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Monday, February 21, 2011

Mom and I make one last quilt together

I was a senior in high school in the early 1970's. My home ec teacher assigned us a 9-week project; and while I don't remember the details of the assignment, I do remember one of my friends came up with idea to make a quilt. I loved to sew and embroider and the idea of making a quilt was right up my alley, too.

My parents were in favor of this project, but they did not want to spend the money on new fabric. Mom was a beautiful seamstress, and she had sewn clothes for herself, my sister, and me for years. All the leftover scraps were neatly bundled and stored in a huge box in the attic. I was less than enthusiastic about using those scraps especially when my friends had plans to make quilts from traditional patchwork patterns. But as Mom and I went through that box of scraps and sorted the cotton/poly fabrics from the knits, wools, and corduroys, I saw a lot of fabrics I remembered from favorite grade school clothes; and so my charm quilt was started.

At that time, Mom was not a quilter. When America was celebrating the bicentennial in 1976, a lot of women began quilting; and Mom joined in soon after that. Her quilts like everything else she did were beautiful. She had great taste in color and design; I was so proud of her.

When she and Dad moved to assisted living in 2000, I brought all her quilt supplies and fabrics to my house. I sewed six scrap quilts for each of their grandchildren as well as one for myself. If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know that my mom has Alzheimer's and now is considered in the final stage.

Lately I noticed that my baskets of scraps were getting a little too full, so I decided it was time to weed things out and start another quilt. This time I decided to combine the last of Mom's scraps with mine to make one more quilt. My pattern is this basket from Blackbird's blog . I figure I'll need about 300 blocks to make a quilt for my bed. I told my cousin Audrey to check with me when I'm on Block #175. I'll probably be sick of this project! But I know this is something Mom and I would have done together, and that should be enough inspiration to keep going. I'll keep you posted.

12 comments:

Barb said...

So glad to see your post...I have missed you very much! This entry brings a lump to my throat, and tears to my eyes, just thinking of the reason with this quilt! Hugs and prayers my friend...for you and your mom!

Pokey said...

You know my heart is heavy for you, Mary. This wicked disease should be eradicated, and instead, it takes our loved ones' spirit and steals it away. You will love working with these pieces, and I'll be praying for peace as you do.
Sending hugs, pokey

Elizabethd said...

The quilt will surely bring you many memories, lovely to be using your dear mother's fabrics.

Dolores said...

I'm so glad you feel inspired to make the quilt that you and your mom could have made together.
You'll have so many sweet memories looking at the fabric pieces as you make your quilt and remember the special fabrics and your mom.

Praying for a cure!
Hugs,

Sewn With Grace said...

Just got a big lump in my throat. So looking forward to your journey in making this quilt. Please share along the way!

nono said...

Mary, what a lovely tribute. My Mom had Alzheimers and it was so hard to see what it does to a person. I send prayers to you and your mom.

Donna said...

What a lovely story and to carry on the tradition you and your mother started. I can't wait to see the quilt!
Hugs,
Donna

Linda said...

You post brought a tear to my eye...you will have wonderful memories as you work on your quilt.

Plain Ol' Vanilla said...

Mary,

Thank you for posting this. What a special gift you will soon have--you and your mom's one last quilt. But the memories you have of your dear mom are even more special. Tomorrow I will go spend the day with my 87 y/o mom and we will work on a quilt together. She calls it "Our Quilt". Thank you for the reminder to appreciate every day.

Blessings,
Joyce

Unknown said...

Mary, I'm sure you have a big job ahead of you, but in the end you'll never regret a moment spent making such a treasured keepsake.

Hugs
~Andrea~

Gumbo Lily said...

What sweet memories. I am sure your mom would have been so proud of you for all the quilts you created from her scraps. I like the basket pattern and hope that this next quilt brings you floods of happy memories.

Jody

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

My quilt is one of my most cherished posessions. I love when you post about Grandma.