Hi everyone and welcome to my letter Q post in the #AtoZChallenge. Today, I am not going to share about one of my own creative pursuits, but about my grandmother’s main creative passion. My paternal grandmother was one of my main sources of inspiration in many ways.
My grandmother loved quilting. She at one point went to Amish country in Pennsylvania to learn from the people there. By the time I was born, she was pretty good at quilting already, so good even that her quilts were shown at exhibits internationally.
She made a bed quilt for each of her granddaughters (and one of her grandsons, because he specifically asked for one too). Mine, a quilt with lots of images of animals on it, was shown at an exhibit in France. My sister’s quilt was a simpler-looking patchwork design.
When my sister and I were young, we’d often go for sleepovers at my grandmother’s house. She would then take us to the “activity group”, which was a group of ladies gathering weekly in a room at a local estate to do quilting and other fiber arts. I loved working with the fabrics, even though I never even could do basic hand sewing, let alone work the sewing machine or quilt.
My grandmother made quilts until a few years before she died in 2018. We got a quilt she created in 2014 at what would turn out to be my and my husband’s last visit to her in 2016. I fully intended on taking a picture, thinking I had it here with me, but I can’t find it now. Think it’s at my and my husband’s house in Lobith.
I did find a small pillow that my grandma had quilted and which I took with me after her funeral (we were all encouraged to take one or more of her quilts).
When she could no longer quilt due to her eyesight failing, my grandma started knitting. Even when she was put under palliative sedation, according to my aunt, her hands still moved as though she were working with yarn or fabric.
Even though I did not inherit my grandmother’s love for quilting or yarn-based crafts, or her skill for that matter, I do believe I inherited some of her creative spirit and I don’t just mean in the crafting department. My grandmother knew what she wanted and went for it. I am the same.
My mom used to quilt. She was so good at it and it was all perfect. I tried once and although it came out okay none of the lines were straight. I have always wanted to try again but I always have so many projects going at one time I don’t need another one.
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Thank you for sharing. I completely feel you about the many projects going on at once.
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My sister-in-law is a keen quilter
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Oh, how cool! Thanks so much for sharing.
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My pleasure Astrid
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As u write u r also creative like ur granny. Lovely how she was passionate even in sedation….she must hav passed on her grit and passion to u!
Good day
Dropping by from a to z http://afshan-shaik.blogspot.com/
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I agree, she definitely passed on her passionate nature! Thank you so much for commenting.
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My mom is a quilter & my home is full of her work!🧵🪡
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Oh, how awesome! Thank you so much for sharing.
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That quilt is very pretty, we admire that skill.
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Thanks so much! I am amazed at my grandmother’s skill too.
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that is lovely that you have her creative spirit in you too Astrid! I think that is awesome!
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Thanks so much! I’m glad about it too.
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