The little girl is off to school, the dishes are done, and it's my day off. That means I can spend some time on a ME project!
When I first met my husband's Grandma the conversation turned to quilting. (Doesn't every conversation naturally turn to quilting?) She told me she tried to quilt once when she was 16 and wasn't very good at it. I did the math and realized that she was talking about the year 1935. Hmmmm........ A 1930's quilt. Chances were good that I would love this quilt, being that I'm just a tad bit obsessed with reproduction fabrics. So I hinted a bit here and there that I would love to see her quilt and perhaps finish it. This past Christmas Grandma gave me the most wonderful gift! A beautiful old box filled with her quilt pieces. I was ecstatic!
My husband said, "Grandma, this is her favorite kind of quilt!" Just when I'm thinking motorcycles are the only thing on his mind, I realize he does pay attention. So, box in tow, we made the trip home and all I could think of was, I can't wait to put this quilt together.
Well, it sat for a couple of 
months while trying to decide the best plan of attack. This was Grandma's first and only quilt, and there is always a learning curve. Needless to say, this would be a little slower going since the blocks were all very different sizes. But I am always up for a challenge, and the idea of Sydney using a quilt that her Great Grandmother made was enough to make me want to roll up my sleeves and get to work!
months while trying to decide the best plan of attack. This was Grandma's first and only quilt, and there is always a learning curve. Needless to say, this would be a little slower going since the blocks were all very different sizes. But I am always up for a challenge, and the idea of Sydney using a quilt that her Great Grandmother made was enough to make me want to roll up my sleeves and get to work! 
So a couple of weeks ago, I got out this box and started sewing. I am totally in love with this quilt! So in love with it in fact, that I ordered the english paper pieces this morning for the store! Grandma would be shocked at how easy it is to make this quilt if she had learned this method. As it is, I think she will be shocked when she sees the finished quilt. I think she gave up on this quilt about 75 years ago. I can't wait to see her face when it's all done!
Here is one of the original templates. You can barely make out her signature, Juanita S. For awhile I couldn't figure out why It didn't say B, since her last name is Buell. But alas, this is from 1935, when her last name was Squire! This quilt makes me smile!
9 comments:
Oh my goodness Liz. What a TREASURE!!! Oh it makes my heart SING...especially knowing the history. Too too cool. :-)
Welcome to blogland!
Hi Liz,
I just saw you post your new blog and facebook and had to check it out. I've been blogging for about a year now. Check out my blog sometime if you want. Bobbi
www.mixedblessings4.blogspot.com
Oops, I forgot to add that that was such a nice gift. How lucky is your daughter to have that! I wish I could sew.
ooooooooooh. what a beautiful treasure. The face that Sidney will pass it on makes it even cooler!
It's beautiful!!!!! A real treasure!
How wonderful. It has been fun for me to finish quilts of my Mom's and her Mom's. Also did one of Del's Great Grandmother and his Grandmother. I consider them my most cherished treasure. Sidney will love her quilt. It is beautiful.
Kathie
That is such a cool story to pass on to Syd. Love the blog, too. :)
Liz, I'm looking forward to following your blog. It's great! I'm so glad your hinting paid off and you get to finish that wonderful treasure from your Grandma-in-law. Can't wait to see it finished.
Hugs,
Robin
What an amazing gift she passed on to you! Heirloom quilts are the best. My husband's Grandma gave me a fruit basket pattern quilt and I adore it! I'll have to bring it in sometime to show you.
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