Repurposing Castoff Baby Quilts

It's that wonderful season of the year for us Midwesterners; who must abandon almost all things outdoors for what seems like six months! It's the time of year when we get the chairs out of the barn or the shed, and we pull things back onto the porch to make it comfy.

For a season or two, we can watch the world go by occasionally, listen to the birds singing, enjoy the sound of rustling leaves, watch a squirrel scamper up the tree, smell the newly-mown grass, wave to the passersby (that doesn't happen too often out here!).

Another thrill for us Midwesterners is a chance to garage sale! It makes me want to shout....I know, I'm weird.

(Something I've always wondered, do milder-weather states garage sale all year?)

While you're out making your rounds, don't overlook the baby clothes tables. That's where I happened to spy these two baby quilts...different sales, different years, but their colors each managed to catch my eye. I snatched them right up, and couldn't believe that someone would part with them.

One reason colorful, scrappy quilts appeal to me is because I know the work that went into them, and you just can't have too many quilts around, can you? They're our preferred blanket, handy in so many ways!

(Oh, and the scrappy lil' rag rug above came from a garage sale, too! Only $3! The reason it was sold so cheap is that it was d.i.r.t.y. But, I came home and threw it into the front-loader with Oxy Clean and some detergent and it came out looking bright and beautiful. I'm sure it would have choked a top-loader, and that's why it got sold dirty.)

The other thing is that my porch gets morning sun and sits under a shade tree, and even if the sun fades the squares a bit, who cares? That makes the quilt even sweeter, in my book.

They quilts are easily dried if the rain gets to them, too. Even though we live in a "windy prairie" sort of area, to date, I've never had one blow away; I leave them out from spring until it's time to decorate for fall.

These little "lap size" baby quilts (one priced at $3, one at $1!) make it possible to sit out here and enjoy a visit with my husband after sunset to talk over our day, or snuggle under for a book and a cup of coffee on the chillier days that are a guaranteed part of our spring, summer, and fall seasons.

In a pinch, these can be grabbed for a quick picnic under the maple tree, or spread on the table on the porch for an outdoor lunch with a friend.

The scrappier, the better. This little nine-patch has stolen my heart and fits right in on the old porch here at the farmhouse. It makes my porch a warmer, happier place, just by sitting there, waiting for me, on the back of the wicker rocker.

While you're here, I should tell you that PVC wicker is wonderful stuff: I love it. Easy to maintain, easy to clean, and lasts forever. My husband special-ordered these through the hardware store where he works, which is a Do-it Best store.

Although we got these several years back, your local Do-it Best store should be able do the same for you!

OH, and isn't fresh, new spring grass the most wonderful creation? It smells great, is a balm to the soul after the gray dullness of winter. It's beautiful green velvet laid out for your feet to enjoy and your eyes to caress. I'm enjoying it before the onset of dandelions ruin it for me! ; -)

Enjoy rockin' on the porch...it's good for what ails ya!