noveltyjunkie

I've posted before that my mother is a talented seamstress, but not a quilter. It was only after I started quilting that she mentioned, quite casually one day, a quilt they had at home when she was growing up in the 1930s. She didn't know anything about it but felt pretty sure it was made either by her own mother as a 'bottom drawer' piece, or by her maternal grandmother as a wedding gift. We spoke about it at the time, but it seemed there was not much to say about it once we worked out it was a traditional log cabin with red centers, double sized, and in daily use. My mother hasn't seen it for more than sixty years- the old family home is long gone, so there seemed to be no point wondering what happened to it. My grandmother died very young and so many of her stories died with her.

So, this morning, my mother and I are having a chat about everything and nothing, and I tell her what I am working on, and how my middle daughter has me making a madly scrappy and rule breaking log cabin for her bed. And..... You know what's coming, right? She says really casually that last time she was talking with her sister they were talking about the old quilt and her older sister confirmed that their mother made it, and said... Drumroll.... SHE HAS IT!!!! So, apart from wanting to jump in my car right now and drive over to my aunt's, my head is buzzing. I never saw it in her house because it is apparently falling apart, but she kept it. Happy dance!

So, when I get to visit it, what is it important for me to ask? Obviously I'll be asking what stories she was told about it, if she recalls any of the fabrics being in clothing, or any stories of where the fabric came from. I'll be looking really closely at the construction, taking photos of everything- front, back, innards, quilting pattern used..... What else? How does one behave when one meets an old family quilt for the first time?!!!! I am so excited!!!

You guys are the only people I know who understand this stuff, so I had to share. :-)

MaryMo

I think I would put the histrory down on paper to keep with this quilt. We never know where these quilts will end up. I've bought many used quilts at garage sales and estate sales that have many stories .... all untold ..... so sad.

nativetexan

make a label for it. even if you end up with it. History is everything.

Tartan

​I can understand your excitement on having a tangible link to your own family's quilting history. Super excited for you and take lots of pictures!

Tracy Delegal

Labels are important. My mother and Aunts put them on all theirs. I need to sew a label on the quilt my grandmother made for my high school graduation. There are only a few of her grandchildren that has one she made. I need to do that!

Thanks for sharing your story!

Cyn

Share a picture if you can!

omaluvs2quilt

HOW EXCITING!!! I can so feel your excitement and am so happy for you. I would definitely get as much history as possible written up and at least put with it. I think I would be afraid to put a label on it myself, but love the idea of the history staying with the quilt.

Luv Quilts and Cats

I think you have a good idea of questions to ask. My question is, would she be willing to part with it so it doesn't end up in a yard sale or with someone who doesn't appreciate it? Or maybe she would pass it down to you when her time comes?

noveltyjunkie

Thanks everyone for sharing my excitement. It will be a few weeks at least before I get to hook up with my aunt- various things happening, but I have waited this long I can wait a little longer! Luv Quilts and Cats: I have no idea the answer to that question. My aunt has a daughter of her own and if she wants it, I guess she gets it. It would be very awkward to ask! (But if she asks me if I would like it, there is only one answer!)

Teacup

Take a look at it's condition and see if there is anything that can be done to preserve it from further deterioration. And see how it is being stored...maybe take some acid-free paper with you and gently fold or roll it another direction when you have to put it away.