Monday, March 23, 2009

Using Quilts

Photographing my own quilt collection was quite a surprise. I had no idea I had so many different quilt items. The above quilt is called "Around the World". When my husband's grandmother was about 90 years old I realized the quilts we received as wedding gifts were worn out and we wouldn't have one made by this grandmother. I wrote her and asked what her favorite quilt pattern was and if she could make a small quilt for us. She sent me the pattern and asked me to piece it, then she quilted it. We have hung it on the wall throughout the years and now it covers our television when it is not in use.
As a side note the pillow fabric was found under upholstery fabric on my grandfather's platform rocker. I made several pillows for family members from that fabric.
The crazy quilt star was found in an antique shop in Kansas. I have always loved crazy quilts; so the star came home with me to be placed in a frame.
This quilted heart I found at an antique sale in Austin, Texas. There are many things that old worn quilts can be used for, including framing pieces of them. Someday I will be brave enough to cut the worn quilts in my cupboard.
When my mother-in-law moved into a retirement center we divided up her family quilts. I love this quilt and it has the honor of residing at the foot of my bed. It was made by one of my husband's grandmothers.
Sometimes you can find pieced quilt squares that have never been put into a quilt. These two squares were found in an antique shop in Oregon and immediately I knew they would be made into pillows.
A quilt made by my mother-in-law.
My sister and I found this quilt among our mothers belongings when she moved to a nursing home. I love the soft blue in it. We didn't know she had this quilt and believe it belonged to our step-grandmother. It is very light weight and I love using it as a table cloth when we serve tea in the back yard.

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I treasure each quilt and love sharing them with you. I know there are more tucked away, but they are my treasures for another day.
Next Monday will be my final quilt day and I also will be celebrating my 200th blog entry. Please visit to celebrate with a special give away.

6 comments:

Rosemary said...

What a beautiful collection of quilts in such a wide variety of forms. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy

Steph said...

Very beautiful, and I love the framed star!

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Angela McRae said...

I *adore* this post, Marilyn! I remember a few precious quilts from my childhood but, alas, none of them was saved! You are truly blessed to have these great quilted family memories. And since I'm a crazy quilt fan as well, I love-love-love that star. That is just an incredible blend of a traditional design with crazy quilt techniques. Wow!!!

La Tea Dah said...

A beautifully delightful post! Love all those old quilts! Thanks for sharing!

LaTeaDah

countrycharisma said...

Hi. I came over to your blog from Isabel's and just love your quilts. thought your idea of framing the star was nice too. thanks for sharing. I will add you to my blog list, carrell

Relyn Lawson said...

I keep thinking I want to make a quilt. Oh, there is just nothing like a quilt. One of my friends says that a quilt is a love letter written with needles and thread. Perfect, yes?