Saturday, June 19, 2010

Treasures


My dear mother-in-law passed away last Sunday after a long illness. We were so fortunate to inherit some of the quilts made by her, her mother and her aunts. They are completely hand pieced.  These quilts were carefully packed away in her cedar chest and we never knew they existed. 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Just love both of these quilts and feel so lucky to keep them in our family.  My husband remembers his grandma doing a lot of "sewing" when he was young, but doesn't recall his mom making any of these quilts.  It is fun to really study the fabrics and quilting designs up close. 
 
Back in the early 1990s when I first started quilting, I remember getting my mother in law her first rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat for her birthday, and showing her how to make a log cabin quilt.  She had a lot of fun making it, but never mentioned that she had made quilts before, using the traditional methods.  She was a beautiful southern lady who looked like a 1940s movie star.  She traveled across the country from Kansas City to California to marry my father in law, who had just enlisted in the navy in 1941.  She was only 16 years old!  Now I know where my daughters get their courage and independent streak!  We really miss her...

7 comments:

antique quilter said...

so sorry to hear about your MIL
the quilts are amazing, beautiful
I know you will treasure them and enjoy them.
How I would love to see them and study them in person!
Kathie

Karen said...

I am sorry to hear that your MIL is no longer with your family but she certainly left you a hidden treasure. An old friend of mine remarried and her new husband had many boxes & chests in his garage of things that belonged to his mother. He had never opened one chest and she found some gorgeous quilts in it. One beautiful crazy quilt plus pieced quilts. No information about who made the quilts or when.

Lori said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. She sounds like an amazing woman! The quilts are so pretty and it is so nice someone in the family will enjoy and appreciate them.

Sharon said...

Sorry for your loss. The quilts will be a constant reminder of the joy she brought in your life. Yes, adventurous is for sure, 16, wow. Different times.

Libby said...

Dixie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending hugs to your whole family - you will be in my thoughts.

How wonderful to have received these treasured keepsakes, made by her hand. Funny that she never talked about her 'former' quilting life, but so very special to enjoy the fruits of that time *s*

YankeeQuilter said...

It is nice to hear when a DIL and MIL get along so well. You have great memories now.

Jan said...

That Ocean Waves quilt is gorgeous! What a wonderful keepsake and memory of your MIL.