My niece Lisa called in for a visit the other day when she was passing by on a holiday trip. I had asked her if she would like to become the "keeper of the quilt". This is a family quilt, one I made for my mother for her 80th birthday back in 2002. I had sent pieces of fabric out to everyone and asked them to write, embellish, or embroider something of themselves as a message to go on the 80th birthday quilt. It was exciting to see all the individual blocks being returned. Lisa was delighted to take the quilt into her safe keeping.
Lisa and the family quilt
There were blocks from us four siblings, two son in laws, and all the grandchildren, and a very special nephew. The youngest grandchild had his baby hand traced. I added extra blocks in the names of my mother's sisters. There were several photos printed on fabric, a special one of my grandmother who sadly died when my mother was about 8 years old or so. The largest photo is of my mother and hung in the family home when I was growing up. And underneath are three smaller photos of her over the years.
The 80th Birthday Quilt
I really enjoyed putting this together and making extra blocks to fill in spaces as required. We had a family get together for this special birthday, and the quilt was presented. All those very special family blocks were inspected, oohed and ahhed over, and admired.
Sadly, as often happens, this quilt was deemed "too good to use" and was folded up and put away. Many thanks to Lisa for taking care of the quilt now, and she told me she plans to use it and snuggle under it. That's a nice thought, knowing that Lisa will be surrounded by all those family members, some have passed away and all the little ones are now well grown up.
And now, 23 years later, I will be turning 80 this year. Goodness me, how did that happen?
18 comments:
What a lovely quilt, and a lovely thing to do! I often wonder what'll happen to some of my precious things.
What wonderful memory quilt, Jenny!! It is such a beautiful heirloom...
Nice that it will actually be "used" and cherished under Lisa's care.
Hugs, julierose
This is an amazing quilt, Jenny and a beautiful tribute to your mother . I know Lisa will cherish this quilt and all of the memories that are stitched into it.
that is so nice to have a designated family member to care for the quilt to make sure it is taken care of and used and knows the history of the quilt. Time flies doesn't it.
What a wonderful idea for a family quilt. And well done you for organising it.
Love and hugs Judith nb Serena XXX
A wonderful memory to be passed on to the generations that follow. The quilt is absolutely gorgeous.
God bless.
Such a special quilt and so nice Lisa will treasure and use it.
That is a beautiful quilt and so lovely to be able to have passed it on to keep it treasured.
Your family quilt is a treasure, full of memories!
How wonderful to be able to pass such a special quilt onto someone who will really appreciate it. I’m sure it will continue to be passed down the family as a treasured heirloom.
That’s so lovely to pass it on… it will be really treasured.
Oh, I do hope she will use it. The saddest thing in a quilter's life is a quilt wrapped in tissue and hidden away.
Such a lovely idea. Glad it will be 'used' under Lisa's watch. ❤️❤️
That will definitely become a family treasure. Very smart to choose who is going to look after it for the future.
What an absolute gem of a quilt and a great idea too. I'm so happy it has found its home with your niece, Jenny.
A lovely quilt and too full of memories to be hidden away, it's great that it will be used and loved now.
my sister (not a quilter - she did the printing) and i made a memory quilt for my mom's 80th birthday, too ... her favorite color was blue, so it was made from blue and white fabric - a different fabric for each family member, with pictures and signed blocks ... she surprised us all by actually USING it till she entered assisted living ...... the quilt landed here and i couldn't bear to keep it ... when she died, she was wrapped in her quilt for her cremation - being hugged by the people who loved her one last time ...... sorry - it hurts to remember some times...
Hi Jenny, I don't comment but read your blog all the time. I too lost my beloved 1 1/2 yrs. ago, And today reading your blog I realized we have a lot more in common. I'm also a Libra & will be turning 80 this year. Halfway around the world & we are sisters in lots of ways. I'm a very avid quilter also. Betty, in Pennsylvania, USA
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