. Thank for he video. Now I am going to look to see if there are some block.

[@barbarad7193]

I also have many of both my grandmother's and my husband's grandmother's handkerchiefs and doilies. I'm thinking this might work to get them out of storage and into something to be remembered and cherished. Thanks, Jenny!

[@jackietschantz]

Jenny you are a treasure.

[@gretchenpassmore4885]

Thank you so much for this idea. I have over 120 "flowers" that my great grandma made. This is so much more do-able for this novice quilter.

[@jmarylastone]

I just bought 50 of these very same blocks and this method was one of the ways I was thinking of sewing them together --- THANKS FOR HELPING ME DECIDE!!

[@sassy3015]

jmarylastone A

[@roxwyfe]

I'm so glad I found this tutorial! I have 90 of my great-grandmother's blocks just like this and I've been contemplating how to set them. Thank you so much!!

[@laurajustice4275]

Thank you for this. I inherited six pointed star flour sack quilt blocks from my great-grandmother and didn't know what to do with them.

[@3scifimom]

Love this! From my husband's family, I have vintage blocks and fabric. Are you ready for this!? They still have uncut feed sacks from the 30's! This is a farm family who remembers the Depression! I just about fainted when my mom in law pulled those out. I don't have enough of one style to make a quilt--I don't think-- But, you just gave me an idea...a sampler quilt!! I don't know why I haven't thought of it before! Thanks Jenny and MSQC!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

How neat is that 3scifimom! So glad you found a way to portray these uncut feed sacks from the 30's!

[@lauriestewart3700]

I've been seeing these flowers together by hand for years now. They're a good project to take with you. Thanks for sharing how to mount them! I never would've thought of that!!

[@littlequiltsong9576]

What a great tutorial! Wonderful idea for these old blocks that someone took the time and pleasure to make!

[@kimberlyduncan1053]

Thanks for another great idea. I have started some hexie blocks that I take with me. I work on them when I get a few minutes here & there. It takes lots of time but they are adding up. You have showed me what to do with them when I get a few more done! I was wondering how to join them in a nice way that would display them at their best. Love it! I also enjoy your sense of humor & your easy going smile & laugh! You make the world a nicer place, thank you

[@annapfeil8970]

Love it, can see a great quilt as you go in this.

[@cynthiasmith6465]

Love you Jenny.

[@GrrannyH1]

GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE! I started hand piecing a Grandmothers Flower Garden quilt using the English paper method over 30 years ago. I got the blocks out again this fall and decided that I will applique them just as you did. However, now to decide if I quilt as I go or sew the top and then quilt in the traditional manner, except FMQ by machine. Decisions, decisions, decisions. I just might have to purchase some of that reproductions fabric for the borders, however. Thanks for sharing!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

So glad you found this tutorial helpful GrrannyH1! Happy quilting!

[@robinarmstead885]

Very pretty. I have old blocks , not grandmothers, but after seeing yours I'll get them out and put them together.

[@danacrocco3592]

I'm always seeing these old blocks! What a great idea! Thank you, Jenny!

[@SandraLC7]

Love this idea. Got a new reason to go to antique stores and garage sales!

[@rosemaryaus9853]

Jenny, loved this video. I did some grandmothers flowers years ago, pushed them away when I commenced machine quilting, and every now and then, think I must applique them. Your method looks so easy, that maybe in the New Year, they well may be put to use. I love all your video's.Thank you for them all.

[@LiseW3]

Thank you so much. I looked high and low what to do with this lady hand-sewn dresden and sample blocks. This is such a great idea and I don't have to worry about the fabric frailing.

[@sharonmika4786]

You have made me so happy today! Thank you!💫

[@HelpMeRhondayeah]

Wow! Jenny, I found one just like those in my Mom’s old local Quilt Guild (Piecemakers) stack. I trimmed all the big blocks (varied quilt blocks) into a big quilt. But I had ONE GFGarden, almost exactly like those you have! I’m gonna make a tote bag with it. Thanks for showing us how to do it to preserve it! You’re the best

[@cagirlmp8721]

Love it. I adore vintage blocks.

[@semisweetchild]

Thank you! I inherited some blocks from my great grandma and some from a good family friend and they've been sitting in my stash just waiting for something to be done with them.

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

How cool! I love vintage quilt blocks. I'm with you -- those little hexagons make me crazy.

