Thank you all so, so much for your responses to my questions from yesterday’s post! Wendy will have your many compliments waiting for her upon her return to blogland, and I have already made note of your suggestions and preferences. Thanks again!
Now, jumping in to today’s post…After two days of posts void of quilting, it’s high-time I point this blog back to one of its major themes. Thanks, though, for letting me derail for a bit.
I confess that I have never made a quilt. (Yikes! Should I admit that here?? I think it’s ok since you folks are nice!) However, my mom and Granny were both quilt-makers, and I own and use quilts they have given to me. I’ll share with you about the quilt I received from my granny.
Last year, my granny turned 97. It has probably been about 25 years or more since she made a quilt. As far as I know, she never made any money from her quilts and never entered them in any contests and never had any published. (Please don’t misunderstand me—income, awards, and publications are totally fine! Just look at our dear Wendy!) My granny quilted out of necessity and for functionality—her family needed to stay warm in the cold winter. It’s just what women did back then.
She probably also quilted to have family heirlooms to pass down to grandchildren. This is the quilt she gave me:
Today, I inspected the various blocks, noticing a spectrum of colors as well as different patterns and textures.
My granny pieced together some blocks with purple—her favorite color:
She constructed others with a plaid theme:
These are just funky!
And here are her bright blocks:
Notice these interesting patterns—sweet little tan flowers and cute circular anchors:
This month, my granny passed away. I still tear-up at times. Though I’m certainly sad about her departure from this world, my hope is in Jesus Christ and His promise of spending eternity with Him for those who believe in Him. God had given my granny faith in Jesus Christ.
Thanks for letting me share with you this quilt and this special lady. And by the way, Granny was a fan of Miss Baby!
What a wonderful story and a beautiful quilt to always have her near. My gram at 96 1/2yrs when she passed on. My daughter loved her dearly and we have many fond memories to keep her with us always. I am making quilts for my grandchildren so that they will have them to enjoy now and later. My mother quilted until her eyesight failed her. She passed some blocks on to one of her sister’s who put them together and made a special quilt for my granddaughter so that she had something made by her great grandma. Something she will treasure when she is older.
So…when are you going to get going on a quilt?
QuiltinGram
Hi Cathy, thanks for all three of your responses! I was amused at your “good genes” comment! : ) I’m not sure if I’ll ever make a quilt, but Wendy has given me permission and encouragement to blog about it here if I do make one.
Oh sweetie your granny’s quilt is just gorgeous. A hug from her that you will have with you as long as you live, even though she’s gone to be with Jesus now. How precious is the knowledge that she’s with Him….I hope you gain great comfort from that. My own dear grandma has been gone many, many years, but I long for the day we’ll meet in Heaven in His presence.
Thanks for sharing a wonderful story with us. Your quilt is just gorgeous. I am sure your granny is happy that you appreciate her stitches with love. I am 69(Oh did I say that out loud), and I have a quilt that my great aunt made for my Grandmother and I just love it. As a little child I remember sleeping under some of my grandmother’s quilts always loved them. I did not start making quilts till the early 90′s. Hugs to you and Wendy.
How great to have your granny’s quilt. 97! How wonderful to know she is with Jesus now. I’ll confess that I have never made a quilt either but that doesn’t keep me from admiring people who can make quilts and then admiring their finished products. Blessings….
So sorry your granny is with you no longer, but, you will have her forever, one day. My(deceased) husbands grandmother made similar quilts and I still have some of her blocks, all cut and sewed by hand.
Hi Charlotte, thank you for your condolences. And thanks also for stopping by Ivory Spring!
My condolences for your loss. Gifts from grannies are the greatest! My mom, who is also with Jesus, made a quilt, a crocheted doily, a tatted doily, and a knitted top or vest for every grandchild she had. She was marvelous. I made a quilt for all my siblings when our sister passed away so that they could always embrace her.
Hi Ellen, thanks for commenting on each of my posts! Yes, Wendy is very talented, and thank you for your feedback on what you like on the blog.
What a wonderful story behind a really gorgeous quilt! I know you will cherish it and pass it down for years to come.
Micki
I’m so sorry for your loss! Think about how long you had your granny with you and all the memories you have, as well as the beautiful quilt she gave you.
Such a pretty keepsake of your dear grandmother. I noticed that the quilt is tied. Is it hand-pieced? It’s very special and I have no doubt you treat it that way. May God’s peace reign through your loss.
Great quilt! It looks like it was made from double knit fabrics which I have a few that my husband’s grandma made. It is really heavy.
How sweet old lady could your grandma be. She gave you a wonderful gift of remembrance love and patience. Sombody said to me one time: Life is like a quilt. There are so many pieces in different colours which suit (or not) to each other. But only God knows every part and sees the whole quilt before it has done.
A huge kiss and warm hugs to cheer you up after this real tough loss ! I know how important grand-parents are , although I had no chance to meet any of mine . But I alsways tell friends who still enjoy their presence ,to stay close to them as much as they can : they are a tru treasure.
It goes without saying that this beautiful quilt she left you is a precious and timeless memory of her.
Yr friend, gloria