I recently purchased this charming doll quilt. Now, this is not very old, not very well made and most people would not even call it attractive. In the eye of the beholder and all, I felt it needed to come home with me. What really caught my attention was the slice of history in the printed fabrics. This doll quilt is about 25" x 25" and made from 2 1/2" squares. Both back and front are made from these (not so square) squares. I have found only a couple of prints that repeat, so there is a wealth of fabrics to look at here!

The squares have been hand pieced together. I think maybe, this was originally a large quilt and then it was cut down to make this doll quilt, the "binding" is just the pieced back side brought around to the front and machine stitched down.

Like I said, this charming quilt caught my attention. But, the thing about this quilt that sealed the deal and made me buy it was not all the wonderful fabrics dating from the 40's to the 60's, but the name written on it in ink on both the front and the back.

This little quilt meant something to Ethel. Was it a 4-H or Girl Scout project? Was it her first quilt, did her mother make it for her? What was the story here? I love it and Ethel, your little quilt is in good hands and will be enjoyed like any work of art should.

It is pieces like this little doll quilt that are part of our collective history. These are little works of art. A small piece like this could be framed and showcased as art.

Other common sewing items can also be turned into art. I love buttons, always have. When I was very young my Aunt Margie gave me a huge box of buttons. I would sit for hours and pour through and sort those buttons. I loved the colors and materials used for all those different types of buttons.

A couple years ago I scanned some of the buttons I had on cards and made prints to frame for my laundry room. You can make your own, just scan button cards, graphic needle cards or other sewing notions onto your home computer or take the items to a copier center to scan and print. Add a mat frame and place in a frame. I painted odd, garage sale find frames all the same color white to unify the frames. This was a very inexpensive project to do with great results.

Another beautiful item that is perfect to make into framed art is a handkerchief. Handkerchiefs can be found easily and are typically very inexpensive. Fun, colorful and kitchy prints make for perfect little pops of art to brighten up any space.