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........