Monday, September 13, 2010

Precious Heirlooms

A few years ago, when my mum moved in with us, my sister-in-law and I had the task pleasure of cleaning mum's house out.  Totally. Nothing left in there. Nada.  It was hard to do in some ways and easier in others because Mum was still living.  I don't know if I could have done it after she died.
After a few hours of sorting, trashing, and dividing, we arrived at Mum's quilt trunks.  She had two trunks full of quilts.  She had a wardrobe full of quilts.  There were some quilts in her closet.  She liked to quilt.  A lot.
Here are some of the quilts I chose:


These quilts are quite old and I don't remember her using them in recent years.


I think this one is dresden plate.  I love the pink.


I don't remember the name of this one.  Mum always used material left over from something else she was making.  She always made her own dresses and mine as well.

I remember having a dress made out of this.  I loved the cutout clothes on the fabric.


She made this sun bonnet gal quilt for me when I was little.  When she showed it to me years later, I asked her for it and she wouldn't give it to me!

I can remember Mum wearing dresses made out of some of these fabrics.

When daughter #1 was born, look what her grammie made for her! #1 asked for her quilt a few years ago and I wouldn't give it to her either. Maybe later.


This is my all time favourite quilt pattern:  The double wedding ring. I love this one.


Mum made me my own double wedding ring quilt when I got married.  I'll show you mine sometime.  I have a really special one she made that I will show you next time.

Keep warm everyone!

12 comments:

jen @ homeinthecountry said...

WOW! Those are seriously stunning! How lucky are you to have those precious reminders of your mom! I recently stumbled on some family heirloom quilts at my parent's house (that they wouldn't give me, either), and I just love how resourceful these women were - that they used old clothing to make the quilt! So so so wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Your mom was super-talented. Those quilts are AMAZING! So very beautiful. It's very special that you have these precious gifts from your mom. Each of my kids have a baby blanket that my grandma cross-stiched. I hung them on their walls when they were little, so their kids will also have them.

-FringeGirl

onbeingaminimum said...

How lucky you are to have such beautiful things from your very talented Mum.
They are adorable and obviously made with love.

An Urban Cottage said...

The double wedding is my favorite. The colors just sparkle.

Unknown said...

What beautiful quilts!! I LOVE the vintage fabrics. How blessed you are to have these :)

Blessings!
Gail

Makeminemidcentury said...

Oh, they're all beautiful quilts! You have quite a lot there.

I love that cut-out clothes fabric, too. And I love how your mother used left-over fabric ... waste not.

They are in wonderful condition ... do you use any of them?

Hello two doggies on the side!)

What a lovely post!

Anonymous said...

I love the Dresden pink one! They are all just gorgeous and how blessed you are to have them. There is nothing better than having such special things from family. My things mean the world to me.
I hope you use them and enjoy them - how could you not with all the special memories they hold.

Taylor said...

All those quilts are amazing and beautiful!

Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful Deb! What a wonderful legacy to leave for her daughters and quilts made from dresses she wore, now that's plain awesome. I'm really glad my mom is retiring soon, she needs more time to quilt! ; )

~Andrea~

GardenOfDaisies said...

OH you are so lucky... those quilts are beautifully amazing!!!
I think the sorting and cleaning process is easier to handle before you enter the grief stage. We went through this with my MIL about a year ago and she sadly passed away this summer. I don't think my husband would have been much help in the days or weeks after his mother died... Men hold it in, unlike women, but it does not mean that they are not hurting.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

OH Deb~ these are all just beautiful, special treasures! I just love them all, especially the Sunbonnet Girl Quilt!

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

I came by and saw these beauties the other day but didn't have a chance to leave a comment - the bell to end recess rang!

I can't begin to tell you how blessed you are to have these. They are so beautiful. I really love the wedding ring! But that almost implies I don't love the others, but I do love them. If I could, I would have hundreds of quilts. I love them - even the ones made in China. But yours are really special. I'm so glad you shared them with us.