Grandma Eva was amazing at quilting and sewing. She taught me how to sew and helped instill a love in me for homemade things. Â Some of my fondest childhood memories were at her home in Grass Valley, California. Cooking, sewing, playing games, visiting, and watching her (and sometimes helping her) hand quilt whatever quilt she was making as a gift. And she made a lot of quilts. Hundreds.
 I was heartbroken when she passed away two years ago. Change is hard and there was such a deep void knowing that all of my grandparents had now gone to the other side.
I received one of her quilts after she passed away. It wasn't in the best of shape, but I still felt so lucky to have it. My aunt Evelyn told me that Grandma had covered the quilt when it started to fall apart years ago, and that there was another one underneath.
Below is a photo of the back side of the quilt. You can see the appliqués showing through. Since the quilt was falling apart I figured I had nothing to lose, so I tore into it one night and found all of those beautiful and bright appliqués!
Some were in bad shape, but I was able to save 15 of them! Â I took them off and they sat in my sewing hutch for almost two years. I just wasn't sure what to do with them! IÂ have never been that great at being precise in my measurements and cutting. That's why I never cared for quilting. BUT...grandma inspired me. I decided to give it a go.
I hand stitched each appliqué on a white quilt block. That was the most time consuming part. I hid my stitches as well as I could and left her blanket stitches in.
This was my first big (twin sized) machine quilting project and I am THRILLED that it turned out! I wish Grandma could see it and see how much those appliqués are treasured!
At first I didn't want to use the quilt because I was afraid the appliqués would get worn even more, but this quilt is just asking to be used. The bright colors would cheer up any one who gets the chance to snuggle in it on a sick day.
And so we will use it and keep it folded on the back of the couch. A nice reminder every day of the love that Grandma put into each of her quilts and stitches. A combination of her stitches and mine.
I wanted fabrics that were as bright and cheerful as those beautiful appliqués so I went with the Happy Go Lucky Fabric Line by Bonnie Camille.
This project lit a fire under me! Piecing together quilt tops is fun and frustrating and addicting all at once. It is so fun to see it  together. I have already started my next quilting project. My new guilty pleasure during nap time 🙂
paula says
I love your finished quilt. You have inspired me to do something similar with an old family quilt that has been in my cedar chest for at least 30 years. It is an apliqued butterfly pattern popular around 1940ish. I am guessing my grandmother made it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful and special quilt. I am 62 and have been quilting for only about 7 years. I love anything to do with sewing. Sounds like you have caught the quilting bug.
Brandy says
I definitely have caught the bug! I'm so glad to hear that you are doing that project! It sounds amazing and definitely worth preserving!
Jen says
How lovely Brandy,what a special Grandma you had..My sister Susan really enjoyed quiltmaking.Her attention to detail and ability to be precise,mixed with creativity,found a wonderful outlet.She won many prizes for her quilts.
Unfortunately,her perfectionism was lethal.In so much pain,she ended her life.I miss her so much,just like you miss your Grandma..but I find comfort knowing that they are surrounded in love in Heaven and maybe even have found each other :)))
Bless you Brandy,for your wonderful blog-it's so much about loving,creating,growing beautiful children and just plain fun!!!
:)))
Jen
abcfirehousemom says
What a beautiful quilt! I love how it is your sewing and her sewing all put together!
Brandy says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment!
paula says
Awesome thought.
forcingthebloom says
Beautiful! It looks like a labor of love. I remember my mother's friend teaching me to crochet. It was like opening a new world - the world of homemade - and I've never looked back. I don't make anything like you do but I believe that began my love of art, crafts, and making things myself.
Brandy says
Thank you! Crocheting is something I've attempted, but failed at miserably! It is truly an art form and amazing skill. I'm so grateful for those who take the time to teach us because, like you said, it really is like opening up a new world!
sandiegoforfamilies says
I absolutely love it! I'm sure Grandma would too.