[@cindymckenna1150]

Thanks, Jenny! I have a box of old star blocks. Now I know what to do with them.

[@karispeckman298]

Wow! I just found a whole box of these at an antique store! Can't wait to do this project!

[@sharonbeeghly7857]

thanks for giving me a better idea of what to do with some vintage grandmother flowers

[@susanmarical2300]

My favorite block of all time! You hit the jackpot on finding those blocks. One of these days I will make a quilt with those blocks. Thank you for showing us how to put it together in a simpler way. Tiny hexagons overwhelm me, but they're so so beautiful. I'm I'm love with this quilt! ❤️

[@debbyhelton6713]

Jenny thank you so much for this! I started making the grandmother's flowers years ago and ran out of steam! This video inspired me to get them out and make a quilt like this. Love your videos!!

[@susanneshafar5923]

You've given me some great ideas!

[@martinataylor378]

Thank you for this video I had inherited some handmade flower pieces like this and wanted to honor her and finish a quilt that will make it so much easier

[@ruthdance4412]

I have just been doing this for the past couple weeks with hexagons that my Mum started 40 years ago. She had loads of Laura Ashley fabric and hexagons stashed away, so I am putting it all together in a quilt for her.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

This will be one special quilt Ruth! Such a special way to honor your mother!

[@lizryan6289]

I love this. Thank you Jenny.

[@mkum10]

omg thank you soo much. I was given a stack if these my grandma did. I had no idea how I was gonna finish it.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

How neat Monica! So glad you know what to do with your Grandmothers special blocks.

[@75ChrisC]

Brilliant Jenny! Now I have an excuse to start hunting for these old blocks... Love the tutorial, as always! Cheers from Australia

[@LovingHandsDesign]

This is a great idea Jenny! Your awesome.

[@dorissmith4754]

Thank you Jenny, that was a lovely quilt, very unique !

[@Parween1985]

they really are beautiful ...

[@martib1693]

WOW - you've given us a whole new slant on things (again!). Thank you so much - this is fabulous. Now, I'm going to go look to see if I can find any scraps from Grandma!! :)

[@virginiaowensby8413]

Thank you Jenny. I love this video and I will be using it.

[@cherylp.3347]

What a fabulous idea! and so pretty too.... I have a bunch of those hexi s I made myself...thinking I may use your shortcut...

[@kristinthomas6035]

Thank you for this tutorial! I have some of these, though not as many, and like you, they've been stashed away until "someday" I figure out what to do with them... Now I have to find WHERE they're stashed!

[@ruthm8931]

This is the quilt of my dreams!!! i am so so jealous of your find!!! Going to start looking at the Thrift Stores once again...Your idea is brilliant and inspiring!

[@susanabaquerizo8494]

Beauty!

[@yvonneluke456]

That's such a fantastic idea. I've never worked with hexagons but after seeing you do this tutorial Jenny I'm going to give it a try. Plus with the help of Qiulty Box I'll be able to make a very large one. Great video tutorial!!!!! 😃👍👍👍😊

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Thanks Yvonne! Happy quilting! :)

[@yvonneluke456]

You are most welcome!!! 😎👍👍👍👍😃😊

[@sweetteawhimsy3998]

Oh how beautiful!!!

[@christinepreston8267]

Just what I do Jenny, I apply them to a background piece.....all by hand, I love hand sewing so much, then I embroider them, applique them, anything that comes to mind.....also same as you I love charity shops (UK) I am well known for that, one of the girls says to me.....what are you going to pull to pieces now!! Such fun. Thank you xxx

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Good for you Christine! Keep up the great work!

[@quentinmarston5386]

Christine Preston

[@lihoontay3990]

Missouri Star Quilt Compan

[@allisoncrase3455]

Such a great idea!!

[@emsim30]

I just finished a grandmother's flower garden quilt top, by hand. Now I need to sandwich & quilt it. I'm tired of hand sewing! But I see how people get so much money for them...

