Thursday, May 13, 2010

Domestic Treasures

They've swaddled newborn babies, and made impromptu living-room hideouts for giggly grandchildren.
Wrapped around chilly shoulders at ball games, stood sentry on Winter nights at the foot of beds , cascaded over weather- worn picnic tables, and cradled beloved pets as they leave this earth.....
Through it all, American Quilts remain eloquent symbols of domestic comfort.

First introduced to the American Colonies by the English in the eighteenth century, the art of quilting quickly became the most common form of needlework, fulfilling the need of both pleasure and utility.

Seemingly worthless scraps of fabric, painstakingly stitched together. Equal parts thrift, patience, skill and artistry, the completed quilt a triumph to it's maker, a joy for the viewer to behold.

Long ago removed from their bedrooms, these treasures are used in countless creative ways from porch to pantry, bringing life to a home.



A Christmas surprise handmade by my daughter, her first attempt at machine quilting.
** The picture of the Bears Paw quilt ( mustard trim),
made from scraps of The First Sergeant's grandmother's dresses.
Each time I look at this quilt, I see grandmoma, Miss Lily........

17 comments:

Stella Jones said...

Yes, they are a great way of using up scraps of material, aren't they. Also they remind us of loved ones no longer with us. Each one is special and each one is beautiful in its own way. Yours are beautiful.
Blessings, Star

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh how I love quilts, Jo... I have several --including one which belonged to my mother. I also have on made for me by my Youth Group--when I was their director in a church. SO special..

Yours are beautiful!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Becca's Dirt said...

I love quilts. I have wanted to make one. Such sweet memories of grandmoma.

DeniseinVA said...

A very beautiful collection of quilts Jo. I love them. Thanks for stopping by. I would love to share a cup of tea with you one of these days, AND a chocolate digestive ;)

Barbara Anne said...

Beautiful quilts! Your daughter did well on quilting the Christmas quilt!

I'm a quilter who long felt the pull of quilts though no one I knew of in my family made quilts. Piecing each top is such a delight with creative choices every step of the process. I promise you it's lots easier than it looks and there are techniques that make it quicker that it was 100+ years ago. I sew the pieces together on my sewing machine. It's too much fun! Check out a beginner's class at a quilt shop or get a book from the library if you're interested.

Hugs!

MadSnapper said...

I spent many sleeping hours growing up under my grandmothers quilts. these are beautiful and what awonderful gift at Chrismtas. I like the one on the bed in the first photo, the one that they are stacked on, my favorite colors in that one.

maddie said...

Mrs Brit, I know this is not all about me but I just had to tell you. Just become a Blogger of Note. Thanks for your lovely post on me the other day, you fine thing. Today Blogger, tomorrow the World!

Patsy said...

They are all so beautiful.
Patsy

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Lovely quilt!! I love the colors, and with the cold we're having tonight, it would be great to be warm under one, there's nothing like their warmth!! :-)))

donna baker said...

Jo, I think my ancestors made the crazy quilts.

Midwest to Midlands said...

Lovely quilts and wonderful stories and memories.

Marilyn said...

your description is beautiful...like the quilts.

DJan said...

Quilts are such special things, my mother collected them and we each took one when she died. Mine has long ago fallen into shreds. I think I might take it up one day, since it's such a lovely way to save material, as you pointed out with your special quilt. Remembering people who are now gone, what a great way to do that!

Barbara said...

Love all of them. Amazing how the Americans took over quilting in a way that modern women here have not. My Aunt used to get up at 6.0 am to work on her quilting but not come across anyone these days who do it b ut I am sure there are somewhere.

Anonymous said...

I do agree, quilts are such treasures. I have one that my Mama made from scraps of material left over from my childhood clothes(that she also made).
I also have some my grandma made.

Your daughter did a wonderful job on her quilt. Beautiful!

have a great weekend.
Pam

Kim said...

Don't know why but this post brought tears to my eyes.

Movieguy said...

amazing pics. I live near gburg myself