Sunday, April 15, 2012

My Grandma's Quilt

When I was born, my grandma made me a quilt. It's hand stitched, 100%, no machines used. And it's perfect. Every single detail is perfect. I have had this quilt in my possession for as long as I can remember, and it has moved with me, a lot. My mom always says that I can't keep anything. I lose it, or sell it, or destroy it. I guess that's partially true. I am not easy on my stuff. I use it. I wear the shit out of it, I don't hang things up, or box them away. I USE them.
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I have used this quilt. It has been on every single bed that I have had as an adult. It has been used on picnics and it has been taken on trips and car rides. I have hung it on the back of the couch and I have even found Ollie or Charlie snuggling it from time to time. I have let guests sleep with it during cold nights, and I have even used it as backdrops for photos before.
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I love this quilt because my Grandma made it for me. On Thursday, my grandma had some chest pain and was rushed to the hospital. She was about to have a heart attack but they caught it in time. She had to stay overnight and I spent most of the day crying, worrying and contemplating packing up the van and driving the 9 hours to be with her. But, all was well. She is okay, and she is back home resting and being pampered by my Aunts. All the while, I kept this blanket close by. I feel so lucky, every single day, to have all four of my grandparents still with me. I am 26 years old and I know how rare it is. I call them weekly, if not more, and visit as often as I can. Now that we live in the south again, it's easier to get to them. My Dad's parents are a bit further, but we're hoping to visit this summer. 
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The other point to my post today is about using vs. preserving. I thought about putting this quilt away once, and the thought was so brief because I don't know what I would do without it. I use things. I guess I collect other peoples preserved things. That's the difference. I don't have kids to pass on my heirlooms to, so if they are going to be loved and enjoyed, then we're the ones who are going to love and enjoy them. 
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This quilt, by far, is one of my most prized possessions. It means the world to me. It's tattered and it's worn, and when I die, it will probably be burned with me because nobody else will want my ratty old quilt, but for now, it's beautiful, full of love and memories and it's perfect in every way. And you better believe it gets used.

Do you have a gift from your grandma (or other family member) that you cherish? Tell me about it! 

xo,
Beca

12 comments:

  1. Lovely post, Beca. I will admit, I envy you your grandparents. All of mine passed before I was born (hazards of having a super old dad) except for one and he's nothing to write home about. I don't have a whole lot of heirlooms because there wasn't anybody to hand them down to me, but my Aunties have given me some things that are precious to me. I think that my love of crochet has a lot to do with wanting to create something precious to give to my loved ones.

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    1. sometimes the things you have aren't tangible. sometimes those are the best things.

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  2. It is a beautiful quilt! On my dad's side, I have a brooch which was my (step-)grandmother's and a telescope which belonged to my grandfather. I also have copies of my grandmother's travel diaries; she died when my dad was little, but it's lovely to have something in her own voice. Like you, I don't hold on to much, but it's amazing how much these small things matter.

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    1. I wish my grandparents kept diaries. I would devour those for hundreds of years.

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  3. Oh it is so beautiful!
    I have a blanket my aunt crocheted for me when I was a baby. It's a pastel rainbow granny square blanket. I also have a few polaroids my grandma took in the 80s of family members. I really like looking through those.

    I hope my kiddos love and cherish their handmades when they get older. Their great grandma made them some blankets and those are my favorites!

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    1. I wish I had more family photos....you're lucky!

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  4. Oh my stars, yes! I have an afghan that my grandma made and I love it! We had it when I was younger and it was the one thing I was sure to take when I moved away from home. I move it all around the house all the time, sometimes on the couch, sometimes on the bed, sometimes camping, sometimes road trips. It just has the best energy! I've washed it a million times and I swear it just gets stronger and stronger every time! Your blanket looks so pretty!

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  5. that is so wonderful. we got some quilts from travis' grandmother that were made by HER mother and grandmother, and they are so special to me. I use one on my couch every day. I feel the same way, i need to use these things and love them, not just put them away to preserve them. She also gave me her mother's wedding ring that I have been wearing as my own. My grandmother sent me a cool oil lamp that belonged to my great grandmother, who I was named after, but who died when I was 1 year old. I love it, it is a connection with her that i never got to have while she was alive.
    I'm glad your grandma is ok. I still have all four of my grandparents too, and I'm about to turn 27. I know that can't last forever, and I'm dreading it so much.

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  6. I have a similar quilt that my grandma gave me for my 19th birthday. It's pink with neon splashes of paisley in a crazy pattern and it's my favourite thing ever, and I don't think she'll ever know how much I love it. Since I received that gift I've made an effort to create beautiful things for other people. I'm a knitter mostly, and it makes me so happy to see people wearing the things I've made them years down the line so I keep on knitting!

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    1. what a great gift to have : the gift of making handmade for others. Love it!

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