It's getting chilly here! Time to pull out the warm blankets and quilts to snuggle under. I've wanted to share this one for a long time; it's my very favorite fall quilt. It looks really contemporary doesn't it? Well, it was actually made over fifty years ago by a farmer's wife, who was by then, already well into her eighties. The story behind it is rather sweet, and goes like this: On becoming a widow, she missed her husband so much, that she gathered up all his worn overalls and tweedy suits and turned them into a quilt.
The finished effect is strong and handsome, like I imagine the farmer must have been. And I can only guess about the countless hours the widow must have spent cutting and stitching, lost in the memories of her long life, intent on her task (probably happily so), as she slowly worked on what may have been her final project. Her last tribute. And all the while, remembering the man she'd spent a lifetime caring for. When I look at it, I think about those things and the comfort it must have brought her as she wrapped herself in it during those final solitary days of her life, so very long ago.
This quilt is really heavy due to the denim and the wool, and needed no lining. It's simply backed with cotton homespun, which is such a perfect choice and compliments it beautifully I think. This is the kind of quilt you want to sit under on a crisp afternoon hayride or cozy-up with in a rustic cabin. When I purchased it from a dealer, over ten years ago now, I took it home and immediately hung it on the wall in my studio as "folk art". It hung there for several years until we moved, and now I keep it safely tucked away to keep the moths from finding it.
I do so love the colors; pumpkin, caramel, smokey grays and chocolate browns--with shades of blue; how they blend so beautifully. Who knew that this unlikely combination of textiles could produce such a charming effect. Those denim strips are laid down so expertly over the seams like a lattice crust. I think that's so brilliant. (And has me thinking about apples again. Specifically, baked in a pie. Yum!)
Your antique quilt is beautiful. I've always wanted to do a solid color quilt and this quilt is pure inspiration towards that goal. Thank you for sharing the quilt and its story.
Posted by: jam | October 12, 2009 at 11:50 AM
What a lovely quilt....with a wonderful story.
Posted by: Dawn | October 12, 2009 at 12:32 PM
OH I imagine her now. Putting her nose in the pile of fabric and inhaling his smell......
Posted by: mijk | October 12, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Oh, that is lovely, and looks so warm. I have a bunch of my DH's old plaid flannel shirts tucked away with the intent of someday making a simple patchwork quilt from them. I don't want to wait till he's gone, though!
Posted by: Janelle | October 12, 2009 at 01:07 PM
It is beautiful. It has been well kept too.
I made a similar gift for my mother in law... my father in law passed away, and I made a quilt for her, using his aloha shirts. It was one of the most emotional and gratifying projects I have ever undertaken. It is nice to think of these family treasures being appreciated for always.
Posted by: Natalie | October 12, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Wow, that is such an awesome story and a beautiful quilt! Thanks so much for sharing this, I really enjoyed reading it!
Posted by: Suzy | October 12, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Aren't quilts wonderful!!! And they just get more lovely with age! I would never have thought of weaving it like lattice. Great idea! I wonder if she sprayed it with like Old Spice aftershave or something that reminded her of him?
Posted by: Jean C. | October 12, 2009 at 03:34 PM
I love those colors, too! Looks just perfect to a cool day like today! Give me a book and a quilt...I'm happy!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | October 12, 2009 at 05:40 PM
A very clever, practical and pretty quilt with a wonderful story. I'm very fond of wool quilts.
Posted by: Martha | October 12, 2009 at 10:27 PM
how beautiful...and what a beautiful story!
Posted by: Kristin | October 13, 2009 at 07:55 AM
gorgeous!
Posted by: amy | October 13, 2009 at 11:58 AM
heartstring tugging story - beautiful, as is the quilt. thanks for sharing that.
Posted by: louise hatchard | October 13, 2009 at 01:49 PM
What a lovely quilt and story. It is so special when you know the story behind a handmade object.
Posted by: Debbie | October 13, 2009 at 06:57 PM
That is the very best kind of quilt. Thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: Chris | October 14, 2009 at 04:29 AM
Lovely quilt, lovely sentiment. I'm glad it found its way into your home.
Posted by: *karen | October 14, 2009 at 07:33 AM
Beautiful colours and the latticing is very striking . A lucky find !
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | October 14, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I cry so easy.... Beautiful quilt, beautiful story...
Posted by: Jackie | October 14, 2009 at 01:15 PM
Don't you just love it when you have the wonderful quilt AND a story that goes along with it? Thanks for sharing.
After being inspired by the book/movie Julie & Julia, and your book BLANKET STATEMENT, I have chosen to attempt to create all 40 of your adorable projects and blog about it. Just thought you'd like to know you have a fan out here in Illinois! Thanks for writing and creating this truly adorable book!
Posted by: Deb | October 14, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Thank you, Vicki, for sharing this lovely post. The simple beauty of the quilt, and the sweet and loving story about it, is quite endearing.
Posted by: cathleen | October 15, 2009 at 07:41 AM
oh what a beautiful quilt and wonderful story too. Absolutely love the colours and it's perfect for chilly days ahead !
Posted by: Lynn | October 15, 2009 at 08:10 AM
The quilt is just fabulous!
: )
Posted by: Annie | October 16, 2009 at 07:48 AM
Such a heartbreaking story behind this quilt. It is truly beautiful and brings a whole new meaning to recycling. Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Emily Moss | October 18, 2009 at 10:41 AM
What a great quilt. And that story is so touching. I can imagine you treasure it.
Posted by: karin | October 18, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Such a wonderful story for such a unique and handsome quilt. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Posted by: Julie | October 19, 2009 at 07:54 AM
not only a beautiful quilt but sounds like that man was a snazzy dresser.
Posted by: urban craft | October 19, 2009 at 09:42 AM