Monday, March 30, 2009

Quilts

I love quilts. There is something so special about wrapping up in something that is handmade, something that gives you a glimpse into the past but also provides warmth for the present. Quilts provide a heritage; something that can be passed down to future generations to tell a story. I just love them.

My mom took up quilting several years ago so we (the members of her family) have been fortunate enough to be the recipients of her handiwork. The first quilts she made for us were pieces of various fabrics that represented something in our lives, things that we loved. There were swatches of decorative fabric but also prints that included dogs, houses, even ice cream!

She has made quilts that represent a turning point in her loved ones lives--like when my dad went down to New Orleans after Katrina for 6 weeks to help rebuild the telephone lines for work. She made him a quilt that Christmas that had the "New Orleans" star in it. Or when I moved into my first house, she made me a quilt that had swatches put together that looked like little houses. She has also made quilts for my niece and nephews that have pieces of fabric that represent things they love. She made Mike a quilt for his birthday that represents his love for the outdoors and camping. She made my sister a quilt this past Christmas that has their family sewn into it (Christy, you need to post a picture!)

She has also made quilts out of remembrance for something special--like the wedding quilt she made for us (second from the top in the picture above). A year later, she used leftover fabric from that to make a baby's quilt in remembrance of Allison and Emily. As you can see in the picture below, there are 2 pink hearts.


Then, when we found out we were pregnant with Anna Claire, she went through her fabrics and found more leftover fabric from our wedding quilt and made one for our sweet girl. This is so special because now all three quilts have the same fabric.

As part of the bedding she made for Anna Claire, she made her a quilt that included some of the fabric used in her room. She brought it with her this past week when she visited.

One thing (among many) that is special about this quilt is that it incorporates some fabric that was used in my niece, Jessica's, 16th birthday quilt. This is something special that the two girls share.



She also made this "taggie" quilt for Anna Claire to play on. I love the vintage looking fabric and the bright colors!




It takes time and money to make something so beautiful but I think there is more LOVE that is invested in than anything.











18 comments:

Every Day Blessings said...

I love all those beautiful quilts. I especially love the one she made Anne Claire. How fun that you have those special memories.

Carry Grace said...

You have a great mom! Your quilts are beautiful. I love the ones that she has made your daughters.

My husbands grandmother made all of the grandchildren a quilt when they were young. My husband laid his on the sand on the beach to propose to me on the quilt. It was very special. Now our quilt is even more special.

Darlene said...

Your mom makes some beatiful quilts. I also LOVE quilts but yours are so special since your mom made them.

Joanna said...

Those are some beautiful quilts. My great grandmother used to make quilts all the time, we have a ton. I have never purchased a blanket because of this and I am so glad I'll never have too. There is just something so special about a quilt.

Shannon said...

Oh, those are beautiful. I love handmade quilts. Those are all so special!

Mom and Dad said...

Thank you so much for the beautiful tribute. I LOVE that God has given me the time and ability to make something that means so much to me personally. It gives me great joy and satisfaction to know how much you treasure each quilt - they truly are an expression of love.
I love you.

Unknown said...

How special! I know you cherish each of them.

Lana said...

Beautiful quilts! Your Mom does a GREAT job! My family passes down quilts also, and I love them!

Amber B. said...

Those are all so beautiful! We have some quilts made by my grandmother and use them all of the time!

3LittleByrds said...

wow beautiful

Amber said...

What a special gift from your mom to those that she loves! And what treasures for you! I love that you have three special quilts made of the same fabrics.

Anonymous said...

i love quilts too. each one has a special meaning to me and are comforting when you need it. (btw - my friend paints the wood eggs if you are interested...)

3LittleByrds said...

Sarah, Thanks for your sweet comments. Children are blessings and I've truly been blessed by God with my 3 little ones. They're wonderful in everyway. Anna Claire is a doll and I've been following your blog for awhile through her journey in the NICU. I love what I do as a nurse and it's amazing to see those little ones so sick at the beginning get well and strong and go home. It always touches my heart and I wouldn't do anything else. I love helping people and being in the NICU you bond with the babies and the families. I'm glad Anna Claire is doing so well now. She's a beauty.

Jenni said...

Hi Sarah~
I am in awe over every single one of these quilts! Your mom is very talented. I love them all! And I agree with you~ it takes more time, but a gift like that is so special! :)

Have a good night! :)

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Your quilts are just beautiful, and so meaningful. I love the one with the two hearts in it...it's precious. Your mama is talented! :)
Carrie

Carolina Mama said...

Can you Mom just open up a Blog and an Etsy shop so we can order! :) I would - she's talented. THese are precious and so meaningful. And a New Orleans star... so sweet. Tell Dad, Thanks for helping out with NOLA post-Katrina.

Annie said...

A quilt is stitched with patches of memories and new beginnings. Sort of like our lives...Beautiful work your mom does. She certainly has a gift!

Montee said...

I love, love quilts, too! My husband's meme made us a quilt for our wedding. That was our favorite wedding gift. She made a quilt for every great-grandbaby. She has passed away but she lives on through her quilts.