We found this quilt when we were beginning to clean out my grandparent's house. It was tucked safely away in a closet. In all the times I'd visited my grandparents, I'd never seen this quilt. I knew that my grandmother hadn't made it, because although she was a talented woman, quilting was not among her interests. A little research revealed the only quilter in my grandmother's family was her sister, Grace Sawhill, 17 years her senior and deceased for many years (since the early 1970's). We are assuming that she is the maker of this beautiful quilt.
The quilt is hand-quilted, although I believe it was machine-pieced. The binding was made by turning over a bit of the backing onto the front.
I'm afraid the photo simply doesn't do justice to her tiny stitches.
Ever since this quilt came into my possession, I've used it at the foot of my bed every winter. The binding is starting to fray. One part of me says that as a vintage quilt, I should quit using it and try to preserve it. However, I can't help but wonder how many years my grandmother "saved" this quilt, and because of that never got the chance to enjoy it. My philosophy about newer quilts is that they should be well-loved and used until they wear out. I'll admit though, I'm a bit puzzled about what should be done with this lovely treasure.
This is fabulous! You should use it, because that's why it was created. Maybe you can put a newer binding on it, when the binding wears out.
ReplyDeleteI share your puzzlement. I feel like these treasures need to be preserved. But I don't want someone 50 years from now finding one of my quilts and putting it in deep freeze rather than enjoying it. I suspect your great aunt made the quilt to be used. She wanted your grandmother to think of her when she snuggled under it at night. Do repair the damage, perhaps using vintage fabric if you can find some to match (there are many online sources for fabric from past decades). And use it gently. Make many photos. And on the day when the quilt has been loved to pieces, try to preserve one star -- framed under glass and saved as testament to the woman who made those tiny stitches and her sister, who saved the quilt to thrill another generation.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it should be used and enjoyed, but repaired so as to prevent further damage. My grandmother made those kinds of bindings by folding the backing over to the front. I fixed one that had that just by putting a standard binding (2.5 in., folded in half and stitched on in the usual way) right over the top of the old binding, in a similar fabric.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful, beautiful quilt!
That quilt is beautiful. I have a lot of quilts, but none this pattern. You just use it and enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI say enjoy it. She didn't make it to hide in a closet. It only gets better with use. It is so gorgeous and extra special since it was your grandmother's and made by your great Aunt Grace.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's good that you have been using and enjoying this quilt.
ReplyDeleteI would use it too, it is beautiful and the work is amazing..such talent and wonderful small stitches. Have a great VTT and thanks for sharing with us this treasure.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt - love the pink. It's something that should stay in the family (my opinion anyway.)
ReplyDeleteYou always sleep better under a quilt of l-o-ve
ReplyDeleteI would use it and love it..and when I snuggled under it, remember the amazing woman whose talented fingers did the stitching. It's a beautiful quilt,I love the colors...and I hope it will last and last for many years to come. Happy VTT,have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous quilt. Quilts were made to be used though so use it and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful piece. I feel it is better to use it and enjoy it than putting it away.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt. And what a wonderful family treasure. I hope you enjoy it for years to come!
ReplyDeleteJocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/
Wonderful quilt. I have several this age and have them on display at the foot of the bed and on quilt racks. You are lucky to have a family heirloom for future generations. I hope you have made a label with all the information you know about this quilt. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour so fortunate to have your quilt from family. I would definetly use it too. Looks great on your bed. Great posting.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful this quilt is! Thank you for visiting my blog. I just wanted you to know that all those Easter treasures are NOT mine. Those are links to posts by party participants around the world showing their Vintage Easter treasures. All I have is that Steiff rabbit. Come back and take a look around. xo Joan@anythinggoeshere
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous quilt!! Definatley use it! I figure why save it and not get enjoyment out of it while you can. My parents saved alot of things..not using them. What enjoyment did they get out of them...none. I try not to "hide" anything away and use it so I can get a memory just by walking by ;)
ReplyDelete*hugs*deb
Love the pink! So cheery and girlie. I agree that you should use it and enjoy it. Have a Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous quilt. By all means, use it. I scrolled down and absolutely love the tailored quilt! I am going to have to see if I can get my mother to make me one.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous quilt! I say use it and enjoy it and when it becomes too tattered to be used, perhaps you can cut it down to a smaller square and make a new binding and hang it?
ReplyDeleteIt is just stunning! I say keep using it - that's what they're meant for. You can always have it fixed later. What a find!
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt. What a keepsake of your Grandmother's family. If you can use it, That's great. I have some favorite quilts that I can't use because my bed is shared with my dog and cat. Thanks for visiting junkblossoms. I hope you'll come back soon. Happy Easter. Pat
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt! I love the pinks...
ReplyDeleteThe colors are great for Easter. And we use our quilts all the time during winter. I figure that some one took the time to make it. So somebody would treasure it and use it. Have a good Easter...Julian
ReplyDeleteWOW what a find, too gorgeous to be locked away. Happy Easter to you - I'll be playing along at VTT starting next week - see you then ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt. The tiny stitches are so precise. I wonder how many hundreds of hours it took to sew.
ReplyDelete