Thursday, January 6, 2011

In 121 Years



The other day my daughter's boyfriend told me that while his family was vacationing over Christmas some friends took care of their pets.  By accident a quilt they owned had gotten washed and was falling apart.  I agreed to take a look at it.


Imagine my surprise, last night, when he brought over this exquiste embroidered quilt.  I saw the date and realized what a treasure they have.  It was found in a trunk, in a basement.  It has 72 embroidered blocks, some in black and some in brown.  It is hand-tied.  Most of the embroidery has animal motifs.


The binding on the quilt is shredding so I'm going to replace it.  First I will attempt to locate vintage black muslin.  I am not going to replace the embroidery that has come out.  It really is in good condition for being 121 years old and going through our modern day washing.


Since last night, I have been thinking about quilting and how much of what I quilt is quick and simple.  While there is a definite place for it, sometimes I consider that type of quilting like fast food eating.  Believe me, I make alot of those quilts but 121 years from now, what will my quilts say about me?



More than the year, this block spoke the loudest to me.  This is what I want the work of my hands to show to others.  This is what I want my life to show to others.  This is what I want God to see when He looks at me.


I don't want someone years from now to think, what in the world?  Even though I'm sure that this gun spoke something important for that person in that time period.  I have made many quilts.  Through all of them, the ones that I love the most are the ones that took me the longest to make.  The ones I thought I could never finish, the ones that stretched my abilities to the limit.  I have an applique quilt where I was certain I couldn't do all those leaves.  It took months.  It hangs where I can see it every day.  Let's not always take the easy route.  I encourage you to pick a project that teaches you something new, no matter what craft you enjoy.  Work on it alittle every day or every few days while you complete other projects.  When it's finished you will have a completely different type of satisfaction in your work.  I will even venture to say that you might have a completely different outlook on life.
I am joining Dayle today for Simple Pleasures

Blessings!

23 comments:

  1. Exquisite quilt - exquisite post. Thank you Renee' for your beautiful insight...it means more to me than you know right now...

    Enjoy this restoration project and may the work of your hands be a blessing!

    Hugs & Blessings,
    Becky

    PS...I am trying not to covet your pink stove...seriously adorable!! :o)

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  2. What a beautiful quilt! They are so blessed to have you to help them out. It is interesting to think of what legacy we are leaving behind in our quilts.

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  3. Patience not being one of my virtues naturally, your post really spoke to me. I am in the middle of a gift project that is taking more time than I'm used to giving to a project...I like to finish and move on...but what you said is true. As look at each finished page and how it will be cherised by the receiver, I am filled with the love and satisfaction of a job well done...

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  4. What a treasure you have there in your hands. I often wonder what thoughts and prayers were going through the hearts of the ladies who were stitching together these beautiful pieces of art. Was it intended for someone specific or to serve a purpose of keeping their family warm? I love seeing the extra pretty little touches they added to something so utilitarian. :o)
    Have a wonderful day.
    Sincerely, Trish :o)

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  5. Lovely post. Your echoing some thoughts I have had running through my own mind lately, and you expanded on them so well. So kind of you to fix their treasured quilt.

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  6. I'm so glad I found your blog through quilterblogs.com. I really enjoyed reading about this wonderful old quilt that you are restoring.

    Your quote about New Year's (in the left hand column) jumped right out at me. I used the same quote in my blog for New Year's Day!

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  7. What an awesome post. Enjoy the whole process of restoring it.

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  8. "The ones I thought I could never finish, the ones that stretched my abilities to the limit."

    I really love this, and you're right. I will take you up on that challenge! This is a great simple pleasure,and what a treasure the quilt is.

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  9. The quilt is awesome...I am so glad you are "saving" it. Can you only imagine the time and effort it took back in that day for making this one. A treasure indeed.

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  10. Wow, what an amazing quilt, and aren't you clever to be able to restore it! This was a thought-provoking post...I shy away from long projects as I don't seem to have the patience, but this has made me think. Thanks. xx

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  11. I just love looking at quilts because most often each one holds a story...Thanks for sharing and have a blessed day!

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  12. What an absolute treasure! I hope you'll show us the finished project.

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  13. Beautiful. The words speak volumes. I would venture to say that is why they did it it black and white and not colors. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Oh I just love your blog! So fun and happy! Did you have a designer do it? I've been messing around with mine...but am still not completely happy. Your's is awesome!

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  15. Such a beautiful post; there is so much truth in what you said. Thank you!

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  16. Amazing that something created with hands has lasted so long. I try hard to take care of my ancient quilts and hope they last long after I'm gone. Great post. Renee.

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  17. This is a true treasure. My mother and I embroidered a state bird quilt about 30 years ago. I've never completed putting it together. Mom passed away in 1988 and it would be a priceless treasure to have.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  18. Amazing quilt. So wonderful that you can take care of repairing it for them.

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  19. wow...this is amazing...quilts are pieces of our heart and lives sewn into legacies for future generations. Love those pieces from 1890.

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  20. Amazing quilt. Words of wisdom!

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  21. Such a precious thing to be custodian of!
    Yes..I could try to take on something more challenging and enduring too :-)
    blessings..Trish

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  22. That is just breathtaking. It is such a big deal to find a really antique quilt these days. So many have been just thown away with no concept of the value (not just money value but the workmanship). I treasure each quilt my mother, grandmothers and great-grandmother left to me. And although I have, also, repaired quilts for other people, I don't and haven't repaired all of mine. Some I never will. Some just need the tatters to stay with them as proof of loving use to folks long gone from our lives.

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