Tuesday, July 5, 2011

treasure found

I've been cleaning like a wild woman.  Purging cupboards and closets, organizing cubbies and crawlspaces.  We made a big trip to Goodwill this weekend and donated many boxes and bags of 'stuff'.  It feels so good to have some space in my spaces.  Last week, while I was going through boxes upon boxes of baby clothes that I'd saved, I found a treasure. 
This little quilt was my doll quilt when I was a little girl.  I haven't seen it in years.  My grandma made it for me and I remember having it in my room and playing on it as a little girl.  I obviously stored it away and had forgotten all about it.  What a wondeful surprise!  I gave it a good wash and hung it outside to dry. 
There are some quirky things about it....the edges are puckered because it was stitched with a wool yarn that has obviously felted.  The back, which looks like it was made from sheeting, has a couple of stains on it that I'm hoping the sun will bleach out.  
 The flowers are amazing.  I am guessing they were hand turned and sewn on piece by piece.  (No wonder under on this quilt!)  I can't imagine the work that went into this little quilt.  So much love.  I never remember having to be careful on it...I was just allowed to play with it and enjoy it. 
That seems huge to me now that I understand all the time and love that went into it.  My grandma made many quilts over the years.  She had a huge quilt frame in her back room for all the hand quilting.  I'm on a treasure hunt now to find all the beauties that she made.....I'll share them here as I find them. 

16 comments:

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

Very sweet. You seriously stumbled upon an awesome treasure. I love finding a long-forgotten item. Your grandma must have loved you very much to have shared her creation with you.

From All Stitched Up said...

That quilt is truly a treasure.

Leslie said...

Oh, this is such a precious treasure. I've enjoyed looking at the details. Doesn't it seem the older we get the more things like this we understand? Sometimes it almost hurts to know how unknowing I have been.

Kristyn Knits said...

One day the girls will be saying "my mom made this..." and then their children will be saying "my grandmother made this..."
oh, what sweet words! enjoy finding more treasures!

Gigi said...

Oh that is a treasure indeed! Such a pretty & sweet little quilt. Your granny sounds amazing & I love the idea of having a quilting frame always set up in the back room -- so cosy & homey.

a friend to knit with said...

oh my goodness, lisa!
that is SUCH a treasure.
i love that you still have it.
as i am at my parents... purging things... it is so refreshing when a treasure is found amongst all the other "stuff".
we really have to decide what we choose to keep and what we choose to toss, wisely!

those flowers.. ahhh! totally sweet.

Ruth said...

What a special treasure to find. Both my mom and my grandmother crocheted beautiful doilies, tablecloths, and bedspreads. I have some of those treasures here.

Ruth

At Home Mommy Knits said...

What a wonderful treasure to have come across! So much love and work obviously went into it.

Christina said...

Oh, what a beautiful doll quilt! What a wonderful treasure to have to remind you of your grandmother's skill and love.

no spring chicken said...

What a precious treasure. And all the more wonderful because it's not just lovingly made, it's actually beautiful!! :)

Blessings, Debbie

Tracy said...

This was very special to see...so glad you shared it with us, Lisa! Such a sweet treasure it is too. I love how your Grandma did those flowers, the pretty construction and colors inspires me. Just love seeing all the details. It is wonderful you have this heirloom to save and enjoy. Funny how when we're young we're just not capable of understand so many things--the value of aging it that we come to. Hope you've found a good place at you home to display your pretty little quilt. :o) Happy Weekend ((HUGS))

Liz said...

Beautiful. I remember having a real china tea set and being allowed to play with it. Somehow it managed to survive and I still have all the pieces.

Anonymous said...

Oh that is such a beautiful and wonderful quilt. I agree with wayside wanderer that sometimes I feel sad at how "unknowing" I've been - but I think that people like your grandma (and mine) didn't expect appreciation and praise. They made things for us out of unconditional love.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of your treasures! Thank you for sharing.

Larissa said...

Your play quilt is so wonderful! This seems like the perfect time in your life for you to have re-discovered it. Now you can enjoy it once again - plus share this family treasure with your kiddos. This totally makes me want to steal away a bit of time to quilt!

Cathy said...

Things like this are elixirs to the soul. Floods of past memories and the joys of the present.

Gloria said...

Oh my goodness, that is a treasure!! I love the vintage, pastel look it has. SO sweet! :)

Have a wonderful week!!

xoxo...Gloria