[@lesleymorris6920]

Yes !! Thank you so much, a great solution- I do have many of these old blocks, what a great idea. Thanks so much again, Lesley from Kauai, Indulge Retreat

[@cynthiafreeman5632]

I have a stack of these same blocks. Is the blanket stitch going to prevent the edge from fraying? I love this idea, both for ease and my blocks are quite frail so this will add a backing. Thank you!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

The blanket stitch will help prevent them from fraying. I hope you'll put those blocks to use and give this a try! :)

[@aliciaroot2201]

Beautiful! Nice repurposing of beautiful blocks. Id would have gone as far as quilting the inner hexi too but you have the long arm to make those beautiful designs too. Great video.☺❤💜💙💛

[@claraisabelanayalizarazo1710]

Todo HERMOSO !!!!

[@elizabethhereford8319]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I really didn't want to make a bunch more hexagons to get a Quilt finished! 😊

[@donnadoble-brown338]

I just LOVE this! 💚💚

[@szelop]

Beautiful.

[@ArmyNurse1776]

You make want to go and scavenger myself to see what can I find. Going to Mexico this week, you bet I will hit the markets to see what they have. I am like you I love those blocks but will never make them. Love you Jenny.

[@barbaramccall3979]

Ylbahooker123

[@barbaramccall3979]

what is this

[@cc83jc85]

I also have many of these and always wondered how they would look. Thanks now I know its great! Cheers! LOVE your good-feel shows! Marietta Brisbane

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Hope you give it a try!

[@kellyhipkins5616]

Wow i love that

[@cathywestholt5324]

I am starting to use English paper piecing to make those flowers. I may use this idea to mount them separately instead of connecting all of them.

[@weepoo18]

I am with you on being a scavenger LOL.......I have some of my hubbie's gma hex blocks and now I know what to do with them Thanks so much for sharing

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

So happy you know what to do with those special blocks Debbie! Happy quilting! :)

[@sandygrogg1203]

Awesome!

[@margaretbeard6564]

I have some old blocks that were just waiting for this video

[@triciastone7916]

Hello Jenny. I love all of your tutorials and have made a number of the quilts shown. I am pretty sure that I won't get around to making them all! Please would you do a tutorial on using all the old doilies I have collected and been given over the years? What would you do with the few coloured ones, put them in, leave them out?Looking forward to your answer

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

We'll have to think on this one and see if we can come up with something, Tricia. It could be fun to mix a few of the colored ones in. :)

[@ellaprevette388]

Hi Jenny, I finished my Sashed Half Hexie as a quilt as you go method. I sent it to you on your contact us page. Hope you like it. Thanks again for all you do. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Congratulations on finishing this quilt ella, and we're looking forward to seeing it! We hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas as well! :)

[@PADMAREDDY.]

love it. very intelligent Idea

[@Cyrilmc222004]

I really wouldn't want to make those little hexagon blocked either, but I would love to find some ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ I think 💭 you've made the very best of them 👍👍👍👏👏👏 And it's a great 👍 way to use them isn't it 😀😀😀😀😀

[@carolwoolf7630]

Thank you for that I have some of those I will do like that,

[@joanneobergfell7935]

Love it!!

[@cpower3815]

Thank you for this video! My grandmother died before she finished my Brother's quilt, it's a beautiful bowtie quilt, she finished the blocks but didn't get the top put together. This is an answer to my prayers! I wanted to finish the quilt for my brother! (That was 50 years ago!) What fabric did you use for the white that you put the quilt blocks on? The bowties are old and the fabric is fragile and thin. So I want to put them on other fabric before I put the top together.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Hi, C Power! We used Kona Cotton Natural for our background color. Here's the link: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/6501/robert-kaufman/robert-kaufman-fabrics/kona-cotton-natural-yardage

[@soniamarialisboaoliveirali4662]

Maravilhoso adorei

[@brendapalmer867]

I have a bunch of these my mom picked up from a yard sale. They are not well put together but I think this would work if it is well quilted. My question is . . . The edges are not turned under, can you give me a suggestion for turning them under or is it OK to sew raw edges?

[@laritapope1982]

I had the same question. I was going to turn the edges under and hand appliqué on blocks

[@lynny6754]

Regarding the statement "I don't know why people stop where they do": I went to an estate sale of an old quilter and she had multiple unfinished projects left behind, after she passed away; it was a treasure trove. I purchased an entire quilt top that just needed to be sandwiched and the finishing touches taken care of. One day I hope to finish it up, but for now it is a beautiful decor piece in my sewing room, sitting ontop of an antique china cabinet where I store fabric. That quilter must have put hours and hours into that quilt top as it had what seemed to be thousands of tiny pieces sewn together.

