Saturday, October 13, 2012

October Mysteries: crib quit origin

     Do you have some mysteries in your life that need solving? I have a baby quilt that I imagine my grandmother sent to me for my first child and I was too immature to appreciate to protect it. I used this crib blanket daily, washing when needed. I hope I expressed enough gratitude for all the hand stitching, the applique and design, and the multitudinous perfect hand-stitches in the quilting. Until today, I always wondered if she designed it or if it came from a pattern. A quilt from the 30s, was it made for me and saved, or created to send for Jim to have?

      Today I got up early to attend the Cambridge Art Association book group where we discussed Caveat Emptor: The Secret Life of an American Art Forger. Then I headed out to Lexington for the Rising Star Quilt Show where I ran across and bought an old 80's book Crib Quilts and Other Small Wonders by Woodard and Greenstein. Lo and Behold! The book shows a quilt like mine, one from a private PA collection. I was so excited for a pinch of a lead. Now I am eager to find where the pattern originated. I hope someone can help me so I can do something to relive the experience with my dear Big Mom. 

       I had cleared off the design wall, some more of my little Maine 50th anniversary quickie paintings and journal quilt, in order to hang the stressed but beloved crib quilt. I think the marionette theater must have had quite an influence on me. Click the photos to enlarge!
     
             


8 comments:

  1. How amazing that you bought a book with a quilt just like your much-loved one pictured! Maybe someone at the NE Quilt Museum can give you more info on your sweet little "gem" of a quilt?

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    1. I am trying to find out more about the authors and possibly the private collection. I have found the authors curated a show on Hawaiian quilts at the Folk Art Museum, so I might find out something from the people there after I find where the Museum moved...perhaps to Lincoln Square in NYC.

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    2. I found a good lead on the authors of the book at the Quilt Alliance website http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/treasures/biography.php?id=5-16-C

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  2. I am breathless with excitement over this little treasure of yours and your finding it in a book! You were right to suspect that it was a 30s design, obviously. Perhaps your Big Mom bought the pattern (or kit) and intended to make it for you, and then when you had your own first child, she brought it out and made it for him. It is so charming!!! I think had it been YOURS first, it would be much more worn than it is now. But truly this is a treasure. It actually appears to be in good shape to me, and to have it documented in a book, so very special! Do keep us informed as you continue to learn more!

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    1. I wish you would find the pattern for it on EBAY for me!!

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  3. How wonderful that you cherished that quilt and wrapped Jim in it, thereby sharing your grandmother's love with him. What a delightful treasure! The serendipitous discovery of the book with the picture of the quilt was meant to be. Now you will smile each time you look at that quilt & a connection through the ages will continue to happen. Enjoy!

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  4. What serendipity! What a pleasure to have something from your grandmother (and a present for Jim) hanging on your wall. How I would like to think that your grandmother is delighting in your pleasure with you now.
    NM

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  5. Linda, what a find! Nostalgia and sentiment and artistry are ALL involved in this sweet quilt and in this book too! I am excited for you! Yes - do keep us informed. ss

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