As I was helping my mom move and clean out a few things a few weeks ago we ran across some quilts on her quilt rack. The apartment she has moved to is a bit smaller than the 2 bedroom house she lived in and she feels the need to downsize a bit. She said the quilts needed to go. 
My mom is a very generous woman and just like other parents who are downsizing she wants her children to have things that they can use or that they like. I am a lover of quilts and even though I have not embraced that art myself I admire the work that goes into them and the memories that they invoke. You may recall that I already inherited the massive Cathedral Window Quilt that she made years ago. I wrote about it here.
One of the quilts had some special meaning as it was created by members of a women’s church group at one of the churches where my Daddy served as pastor for 8 years when I was young. It was one of 5 churches on that particular charge. Can you imagine having 5 churches? The quilt was made in 1963 when I was just 3 years old but it is in perfect shape so I suspect it was never used on a bed and was stored away.
My mom told me that I was welcome to take it so I did and I am thrilled to have this lovely piece in my home now. I contacted a friend and former babysitter who still lives in the area and she was thrilled to see the quilt and the names that are stitched on it. I have sent her pictures to share with some of the ladies who are still alive and with the families of some of those who are no longer with us. 
Quilts amaze me. The time and effort that goes into the creation and making of them is astounding. I never say never in my life so maybe someday I will attempt a small quilt. There is a group here in our community that would take me under their wing I am sure so I would not be alone if I decided to take up another craft. 
My friend, Doreen, who blogs at Treadlemusic is an amazing quilter. She finished off 3 quilts (2 tops and one already started) and is now working on some vintage pieces for me that I had stashed in my cedar chest. I can not wait to see what she comes up with. If you are an appreciator of quilts you definitely need to stop by her blog a time or two to see what she has going on.
Holly LOVES the quilt.
Enjoy the pictures and let me know if you have ever seen or had a quilt similar to this made for you. I think it used to be fairly common to give a quilt like this as a gift. I would love to start the tradition again – perhaps for an upcoming wedding?
My quilt has a new home
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6 Comments
Leave a commentYou found the perfect spot for the quilt! I have never quilted either but have so much admiration for those who do. I remember mom and the ladies from the church having quilting bees at our house. It was a lot of work but also a social event with lots of chatting, laughing and story sharing. (and a bit of gossip. I think I heard a few things I wasn´t supposed to!)
Very cool! Do you know why it was made for your father?
OH Beth Ann that is priceless. So many familiar names. So glad you ended up with it and I know you will cherish it! If I were closer we’d learn together. I have always wanted to learn. Guess I should have done some with my former mother-in-law, but we were away and the kids were small and life just got in the way. Nothing like a beautiful quilt.
Lovely and meaningful for sure. I don’t quilt either and have never tried, but my mother was quite an artist at making (piecing, she called it) and hand quilting (never on a sewing machine) beautiful creations. I have several of hers and one each that my grandmother and my husband’s grandmother made. I think quilts make a wonderful wedding gift.
What a cool lost art quilting is. I find myself almost ashamed of how different and less self sufficient each subsequent generation has become since our grandparents day. Oh well ya’ can’t stop progress right. 🙂
Oh, my, what a treasure. I’m so glad you have this in your keeping.
I’ve seen a signature quilt at a museum in West Concord, MN. What effort went in to this community project.