[@bleuedee6531]

Genius!

[@lindadavis655]

Love this idea ! I have 2 grandmothers flower garden quilts, from my grandmother, in need of repair, any suggestions out there? Maybe mount your vintage blocks on green fabric to simulate the garden path of the original style?🤗What fun!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

That's a great idea Linda! Very creative!

[@rebekah202003]

I have a hand sewn pattern like this that my Great-Grandma made out of scrap polyester (I'm guessing)? It really needs washed but I'm terrified it will ruin it. Suggestions? Would love to see a wash and care video for already made quilts.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

We'll pass that suggestion over to our tutorial crew! Here's a link about washing vintage quilts that might help: www.thespruce.com/how-to-care-for-vintage-quilts-2146305

[@jo-mariemcnulty3349]

A tutorial using the hexi template to make a version of grandmother's flower garden would be great!!

[@donnaperras7157]

I have a pile of very old hankies. I wonder if I could do the same thing with them and if I didn't have enough, incorporate some old doilies as was suggested below?

[@donnaperras7157]

Thanks for getting my brain churning Jenny!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

That's a wonderful idea Donna! Doing that will give you plenty of special fabric to work with!

[@dwfaught]

Or just use a solid for the border. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@lolleys]

Hi Jenny, my grandmother's house was set on fire by arsonists while she was in a nursing home, but we were able to rescue some of her quilts. One of them is a yo-yo quilt. I want to use it, but is there a way to put a backing on to make it more sturdy? This project reminded me of that.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

We are sorry about your Grandmothers house, but so glad some of her quilts were rescued. You can add backing to a yoyo quilt, and we recommend stitching each individual yoyo to the backing, or for the most strength you could construct a plain quilt, and then attach the yoyo quilt in the same manner to this plain quilt. We hope this helps, and please let us know if you have anymore questions or concerns.

[@lindatucker241]

Any suggestions on how to “revive” the blocks that have yellowed with age?

[@cyjones1878]

Nice

[@annebrunner3649]

I have a stack of old stars I found in a shop in Iowa. I think I'm going to try Heat and Bond on the entire star block. Then figure out what stitch to use because of the points. If anyone has a better idea for doing stars, I'd be happy to hear from you.

[@christinehaines6592]

Quiltville December 25, 2013 · 'Twas the night before Christmas, And the quilts were not made. The threads were all tangled, the cookies delayed. The stocking weren't hung, the pantry was bare. The poor weary Quilter, was tearing her hair. Stacks of fat quarters, tipped over in streams. Visions of Log Cabins, had turned into dreams. When what to her wondering eyes should appear, But a bus full of quilters with all of their gear. They went straight to work with just a few mutters, Sorting and stitching and brandishing cutters. The patterns emerged from all of the clutter, Like magic the fabrics arranged in a flutter. Log Cabins, Lone Stars, Flying Geese & Bear Tracks Each quilt was a beauty-even the backs. Her house how it twinkled, her quilts how they glowed. The cookies were baking, the stockings were sewed. Their work was all done, so they folded their frames, And packed up their needles, without giving their names. They boarded the bus, and checked the next address. More quilts to be made, another quilter in distress. She heard one voice echo, as they drove out of sight, Happy quilting to all and to all a good night! ~Author Unknown Merry Merry, Happy Happy, Quilty Quilty Y'all!!

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

This is so cute Christine! Thanks for sharing this darling Quilting version with us!

[@BettyLCP]

Hi Jenny, Loved this block. Would yo tell me please what size the little Hexagon are please? They look maybe 2" hm... Not sure. and also the whole hexagon block it self.Thank you and God Bless.

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Hello BettyLCP! The little, little hexagons are about 3", and the entire hexagon block with the white fabric included is about 10" wide. I hope these measurements help, and please let us know if you have anymore questions or concerns!

[@robertdunham8387]

I call them orphan blocks and have collected a lot. I sorted enough out to make a service quilt for our vets.

[@sediklah]

Could you do something similar with pieces of crochet work that were never put together? And cold you mount them on pre quilted quilt as you go kind of blocks?

[@vanessaodomsellsmansions]

Will it be OK to use the light weight fusible to attach to square before appliqueing?

[@MissouriQuiltCo]

Yes.