A few weeks back, we posted some pics of the bedroom and several of you asked about a quilt on the end of the bed. We took some more pictures to share.
Here they are:
It's a patchwork quilt that's big enough for a queen sized bed (it's folded in half here). It was made by my Grandmother using mostly scraps of fabric from my Grandfathers overalls because that's pretty much all he ever wore or at least what I remember him in.
One side has other types of fabric scraps. It also has the little tied-off green "tails" or whatever they are called. I'm not sure if that means it's the top or the bottom? I kind of feel like its supposed to be the top.
Not sure where this fabric all came from, probably scraps she had on hand when she made them.
But the other side is neat because it is made up entirely of pieces of my Grandfather's jeans and overalls. The light blue color ones and the blue ticking stripes...
...actual denim from jeans and beige overalls...
...and to be sure that nothing went to waste, even the ones with holes were used and the holes "repaired" as best as they good be to make them usable.
When I was little and we went to visit, I always got to sleep on their "rollaway" bed (that thing had a wicked dip in the middle, ha). I always wanted one of these quilts to sleep under. There are two and I have both of them. It's funny though, they don't don't have a light and fluffy feel like a regular quilt might, because of what they are made from, they are more heavy and dense and best of all, warm. That's why I liked them. Looking back on it now, I think these were sort of an original version of a "weighted blanket" that's all the rage now...I guess Grandma was ahead of her time!
We have other quilts stored (carefully) away and when we have a place we can put them out to display/use, we'll get photos of them.
Quilts are wonderful!
What a Wonderful family treasure / keepsake that your grandmother made.
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye out now for some nice quilt racks at thrift stores, garage sales, etc. They make for a nice displace in a guest bedroom or even master bedroom.
Even a wall hanging quilt racks are nice.
https://www.amazon.com/Lakeside-Collection-Deluxe-Quilt-Shelf/dp/B072YSXTS5/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=Wooden+Quilt+Rack&qid=1644419956&sr=8-9
A nice heavy quilt is handy that way when cold weather arrives.
We'll have plenty of good quilts for future cold snaps for sure. We like the idea of quilt racks. Thanks for the links.
DeleteIf you didn't want to display them on a quilt rack, then I would consider getting a nice cedar chest to store them in
ReplyDeleteWe have a great cedar chest now but it wouldn't hold enough of them ha. We've currently got some great "old" bedspreads in there, we'll have to share pics of those sometime.
Deletei love the denim and the memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's a great memory for sure.
DeleteI have something very similar that my Great Grandmother made out of squares of various pairs of denim jeans that I've loved since I was a little kid! I have no idea who originally wore the jeans, though. Possibly my Great Grandfather or my Great Uncles, or maybe someone just gave them to her for the material. She made so many wonderful things. She's been gone almost 30 years now, and it's a real gift to have these tangible things that she made with such talent and love for her family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, can totally related to that. It's a great way to think of these as tangible items made with love for their family. Great words!!! Thanks again.
DeleteThe ties are on the top. I helped my mother make a quilt that was tied. We put it on the floor to work. Inside we used a quilt made by her grandmother. So, everything was recycled several times through the years.
ReplyDeleteWe kind of figure that, seems like the more "colorful" fabric pieces were on the top, even though we love the denim side up, ha. What great memories you have of your Mom and Grandmother.
DeleteWhat a beautiful treasure! Full of precious family memories. With all the love and memories connected with your quilt and your grandma’s comfy quilting, you can snuggle under it and be warmed inside and out.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the other side is from remnants of some of your grandma’s dresses and blouses.
My mom made clothes for my sister and me when we were kids. When we were leaving home, she gave each of us a quilt made from the leftover pieces of fabric from these clothes. It is heartwarming to go from piece to piece and identify the various garments she spent so much time making for us.
You know I never thought about that but it could be from her clothing. Certainly from some scraps from somewhere. Now we do have some quilts, I have one from when I was a baby, that has kittens on it and my mom used to always recognize parts of her dresses from when she was little. Also four sacks that came in fabric to make dresses out of and those scraps ended up in quilts. Just amazing.
DeleteThree cheers for Grandma! Sewing on and through denim is no joke!
ReplyDeleteLOL I never thought about that but yeah that would be difficult! Thanks for stopping by and sharing that, brings us new respect for it too, ha.
DeleteOn the quilts my mom and her mom used to make, the ties were on top ... quilts were on a wooden frameto keep things taught as they worked on the quilt.
ReplyDeleteYes I figured the ties seemed like a "finishing" or "decorative" touch. How neat that you were able to watch your mom and grandmom making their quilts. Hope you still have some to enjoy.
DeleteLove that you have and use your Grandmother's quilts! She would be so very pleased.
ReplyDeleteAs a quilter myself, be sure to keep the quilts out of direct sunshine - even if the sun is across the room and coming in through a window - as long-time exposure to sunshine will fade the fabric. Never store them in plastic bags or boxes. Get Archival boxes that come with archival tissue paper (Amazon and elsewhere) and refold the quilts every 6 months so they're not perma-creased from years of being untended.
Wishing y'all well!
Awww thanks for that. We have two we use in town and more at the farm. Someday they'll be on all the beds and rotated in and out so they don't wear as quickly. Thanks for the advice about the sunshine. I didn't know that. I mean, direct sun would make me think twice but even indirect can fade. We'll look into those boxes. Great tips. And how wonderful you are keeping up quilt making. Unfortunately 2nd Man doesn't have any from his family but I have more than enough for both of us. In the coming months, I'll see if I can get one out on occasion and do a post about it.
DeleteWhat a precious piece of your history. I'm sure you treasure it greatly. It's from a generation that learned how to make-do. They couldn't afford to waste anything. Such a lesson for us.
ReplyDeleteYes, that generation definitely learned how to make-do and nothing went to waste. Amazing how things have changed so much in society but great that there are those of us like you and others who understand and value these lost pieces of hard work. :-)
DeleteThe ties are part of the quilting process. They are used to tack the layers of the quilt together. You may want to keep an eye out for a cool ladder. They make great vertical quilt racks. I've got a 9 foot one in my sewing room to hold antique family quilts and crocheted afghans made by my grandmother & great-grandmother. As well as some of the quilts I've made.
ReplyDelete