Growing up my parents had an old wooden trunk in their bedroom. In that trunk was a sunbonnet sue quilt top. I loved to look at that quilt and even thought about making quilts myself. I think that quilt is a major reason I became a quilter. Fast forward to adulthood and I started a campaign to get my mom to give me the top so that I could quilt it and finish it (and keep it). My mom decided that she would keep it for a female grandkid. So, when Abbie came around I started asking for the quilt again and she couldn't find it. The other day she let me know that she had found it and she brought it to me this last weekend when her and my dad came to lunch here at our house. I asked my mom to tell me a little more about the quilt and here is what she said: "Well I went through this stage where I was taking a few craft classes somewhere between 1979 to 1982 (I am not sure) or around that time and took a quilting class. After that class I believed I was an expert. (In your 20’s you are an expert at everything.) It isn’t until you get older that you realize that might not have been true. (Don’t look too close at the quilt you will see the mistakes) So, I decided I would make both of you a quilt. (I had high ambitions!) I found that pattern at the store like Michaels. Holly Hobby was a very popular theme back them and I liked it. I just went to the store to find the material. Most stores had materials for sale but I think I got it a Cloth World. I spent a lot of time in there as I made all your clothes for a while. I picked the colors because I like pinks. No one helped me with it and it took me almost a year to complete. I was going to start another one for you in a Strawberry Shortcake pattern and I never located a pattern for it and then I lost interest and got too busy."
4 comments:
My Mom had the stuff to make me a Holly Hobby quilt and then I got interested in Strawberry Shortcake, so, she didn't... actually I was a teenager before I received a quilt made by my Mom... and it wasn't Holly Hobby or Strawberry Shortcake.
I could still go for a Strawberry Shortcake quilt (preferably "old school"). I also think I'd enjoy The Little Mermaid... I actually have a Wal-Mart panel with Ariel on it.
That's great that you gathered the story for the quilt! Sounds like you'll need quite a big label to put on the back of that one... that or a pocket to fold the story up (written on fabric) and put it the pocket.
Is it applique or fabric paint (like Tri-chem) or embroidery or what?
PS: My Aunt's had a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt I use to sit and follow the paths on "forever"! It was the beginning of my quilt passion. By the time I was old enough to think to ask if I could have it, it was long-gone. You are SO LUCKY to have the source of your quilt inspiration. :D
One other thing... how are you planning to quilt it? If that's hand applique, are you going to, gulp, hand quilt it? Have it hand done at the Gilbert Historical Society? Machine quilt it? I think you could get away with tying it too... that was quite "the thing" at that time.
What a great family treasure to share with little Abbie!! A quilt made by both her mom and Grandma. I can't wait to see the finished product. Heirlooms are sooo cool :)
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