What is a quilt?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I picked up a paper back yesterday and this was the first paragraph.

"A quilt is an object of peculiar intimacy. By virtue of the way it is created, every inch of the fabric is touched. Each scrap absorbs the quilter's scent and the invisible oils of her skin, the smell of her household and, thanks to the constant pinning and stitching, has her blood in the tiniest of quantities. And tears, though she might be loath to admit it."

I found that explanation quite touching, (no pun intended). Will make me more aware of what I am doing., not just putting bits of fabric together but also part of myself.

Does anyone else feel that way??

Thanks to Susan Wiggs and The Goodbye Quilt.

Featured Answer

msmeow

8 years ago

I think that is true! Even if you are making a donation quilt and have no idea who the recipient will be, you are still creating it because of your love for the art and the knowledge of the comfort it will bring.

Donna

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Comments (9)

loisflan
8 years ago
What a beautiful description of a quilt. I have always thought that it was a very personal gift, but I could never have said it so wonderfully well as the author. I don’t think I’ve ever stitched any tears into a quilt though - some quite colorful language, but no tears.

Thanks for sharing that lovely quote, Theresa.
nannykins thanked loisflan
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trouzernc
8 years ago
Lovely quote! I don’t think I’ve stitched tears in any of my quilts, but frustration - yes! Some of us can be quite devoted to our inanimate objects in our possession. I have kept too many sewing machines for too long because of my attachment to them. I’ve been known to say “that machine knows too much about me for me to give it away!”
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geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
8 years ago
Very well put and I feel the same way. There have been a few tears when sewing mindless crumb blocks along with a lot of prayer for the person ending up with the quilt......whoever it is.
nannykins thanked geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
littlehelen_gw
8 years ago
Well stated and so true! Although I don't think I've stitched any tears into a quilt, a tiny tiny drop of blood, but no tears yet!

V.
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Fran
8 years ago
Nice thought and so true.
nannykins thanked Fran
Char
8 years ago
That is absolutely true. I quilt is a very personal gift to give to someone. I think most recipients of hand made quilts feel that personal touch.
nannykins thanked Char
susanzone5 (NY)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It hurts me when someone I give a quilt to, puts it in the closet because they are afraid to USE it and "ruin" it. The quilts were gorgeous (baby quilts for twins) and took my soul and ultra-creativity to make them. They loved the quilts and took them to work to show them to people, but didn't dare "use" them.

I sold one quilt once and I miss it terribly. It was of flowers in containers on my deck, and meant something to me. The money meant nothing.

My smell isn't in them, though, since I wash them when they're done, to get the texture. That part of the quote is weird to me.
nannykins thanked susanzone5 (NY)
polardream
8 years ago
I believe that quote! Lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Sue
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