Interwebs Quilt Festival Entry!

/ Friday 9 October 2009 /
I'm so excited to be able to post my entry to Amy's virtual quilt show.  As soon as I heard about it, I knew which one I would enter.  This is a quilt that I made with my mother.
The finished quilt
As I have said elsewhere in these pages, I have taken a long hiatus from quilting - somewhere in the area of 15 years - and only came back to it this past summer.  But I've never said why.
Centre stars
My mother passed away suddenly in August 2008.  She had a massive stroke one day when she was out to lunch with her husband.  Only 69, she had been in good health and spirits.  It was a devastating blow to all of us.
Can you see the stippled quilting on the border?
My mother was a fiend for sewing and all kinds of needlework.  For many years she had a 40" floor loom. She embroidered and did cross-stitch and quilted.  When I came home for the funeral, there was a cutting table set up in the living room where she had been cutting binding fabric that morning.
Pinning the quilt
I returned home with this quilt top that she had pieced.  I knew that finishing it for her would be a wonderful way to honour her memory.  I didn't get to it for several months.  I had a needlepoint project to finish for the synagogue and things at work were very busy, plus I wasn't looking forward to wrestling with my ancient Singer which was the bottom of the line when I bought it twenty years ago.   But, even more, gradually it became clear to me that I wasn't ready to start working on it.
quilt top
At the beginning of August this year, I went to the local Pfaff dealer and bought a two year old fancy electronic model in perfect knick.  I found the LQS and bought some fabric for backing and binding.  I knew my mother always quilted with polyester batting, but I bought cotton/bamboo.
Pins
On the eve of the anniversary of her passing, I pinned the quilt together, and the next day, I set up my new sewing machine on a table in front of an open window and sewed all day long.  I won't lie - there were times I had to take a little break for tears.  But it was a hugely healing thing, spending such a difficult day working for her and with her, thinking about what a wonderfully warm and talented woman she was.  I even had a good laugh when I found one of the background squares in one of the nine-patches was reversed, with the wrong side showing.  She always had a humility block in her quilts - by accident or design she never admitted - but she always pointed it out.
Showing the backing.
So that's the story of this quilt, called I'll Be Seeing You, and why I chose it for the Quilt Festival.  As time has gone by, my mother's husband has sent me various other bits and bobs from my mother's sewing room.  I will have other projects to share with her.  But this one will always be special.

I'm looking forward to ooohing and aahing over the other entries in the Quilt Festival, and I encourage you to do so, as well.  The list of participants will be at the bottom of this post.  And now that you've found me, please come back and visit any time!

87 comments:

{ Red Pepper Quilts - Rita Hodge } on: 9 October 2009 at 06:10 said...

What a wonderful and very special quilt! My Grandmother(inlaw) passed away last Sunday quite unexpectedly (although she lived to be 93!), she too was a fiend for sewing and all things creative, knitting for charity right until the end. She never went anywhere without her needles. The products of their creativity are such tactile reminders of how they touched our lives. Love this quilt, humility block and all!

Rita

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 07:18 said...

Such a personal quilt and it is so wonderful that you have managed to finish off this quilt though at times that must have been hard for you. Hopefully your mother has re-introduced you to a love of this craft that she held so dear.

{ Lucy } on: 9 October 2009 at 07:41 said...

a really special quilt. well done for finishing it.

{ Shawn } on: 9 October 2009 at 07:42 said...

What a nice story Lesly and beautiful quilt as well, you know I can relate. I posted one of my Mom's quilts that I finished at Amy's spring festival. Great photography too! Have fun at the festival.

{ Anne at Film and Thread } on: 9 October 2009 at 07:49 said...

Your story is so touching and I am sorry that you had to go through that. Isn't it wonderful that your Mom left you such a wonderful part of herself? It does make us treasure every moment with our Moms.

So glad that you have taken up quilting again!

Anne
http://filmandthread.com

{ Nina Lise@Mrs Moen } on: 9 October 2009 at 09:55 said...

Oh, Lesly, what a touching story and lovely quilt! I am so happy that you started quilting again and managed to finish the quilt started by your mother. What a great legacy for your family.

{ Traci } on: 9 October 2009 at 10:29 said...

What a wonderful quilt and better story! It brought tears to my eyes!

{ Janet Brady } on: 9 October 2009 at 10:30 said...

What a lovely story about honoring your Mother's memory. My Mom taught me all the crafty thing I love in my life now when I was just a kid. She passed away when I was 17. Your story made me realize that every time I sit down to quilt, it is a tribute to her as I create something for me or someone s=else. Thanks for posting!

{ Quilter Going Bananas } on: 9 October 2009 at 10:47 said...

Thank you so much for sharing such a touching story about your Mum and this quilt. It's a beautiful quilt with a wonderful story attached to it

{ Rhondi } on: 9 October 2009 at 10:59 said...

