Sunday, April 26, 2015

When I'm gone

Recently, Joe Cunningham wrote a post about being asked by the husband of a quilting friend to come help deal with things in her quilting studio. The friend had not died, but was in nursing care with Alzheimer's disease & would never again make a quilt. Very sad in itself, but really, truthfully, there will come a time when each of us will be physically or mentally unable to continue doing our passion. The hard fact is: that's Life. In the comments, many offered sympathy for the disappearance of his friend, ideas for how to deal with her things & commiseration on all our eventualities when the contents of our quilting rooms would need to be dispersed. But the thing I found so sad was among the comments: one woman said she now only made quilts that she thought her children & grandchildren would like to inherit, not "following her muse" & it had taken the joy from her quilt-making. Now that is just tragic!

Shug & I have 3 nieces & a nephew, all sweet fans of their Aunt's quilts. In a way, this simplifies things for me -- that is, I don't expect my quilts to be absorbed by them. I'm sure they will each take some -- to use, to display, just for sentiment -- but I'm certain some will end up being sold & scattered to the winds.

I'm OK with that! Because I am also certain there will be someone like myself who will happen upon one of my quilts & it will speak to them: "This would make great dog bedding." "This would be useful to keep in the car for emergencies." "This would make a cute picnic blanket." "This would go perfectly in the guest room." "This would look beautiful on the family room wall." *Someone* will love & adopt my quilts like I love & adopt quilts. They will never know who made it, maybe wonder about me, but my quilt will be at home in their home.

To whit, my latest adoption: this sweet, simple log cabin. I would guess it dates to the late 40s to early 50s. There are a few feed sack fabrics, a flannel, a pique & quite a few woven plaids & stripes. It is hand-quilted, has a grass-green backing. I can't tell what's in the middle of this quilt sandwich, not batting, maybe flannel, maybe nothing (though the weight suggests something).
I really could not love it more.


10 comments:

Julierose said...

What a lovely post--I am making quilts at 71 that I "have" to make because they call my name! Your zig/zag is one of those....and I also joined RSC15 this year to do one block a month for an eventual rainbow quilt which I love the look of. I am totally enjoying reading your book. I like your methods--I don't make anything to enter into shows etc--my skills and desires are not in that sector. I have 3 of my Grand'mere's old quilts and I want to use them--they have been folded away--I like to think of her hand stitching them in her rocking chair...hugs Julierose

Rachaeldaisy said...

I don't have anyone to inherit my quilts, Like you I think they'll end up scattered and adopted by those who appreciate them. Your new adoptee is gorgeous!! It really looks as though it's made by you.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Beautiful post.

I have started gifting certain quilts and documenting the others so my kids will have some clue when the time comes to clear out the studio.

beth s said...

Thanks for that post. YOu said it so well. ;) LOVE that quilt. wOW!

audrey said...

What a great post! Love how you put it all into perspective so very well.:)

Nifty Quilts said...

Great post! My quilts will be scattered around too, probably to the thrift stores, if they make it that far. My hope is that someone can get a lift from finding one someday. I hope the maker of your that FABULOUS log cabin quilt can somehow feel your joy in finding it.

O'Quilts said...

WE are all connected somehow...funny how a perfect stranger can be a fellow traveler when a relative just cannot

Ruth said...

What a lovely post, though it's difficult to think about and face what will come for all of us. My mother died of Alzheimer's, and it is just the hardest on families.

I love your adoptee, love love love! Very charming and inspiring.

Sujata Shah said...

What a lovely post! You are right about so many things. For those who have kids or nephews and nieces, I am not sure how many of them would want to have all oft he quilts.. I don't worry about them.. I just keep making them because they make me happy.
What happens when I am gone - not my worry :-) I love your beautiful log cabin.
xoxo

Michelle said...

I love that attitude! I'm sure my four kids will take some of my quilts, but I'm sure plenty will be scattered. Heck, there are quilts that I'm already tired of and plan on scattering myself.