As a graphic designer all of my work follows a similar path; challenge – idea – development – deadline. I am so used to working that way that I start and finish some of my best quilting projects when I’m working against a deadline.
Mom with quilt for Joe
That’s a trait that I share with a couple of my brothers who have also worked as graphic designers, and it makes my mom a little crazy. She has a hard time understanding why I would put myself under so much pressure, but for me the time constraints are a powerful motivator. It’s just the way I work.
Ten or so years ago when she was still able to hand-piece and hand-quilt, mom had the foresight to secretly make wedding quilts for her three youngest grandchildren who were barely in their teens at the time. Her intent was to make these gifts while she still could. I wonder if perhaps she felt a deadline looming, because sadly, she can no longer see well enough to do the handwork she loved.
Joe's quilt hand-pieced, hand-quilted
Mom got to give the first of these three quilt gifts to my niece Bethany who was married a couple years ago. The other two were packed away at my brother’s house for safe keeping until this year at Christmas when she decided not to wait any longer.
I knew the story behind these quilts, but I hadn’t seen them finished. It was so much fun to see the wonderful handwork, and even Mom was pleased with her workmanship. I photographed them as well as I could in her tight space then we wrapped them back up for her to give to Joe and to Lisa. These modern quilting generation grandchildren were thrilled with their traditional quilt gifts. I thought I’d share them with you.
Lisa's quilt white on white, hand-quilted
detail of center of quilt for Lisa
What a beautiful story. Your mom must be a woman of tremendous wisdom, not to mention needle skills! The hand quilting is lovely and she has created a kind of treasure for her grandchildren that money cannot buy. She is to be congratulated!
While I haven’t yet quit quilting, and in fact just started quilting a couple of years ago, I was able to use up the fabric that my mother left when she passed away in 1996. I made quilts for my two brothers, my sister, and my aunt (my mother’s younger sister) and gave them to each of them for Christmas. It was a lot of fun making them knowing that each would be surprised. I told them that each time they wrap up in the quilt for warmth that I hope they feel Mom’s arms wrapping around them with love.
They are beautiful and those grand kids very lucky she did it while able. I’m sorry she is not able to quilt any longer, that would make me so sad.
After growing up around the Wagar family, of course your mom would think of doing this and do an amazing job!! Hugs to all of you!
Kath, the picture of your Mom and memories of your family just came flooding back! Oh how I miss Wagner Rd. sometimes. I never new she was a quilter…such gorgeous work. The grandchildren are very lucky. Say hi to your Mom for me. Unusual, but my Katie loves to quilt and has completed some interesting ones. She’d love to visitwith your Mom. Dena
WOW, beautiful quilts, beautiful grandmother and beautiful story. A story of love and creativity. What a wonderful story to be the first to read to start my day. WOW
Beautiful thought, beautiful work and beautiful quilts. This is such a wonderfull gift. I know the grandchildren will cherish these quilts for a lifetime. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
I love your story. I work best up against deadlines too. Sometimes I get my best ideas at 3 am the morning of when something needs to be completed and so I just get up and create them. But I truly admire someone that plans and works to complete such a loving gift over time. I just work best under pressure. I love the loving story of the quilts from grandmother to grandchildren. The beautiful quilts are sure to be treasured as memories from a loving grandmother. It amazes me of the wonderful talent in her loving hands and how it will be cherished for a long time. Such wonderful gifts such a true treasure of a grandmother. In our family we have the title of “Real Grandma” when my mom does something amazing for anyone. I think this grandmother deserves the “Real Grandma” title. We don’t just give that title to just anyone.
Thank you for a great story. I try to do the same thing with planning quilts ahead because my mom can no longer quilt because of her eyesight. Lovely quilting! What great choices for patterns and colors–great job of designing quilts that are timeless instead of just fitting the current trends.
Wish I had started years ago! I have been making baby quilts for Linus Project over the past few years, and by necessity – they are machine quilted (by me! – not fancy!)
Hand quilting, which I love, simply takes too long, to help all those hospital-bound
little ones. At some point I realized that, hey, I have 12 grandchildren, but may never
make it to see my great-granchildren! I’m making all these lovely warm little quilts
for other babies – why not some for them. So I have made baby quilts for, at this point, the first in each family(5 families))to have a little one. They can then share with siblings! – unless I end up with enough for each of them. Each family will have two -
one a ‘traditional’ cotton quilt, w/batting & backing, and one flannel quilt, backed with
polar fleece – very light, but warm and cozy. They are regretably, machine quilted,
but most important they are made with love! I plan to keep adding to the 10 I have,
so that EACH grandchild will have their own two!
What beautiful hand work She did a wonderful job despite her handicap.