When it comes to patchwork and quilting, my first loves were antique/vintage quilts and traditional quilting styles. Years later, it is very hard for me to find more inspiring images than ones of old quilts. Whether they are one patch, nine patch, intricate applique, wholecloth, two-color, charm (every patch a different fabric), 18th century or 21st century, hand quilted or tied coverlet, traditional quilts hold endless fascination for me.
The concept and construction can be brilliant and careful, or modest and simple. Some people make quilts to win contests with over-the-top design and embellishments. The soul is what is important to me. And to see my daughter’s first baby steps across a quilt that was pieced by her great-great grandmother? I call that priceless.
7 responses so far ↓
Cathi // May 28, 2007 at 7:46 am |
I love antique/vintage quilts best too and get most of design inspiration from old, imperfect quilts too… Don’t like matchy-matchy quilts donne to perfection either (good thing, cuz I’m not very precise myself!!) I love that my Dear Jane quilt has lots of imperfections in it, but they are hard to see from the sheer size and pattern of it all. Like you say, these kinds of quilts have more soul!
I have some very simple quilts of my great grandmother, but in terrrible condition, unloved by non quilting generations. I saved them too late. How wonderful that your daughter is learning to walk on such a piece of family history. What wonderful stories quilts could tell if they could talk…
Rae // May 28, 2007 at 10:15 am |
Walking??!! Where has the time gone? She’s not even a year old yet, is she?
Beautiful little girl + beautiful quilt = most definitely priceless : )
carolyn // May 28, 2007 at 11:12 pm |
priceless doesn’t even come close – it’s beyond that!!! :)
susan // May 29, 2007 at 5:42 pm |
like you, i love the old quilts made with love. we have two from my husband’s grandmother (all made by hand – wouldn’t have the patience myself) and, because we use them, they have gotten a little worse for wear. fortunately, i can repair them and add more patchyness (is that even a word?) to them. i really hate the idea of having a quilt that is so ‘precious’ that it can’t be used.
Julie // May 30, 2007 at 11:06 pm |
I absolutely could not agree with your more!!!! I would love to see more hand sewing. It is becoming a dying art. I hope you share more on this subject. Do you sew your clothes by hand to? I have a cheap sewing machine but I hate using it. I feel a real sense of accomplishment with needle and thread in hand!!
Blessings,
Julie
Cristina // May 31, 2007 at 10:48 pm |
Those colors are so “now” I wouldn’t have been surprised to hear you put it together yourself. You are certainly a part of who did put it together. And maybe in, oh, ten years or so we’ll see what comes from the next generation of moving hands!
Florence // July 15, 2007 at 7:15 am |
I would be glad if my great grand children could wear a cloth “handmade by me”.
This is a wonderful gift you offer to both your grand mother and your grand child !