"The lesson [Henry David Thoreau] had taught himself, and which he tried to teach others, was summed up in the one word 'Simplify.' That meant simplify the outward circumstances of your life, simplify your needs and your ambitions; learn to delight in the simple pleasures which the world of Nature affords. It meant also, scorn public opinion, refuse to accept the common definitions of success, refuse to be moved by the judgment of others. And unlike most who advocate such attitudes, he put them into practice." (Walden and Other Writings by Henry David Thoreau--Edited and with an Introduction by Joseph Wood Krutch, Bantam Books, 1962, P. 1)

Saturday, May 3, 2008

It's a Cutter--Yikes!

I received from my mother yesterday this muslin appliquéd bedspread, below, made in 1926 by my--get ready--great great grandmother. On the left is the rod-pocket curtain which goes with it. Mom and her cousin who had possession of these agreed that I would best know what to do with these treasures. What an honor for me.

These are not quilts, but single layers of muslin with appliqués cut from floral fabric and affixed by a blanket stitch in various colors of embroidery thread. While the fabrics are in nearly perfect condition, I still think that this heirloom will best be honored by being cut up (scary, I know) and made into a new, smaller quilt suitable for hanging on a wall. In this way, the beautiful hand-stitching will be preserved and displayed.

What will result will be a quilt made by my great great grandmother and I, in a collaborative effort. What an amazing thing.





Stay tuned for updates on this project.

4 comments:

Emily A. said...

whoa. cut away. I will enjoy seeing the result. Thats my great great great grandma's work!

Naomi said...

That's so cool! I can't wait to see the end result.

Judie and George said...

This is just wonderful! I can imagine you are thrilled to the core. I have a quilt, made by my great grandmother. It sits in a box, waiting for me to do something with it, which I fully intend to do. It is old and not in the best condition, but it is a piece of my heritage and I treasure it. I imagine you feel the same way. I thought I might piece it up and made something smaller for each of the girls. Does that sound like a bad thing to do? I am not sure, but unless I do that, only one person can be the respsitory for this quilt.

Kelli said...

great idea. you will make it beatiful.