Hi Lesly
I shed a tear as I read your precious story about your mom and the quilt. I'm sure your mom would be thrilled to know you are sewing again!
Happy quilting, Rhondi

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 11:00 said...

My condolences.

What a lovely quilt and story to go with it.

{ LyndaG } on: 9 October 2009 at 11:48 said...

There is such a human need for tactile reminders of those we have lost -- quilts are comforting in so many ways.

{ Mary P } on: 9 October 2009 at 11:57 said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. It is really a beautiful quilt.

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 12:12 said...

Your mother sounded like a lovely lady. That is so neat that you were able to carry on where she left off - I can imagine how that could be very healing. And she's brought you back into quilting as well - so wonderful!

{ Kimberly } on: 9 October 2009 at 12:41 said...

What a lovely quilt. Thank you so much for sharing it and the story with us. I am glad you were able to use her quilt to help in your grieving process.

{ Carol } on: 9 October 2009 at 13:26 said...

A fabulous "memory" quilt. Thank you for sharing it with us. It's been an honor.

{ Katie B } on: 9 October 2009 at 14:09 said...

Beautiful quilt, lovely story. What a fine tribute to your mother!

{ Mom } on: 9 October 2009 at 14:48 said...

I always appreciate the touching story as much as the quilt. THanks for sharing~

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 14:50 said...

What a touching story! I have one of my grandmother's quilt tops and hope to finish it soon. It makes me think of her whenever I pull it out.

{ Kaaren } on: 9 October 2009 at 15:15 said...

Thanks for sharing your story and quilt. Both are very special.

{ Aunt Spicy } on: 9 October 2009 at 15:48 said...

What a beautiful story! I love that you finished it! I love this little festival, it is so fun to meet new quilters!

{ Allie } on: 9 October 2009 at 16:05 said...

What a great story and a beautiful quilt. I especially love the "humility block". Thanks for sharing.

{ stitchinpenny } on: 9 October 2009 at 16:06 said...

Your mother is smiling down and loves the quilt as much as you do. Me too!

{ Marge Gordon } on: 9 October 2009 at 16:10 said...

How lucky you were to have a Mother who left you with such wonderful memories, and such a healing project. Thank you for sharing
Marge

{ Karen } on: 9 October 2009 at 17:53 said...

Thank you. What a wonderful legacy you have.

{ Cathi } on: 9 October 2009 at 19:23 said...

What a gorgeous memory quilt to have -- and so special, having been worked on by both you and your mother.

{ Stephanie Hughes } on: 9 October 2009 at 19:54 said...

Lesly, This is a wonderful quilt. I love the colors, it looks well loved. Thanks for sharing the beautiful quilt. Stephanie

{ byneedleandthread } on: 9 October 2009 at 20:11 said...

the quilt is so pretty. hugs. i'm also in ontario.

{ Sara } on: 9 October 2009 at 20:16 said...

That quilt is beautiful...and I know it must mean so much to you. The stories our quilts tell - the lives our quilts touch...

Your quilt and story really touched me today...

Thank you for entering it.

{ Quiltluver } on: 9 October 2009 at 21:01 said...

That is a beautiful quilt your mother made, and you will always have this special memory of completing it for both of you. Although my mother doesn't quilt, she is my quilt show buddy. I don't know what it would be like to not have her go to the shows with my. So glad you've taken up quilting again to help with the healing. Karen

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 21:13 said...

What a wonderful quilt you were able to share with your mother.

{ Ariane } on: 9 October 2009 at 21:28 said...

What a touching story. Thanks for sharing it with us. I love the quilt. It is beautiful. That quilt will always make you think of her. That's such a great momento.

{ Kami } on: 9 October 2009 at 21:36 said...

I have tears in my eyes. What a beautiful treasure that you and your mom have created. Congratulations, on finishing it, and I hope that you continue to quilt.

{ Victoria Findlay Wolfe } on: 9 October 2009 at 21:42 said...

great story. Love the humility blocks... what a special quilt to treasure. snnuggle up and feel the love!

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 21:47 said...

That's a wonderful story! The quilt is very beautiful!

I read your about me....my husband is a professor of math at a local college. :)

{ Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales } on: 9 October 2009 at 21:50 said...

I was so touched to read the story behind this quilt. What a perfect way to honor your mother's memory. Thanks for sharing it with us.

{ Jennifer } on: 9 October 2009 at 22:25 said...

What a beautiful story, and a beautiful quilt.

Anonymous on: 9 October 2009 at 22:43 said...

What a touching story. It is so wonderful to have had the gift of being able to finish the quilt that your Mama started. Lovely!

{ Unknown } on: 10 October 2009 at 00:13 said...

What a beautiful way to honour your mother's memory! This is a truely special quilt.

