Family Quilts, Part I
October 18th, 2006
We got all of our things in the new apartment this weekend. I spent the first half of the week unpacking and trying to have a vision for the walls that match the gray skies of Seattle perfectly. I thought they were a pretty color when the sun was shining, but they’re making me a little depressed at the moment. Any suggestions for apartment dwellers that can’t paint? Don’t tell anyone but someone in our building has speedy wi-fi and doesn’t have a password up, so we’re currently getting free Internet. I’m in heaven!
This is a quilt my mom bought from a woman in my great grandmother’s quilting circle. You should have seen these ladies. They were all in their eighties, about six of them bedecked in polyester prints, short curls, and large eyeglass wear. My grandma had a huge quilting block in her basement and one at the senior center. They rotated between the two. This quilt was made by Elsie. The handwork is incredibly fine. It’s a rather exquisite piece of work. My grandmother made hundreds of quilts, among other crafts. I’m going to post pictures of all the quilts she’s been involved in that are in me or my mother’s possession, in remembrance of her. She passed away one month ago.
10 Comments Add your own
1. kelly | October 18th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
You can’t paint? As in you’re not allowed to? Oi. and grey walls? Double oi. lots and lots of art, and track lighting, and maybe hang some fabric.
that quilt is lovely, can’t wait to see the others!
2. Sarah | October 19th, 2006 at 6:46 pm
Wow! The quilt is wonderful. I have no suggestions on the walls, since I always just paint anyway. No one seems to care as long as I put it back like I found it when we move…
3. Jen Zug | October 19th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Can you hang the quilt on the wall? The one in the picture seems perfect, since it contains splashes of color rather than overwhelming color.
Also, I once saw a Design on a Dime episode (HGTV) how they pulled fabric over a large frame – like, floor to ceiling size – and place several behind the couch or in the corner to color up the space.
4. beki | October 20th, 2006 at 8:53 am
I was thinking along the same lines as the previous poster – big fabric covered panels.
That quilt is beautiful!
5. molly | October 22nd, 2006 at 8:32 pm
looks like my suggestion of fabric covered panels is a popular one. i think cassie of belladia, has a great tute on how she has made them.
that quilt is beautiful. looking forward to seeing more.
6. *karen | October 23rd, 2006 at 2:04 am
I was getting free wi-fi for awhile too. Now I’m the only person in the country still using dial-up, and it sucks. Can’t wait to see what you do with the walls.
7. marybeth | October 24th, 2006 at 1:37 am
(((DACIA))) im so sorry, i did not know your grandmother had passed.
I know you can find a way to hang some of her quilts to wrap your ‘no paint allowed” apartment in her love.
You could make enlargements of your favorites and do a large photo series on a wall or several walls. Intermingle them with favorite photos.
Also some of those wall decals are really fun and i am sure someone has a tutorial on how to make your own.
XO
8. Hedgehog | October 28th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Gorgeous quilt. Can’t wait to see more.
9. Danelle | November 7th, 2006 at 2:49 am
I was going to suggest the fabric panel idea, but I see it has been taken! Another idea along those lines that I’ve been wanting to try is favorite fabrics in large frames. I want to paint vintage ones and put in a beautiful fabric.
10. Meg | July 4th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Just beautiful! I’m tempted to try to recreate the pattern myself…
I’m another Seattle-ite who just found your blog! It’s great!
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