Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Storytellers

Today I'm going to show you my three heirloom quilts.

I got this quilt because I am the oldest granddaughter and it is my favorite. It was made by my grandfather's grandmother. He said she had to hold the fabric very close to her eyes so she could see. Glaucoma runs in the family so we think she had it.

I love the tiny white stitches against the red fabric. I understand some people can date a quilt by the fabric used. I would love to do that sometime. I'm sorry to say that some of the fabric is deteriorating.

I'm not sure who made the other 2 but they are from my mothers family, too. I love the border on this one.

These birds are across the top. There are different colored birds too but the material on them has rotted. You can see a part of one on the left.

I'm guessing that this one is newer because of the bright material.

There are roses quilted into all the corners of the blocks and leaves on the pink parts.

There is even a flower quilted in the center of each flower.

All three quilts are hand done. I am as fascinated with the back as the front. I can't imagine the time that went into each of these quilts. I wish I knew more about them. I'm sure I was told at some point but have forgotten. Now that everyone is gone who can answer my questions I realize that I should have listened better and written everything down. If you have family things remember to ask questions and record everything!
For more Storytellers go visit
Shannon.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great quilts!!! Have a fun and great weekend... Hope you'll visit mine too.

Simply Heart And Home said...

Jean,

You quilts are so lovely. I have a number of quilts that I bought but I'm afraid that I do not quilt myself. I don't think that is my gift! :)

Have a blessed day

Gina

Muum said...

what wonderful family treasures these are! I'll bet you just cherish them.

Constance said...

Those are beautiful! I was touched at the thought of your GG Grandmother holding it close to stitch it! The dresden Plate one was beautiful too! Any really good fabric store that specializes in quilting and such, (Not wal/mart or a Jo-Ann's kind of place) might be able to provide you with some info on repairing your quilts as well as dating the fabrics.

I can see why they are near and dear to your heart!
Connie

GinnyBerry said...

Your heiloom quilts are beautiful. I totally agree with you about writing down the details about things like that.
GinnyBery

Hootin Anni said...

Oh my....I'm always so in awe of those who can accomplish and complete a fantastic heirloom like quilts!! And I'm ENVIOUS of those who GET them!

Mine's shared, I hope, if you haven't already, you can find time to stop by for a visit.

Susan said...

What beautiful quilts!!! And one by your great-great grandmother. WOW!! Priceless
Susan

Anonymous said...

How absolutely gorgeous!! I am in awe of quilters.

I know what you mean about not having anyone left to ask questions of.

Anita said...

Wow, those quilts are absolutely stunning! They are great, I admire those ladies who are so talented!

I would love to have such a selfmade quilt (or even sew my own), too!

Thanks for sharing, I too love quilting, stitching and emboidery!

Best wishes from Germany,
Anita

JEWELGIRL said...

I like the pink one with flowers
the best, it is the most girly-
girl. I like the different fabrics
in the flower petals.

cherished*vintage said...

Those quilts are amazing pieces of art! I can't imagine handstitching something so large. I would go blind trying to stitch that much detail. The dresden plate patterned quilt looks to be made from feedsack material. I'm going to guess from the 20's. They are beautiful!
-Karoline

nancy said...

Jean, I sure have enjoyed seeing these. I too appreciate all the hand quilting in these, the roses in the corners (amazing) and the flower centers! I love hand quilting myself. Those women's hands must have never had an idle moment!
Nancy

Kindra-At Home With K said...

I just love your quilts. They sure tell a story. A lot of love went into making those!

Denise said...

Great quilts.... I inherited about 12 quilts of my grandmothers a few years ago..... some are just tops to be quilted and some are to be pieced together....... I thought I could do all of them by hand but have decided that it would take more years than I have ,, so I am piecing the tops together and then taking them to a quilt shop..... I have finished two by had and about to finsh the third one..... sooo I did ok.......

Love your blog

j said...

Hi Mrs. Jean! Your quilts are gorgeous! I am amazed at the way the first one looks - it has been well taken care of. I love family heirloom quilts too!

Jennifer

Beemoosie said...

They are magnificent treasures! Thank you for sharing them. I hope you at least get to find out the details of when they were made!!
~Blessings!

The Apron Queen said...

What beautiful trasures!

Come on over. I'll fix you a glass of iced tea & you can put your feet up!

Confessions of an Apron Queen: http://anapronaday.blogspot.com

j said...

JEAN!!! You won my Give Away!!!!!

Please come by my site and let me know that YOU KNOW that you won. Then I'll slip back over here and leave you my E mail address so that you can send me your mailing address. My daughter and I are happy for you (Her Birthday today). Congratulations!!

Jennifer

Rose of Sharon said...

Oh my goodness.....I'm drooling! Those are all fabulous quilts! How very beautiful and special they all are!

:0) Sharon

JunieRose2005 said...

I love your quilts!

I have 2 that I treasure - made by my aunt- although they don't go back a long way as yours do... I also have a fine crochet bedspread that my mom made when she was pregnant with me! :) That DOES go back a long way! This one I would not part with for any amount of $$$.

j said...

Hi Jean! This is Emily (Jen's daughter.) I love the quilts! Congrats on winning the give-away!!!!! Also thanks for wishing me a happy birthday!



Emily

Mary said...

The quilts are all beautiful. Grandma made quilts and so does Mom. I know how to put them on the frames and I can hand quilt them, but don't know how to finish them. I should really learn, as handmade quilts are becoming a thing of the past.

The center one looks like the white might be flour sacks. Do you know if this is true? Very interesting. I'm glad that I happened upon your blog.

Blessings,
Mary

Kelli said...

Oh, what beautiful quilts, Jean! I love the colors and the tiny stitches. They are wonderful treasures to have!
Hugs,
Kelli

Diana LaMarre said...

What treasures, Jean! I am pretty amazed at the good color and overall condition. If it's a G G Grandmother it must be well over 100 years ??? Wow.

Bonnie said...

OH WOW! You really have some gorgeouse quilts there!

Cortney said...

So beautiful! I love handmade things like that and wish I knew how to quilt.