{ Unknown } on: 10 October 2009 at 00:14 said...

What a beautiful way to honour your mother's memory! This is a truely special quilt.

{ quiltmom anna } on: 10 October 2009 at 00:38 said...

Quilts have true healing powers - I made my grandmother a quilt that was the first one I created part of the design. She passed away about a year and a half after I gave it to her. My mother gave it back to me- for a long time I had difficulty seeing it without feeling sad. Now, I look at it and remember her with joy and thanksgiving.
I loved your story and you should be so proud that you completed your mother's quilt.
Enjoy the festival.
Regards,
Anna

{ Catherine } on: 10 October 2009 at 01:08 said...

What a lovely story behind your quilt! Thanks so much for sharing.

{ Debbie J } on: 10 October 2009 at 06:11 said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes, as only another quilter understands how special a quilt can be to someone. I fall in love with every quilt I do. Does that sounds silly? Your mother/daughter joint effort quilt turned out wonderfully.

I am also finishing a quilt for someone, but this one belonged to my grandmother. She has been dead for almost 30 years and probably made the quilt top 20 or more years before she died. It is made from scraps and I think feed sacks. It was intended to be a basic quilt to keep you warm, and is not a designer quilt by any means. I am hand quilting it and am sure it will be a great family keepsake. I posted a picture of the top earlier this week.

I also love the name you gave your quilt!!! I am trying to come up with a special name for my grandma's quilt too.

Great post!

{ Helen } on: 10 October 2009 at 08:29 said...

What a wonderful moving story, I have tears in my eyes. My Mum quilts too, I can't imagine sewing without her. A truelly lovely quilt. x

{ Leslie } on: 10 October 2009 at 09:58 said...

what a beautiful story to go along with such a beautiful and meaningful quilt. i can only imagine how hard it was but satisfying to finish something she loved

{ Latane Barton } on: 10 October 2009 at 10:05 said...

What a special way to honor your Mother's memory.

{ The Wooly Wumpus } on: 10 October 2009 at 14:47 said...

What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it! I too only started quilting after my mom passed away - she bought me a beautiful Janome for Christmas a few years before she died and it had barely seen the light of day. Like your mom she was also an avid sewer, stitcher and crafter. I know she would be tickled knowing how much pleasure I get from her favourite hobby and sometimes when I'm at my sewing table I could swear I can smell a whiff of her perfume :)

{ Lynn E } on: 10 October 2009 at 17:11 said...

This is a quilt with magical memories. I am glad you finished itd

{ Rosalyn Manesse } on: 10 October 2009 at 18:49 said...

What a tribute for your Mother's Yartzeit. May the Lord comfort you. I love this quilt.

{ Jocelyn } on: 10 October 2009 at 20:28 said...

Lesly, what a beautiful quilt this is. And your sharing in making it with your mother really brought tears to my eyes. I lost my own mother when I was in my 20's, so I know how hard it is. It's something a lot of people do not understand because they have their parents til they are old. Thanks so much for sharing your sweet story.

Jocelyn
http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/

{ Karen - Quilts...etc. } on: 10 October 2009 at 22:25 said...

that is one special quilt - it is so neat that you were able to finish what your mother started - I'm sure she would be very proud that you finished the quilt for her.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

{ ParisMaddy } on: 10 October 2009 at 23:06 said...

What a heartwarming, touching story. Your quilt is just awesome.

Thanks for sharing.

{ QuiltSue } on: 11 October 2009 at 05:29 said...

A lovely story to go with a lovely quilt. Thankyou.

{ Susan } on: 11 October 2009 at 08:01 said...

Oh, that story makes this beautiful quilt even more special, thanks so much for explaining it.

Your mom would be very pleased to know that you thought so highly of her and are carrying on her traditions in your own special way.

{ Miri } on: 11 October 2009 at 08:07 said...

A wonderful and special quilt! Thank you for sharing it with us!

I love that the design is friendship stars and that your Mom chose all those bright colors...its the love and yes, friendship, between you and her that is memorialized in this quilt!

Anonymous on: 11 October 2009 at 08:59 said...

Such a beautiful, magical, healing heirloom! Your quilt is a true treasure. Thanks for sharing your story. Enjoy loving and living with that inherited quilt legacy!!! Welcome back to quilting. We're glad you're here! ; )

{ Rene' } on: 11 October 2009 at 09:28 said...

What a beautiful quilt and such a touching story. So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. It must have been difficult but also healing to finish your mom's quilt on the anniversary of her passing. You did an amazing job as did your mom. Thank you for sharing.

{ Zarina } on: 11 October 2009 at 09:31 said...

What a way to honor your mother. I hope you will continue with needlecraft like her.

By the way, this is one of those I want to do too and I just LOVE the backing.

{ Quiltin Jenny } on: 11 October 2009 at 11:22 said...

