The other day I was thinking about some old bluework blocks I have and have always thought I would make something from them. My goodness, I really should. They are so neat. The blocks were done by my sister's mother-in-law, Alice, many years ago, probably the late thirties or forties. We lived in this tiny little place north of Peoria called Rome, Illinois - seven taverns and one little grocery store. And you either were a river rat or lived on the wrong side of the tracks! Everyone knew everyone, which you know if you have ever lived in a small town. I spent lots of time with Alice's daughter, Dorothy Ann. We were just a year apart in age and spent so much time together playing dolls, playing house in their pantry and dressing their kitty in doll clothes. Also lots of coloring (life was so much different then!) Her grandmother taught us to crochet and I remember learning to make broomstick skirts from Alice probably when I was an 8th grader. My mom, bless her heart, did not sew but we had an old treadle machine and that is what I learned to sew on. I have been into this sewing thing since I was probably 7 or 8 years old. Whenever I got a few cents I would buy an embroidery kit (or paper dolls, another passion) at Ben Franklin's in Chillicothe. Later, when I was in high school, I worked at Ben's - but at the hardware counter. Will post a picture of that one day, too. However, I digress - back to blue work.
There are about eight little blocks with rabbits occupied in various ways. The stitching is beautiful and the backs are almost as nice as the fronts.
Altogether there are about 45 of these little blocks, so quite a few sweet wallhangings could be made. I feel they are too precious to use for baby quilts and should be preserved.
They are slightly soiled and you can see where the hoop was on each one. Any suggestions as to washing them - maybe soaking in a cold water wash such as Woolite? I will go on the internet and see what is safe. I certainly would not want to use bleach.
Just thought you might be interested in these little Pieces of the Past. I am going to keep them out and look for pretty blue fabric and try and make some wallhangings. I would definitely like to make one for each of my sister's sons. Besides the cute rabbits, there are several depicting Alice in Wonderland, animals, toys, birds, just darling blocks. Will post some of the other blacks later.
Here is the March ATC that I will trade with my little group - we have been doing this for over two years now. The theme is "bling" and if you want to see a really gorgeous one, go over to
Looking through this sweet little book, I see that some of the little sunbonnet ladies are dressed in batiks! How's that for combining styles? I may have to try one of those. This was a good way to spend one of my coupons! 
