Something fairly amazing has happened. It turns out that the very first quilt I ever made is not dead and buried, as I had thought. The quilt, and all its polyester loveliness and durability, has moved on to its second generation of service. And--surprise, surprise--like most of us, it turned up on Facebook. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it...
Feast your eyes:
Baby Harriet is lovely even when she's chewing on her shoe, but the quilt...
The year was 1976, and a good friend was the first expectant mom in our whole crowd of college friends. Since it was the year of the Bicentennial, patriotic colors were on the menu. And I always did like gingham checks... This one hits the trifecta of 70s quilts. Repeat them with me:
Poly-cotton gingham--check,
Puffy polyester batting---check,
Tied with yarn---check.
The recipient of the Bicentennial quilt was the oldest of five, and the quilt endured plenty of dragging around in its first life. It's nothing short of amazing to see it survived. Madeline, the original owner, also survived this work of art and is now herself a mom, shown here reading to her own little ones on Christmas Eve.
Those early quilts are certainly growth experiences, and artistically I surely can do better now. But if a measure of quilty success is in numbers of happy kids cuddled down through the years, I guess this one was a success.
It's a satisfying way to round out the year. The wheel of life, and of fiber arts, keeps turning. Onward!
7 comments:
great story!
How wonderful to see your quilt go full circle. May it last for yet another generation!
What a beautiful memory and sweet baby and quilt. A never ending story. :)
That is awesome!!
how nice! ah yes must have been amazing to see that quilt and a big surprise!
Kathie
How amazing that the quilt has survived so much loving.
What a great story, Kathie! This quilt has been quite the staple in the Olsen household. I'm glad we were the recipient of your first work of art:)
Madeline
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