Beautiful work...what a lovely tribute to your mother and a wonderful way to honor her memory.

{ Linda and Michelle } on: 11 October 2009 at 11:54 said...

great story - sometimes we have to do tough things in memory - you will always have this. My mother died 6 weeks ago - I would love to have back the quilt we did together...but I don't think that will happen....treasure this....

{ Paula, the quilter } on: 11 October 2009 at 13:55 said...

Such a lovely story and quilt for a sad circumstance.

{ Ruth } on: 11 October 2009 at 16:33 said...

Lesly, what a lovely story about a lovely quilt! My mother passed away in 1980. After I started quilting myself my dad told me she had started making a quilt using English paper patches that you sew round. A family friend took it over and tried to finish it and after a while passed it to a church group who used it as a fundraiser for charity. After my dad passed away in 2005 we finally found the photo of the quilt. I can totally understand why it took so many people to finish it!

{ Carin } on: 11 October 2009 at 19:39 said...

Great quilt, wonderful way to remember your mom!

{ Rose Marie } on: 11 October 2009 at 21:04 said...

I have a needlepoint that my Mom didn't finish before she passed on and after reading your story, that bag is now sitting beside me and perhaps it is now time to work on it.
Lovely story and a beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing.

{ Trisha } on: 11 October 2009 at 23:19 said...

Beautiful story. I love quilts that have so much meaning behind them. Thank you for sharing this quilt!

Anonymous on: 12 October 2009 at 17:14 said...

The quilt is beautiful, and the story that goes with it even more so. Thank you for sharing!

{ Jeannette } on: 12 October 2009 at 19:13 said...

Quilts are never just cloth, are they...tears and stars and transforming joys. thank you much for your heart sharing.

{ Lesly } on: 12 October 2009 at 21:04 said...

My goodness, I am overwhelmed by the compassionate and sympathetic comments that you all have left for me. I am trying to work my way through them to reply to each of you. I hope you will come back and visit me again! And if you still have your mother, phone her and tell her you love her. Right now!

{ Angie in SoCal } on: 13 October 2009 at 00:05 said...

What a touching story and healing too. Beautifully named. I'm sure your Mom is look over your shoulder when you have her quilt.
Hugs

{ Unknown } on: 13 October 2009 at 11:39 said...

Thank you for sharing - I have tears for you. Your quilt and story are both beautiful. I love the healing power that comes from something so simple. Blessings - Amy

PS - I'm so glad you are quilting again :)

Anonymous on: 13 October 2009 at 11:46 said...

What a beautiful story for a beautiful quilt! I'm sure your mom is tremendously proud of you for picking up where she left off.

{ Carolyn } on: 13 October 2009 at 21:57 said...

What an incredibly special quilt. Thanks for sharing it and your story. Very touching!

{ Cheryl Arkison } on: 13 October 2009 at 23:56 said...

I'm glad you found peace and a return to creativity in the form of quilting.

{ Valerie } on: 14 October 2009 at 08:19 said...

What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it.

{ Saint Clerihew } on: 14 October 2009 at 14:10 said...

How special that you could finish this for your Mom. I'm sure it was very hard but it turned out beautiful!

{ Sue } on: 14 October 2009 at 17:50 said...

An amazing story of love and respect. Your mother lives in your talents.

{ Vivian } on: 14 October 2009 at 19:45 said...

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said about your lovely quilt and its connection to your mother. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story.

{ Deborah } on: 14 October 2009 at 20:49 said...

Lovely quilt and story.

{ Debbie } on: 15 October 2009 at 01:44 said...

I love those bright stars, Lesly. They have so much impact.

{ Claudia } on: 15 October 2009 at 18:45 said...

What a lovely quilt and touching story.

{ Patty } on: 16 October 2009 at 11:32 said...

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sure your mother was a very special lady.

{ Thistle Cove Farm } on: 16 October 2009 at 11:44 said...

My condolences and how blessed you are to have such wonderful memories and this beautiful quilt. The binding is especially lovely.

{ Jonathan } on: 16 October 2009 at 20:57 said...

What a beautiful quilt and a beautiful story that goes with it!

{ Pokey } on: 17 October 2009 at 10:41 said...

Hi! your story behind this quilt is very touching! It makes all of us look again with new perspective. Hug up in it every day! We miss our Mom so much, it's nice to have the memories.

{ Unknown } on: 18 October 2009 at 09:46 said...

Lesly,
wow...what a great story~I am so sorry about your mom~she left you quite a gift in so mant ways~thank you so much for sharing.

{ jabeybaby } on: 20 October 2009 at 14:35 said...

What a special quilt, thanks for sharing its story!

{ Dresden Quilter } on: 21 October 2009 at 14:50 said...

It is a beautiful quilt and a very touching story.

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