I was going to call this post “The Ugliest Quilt Ever”.
But that’s really not fair, nor is it true.
These vintage quilt blocks came in a boot box full of treasures I bought from a custom quilt shop.
I laid them out in my studio and stared at them for weeks. I think these fabrics must be from the 40’s or 50’s, but I have no way of knowing for sure. To me they don’t seem to go together at all. I imagine a woman piecing these blocks together with scraps she had saved for years. I imagine a woman loving these fabric scraps as they must have had meaning to her. A favorite dress, a child’s dress, some kitchen curtains.
I thought I would try some modern techniques I’ve been studying through books and YouTube. The result was a tiny disaster.
If I thought the blocks were ugly before. I was turning them into “double ugly”.
Mercifully, I listened to my inner critic this time and stopped after ruining only one block. My muse told me to halt and sew them all together as one quilt top before I destroyed this woman’s art.
Looking at the back, I fell in love with this piece and the woman who created it. This was a true labor of love.
I recall Dolly Parton’s song “The Coat of Many Colors”.
“Momma sewed the rags together, sewing every piece with love …
She made my coat (quilt) of many colors, that I was so proud of.”
“Now I know we had no money, but I was as rich as I could be…
In the coat (quilt) of many colors, that my momma made for me.”
I know Joseph had the original franchise on “The Coat of Many Colors”.
Yet, I prefer Dolly’s version.
I look at it now and see how Many became One.
I wonder if She sees it.
And I wonder if She’s pleased.
Love, Cowgirl Red aka Terah
P.S. This week on my Artist’s Retreat in Santa Fe, I purchased the perfect backing for this quilt. She leads me.
Other posts you may like:
Vintage Quilts, Santa Fe, Stalking Julia, My Muse Was In The Room
Well, I really like it. It reminds me of a quilt I inherited from my grandmother. That kelly green is exactly the same. It took me a while to really come to love that quilt. I tend to love more muted colors, but sometimes the brightness is wonderful and happy!
It’s far from ugly…it just has personality! I really love the look of this (the back, too) and am also intrigued by the histories of the people and fabric. Really nice 🙂
I think it looks good this way. I am glad you put them together as a quilt of many colors.
Love it Terah! I’m sure those pieces were cherished once, and I’m sure their former owner can see how much they are appreciated now.
What a way to turn it around! I love your “Quilt of Many Colors”. 🙂
Your quilt adventure reminds me of when I am working on a piece and I think it stinks in the early layers but when it all comes together I grow to like it.
It reminds me, too, of a quilt my grandmother made. I loved the way you thought of the pieces as pieces of her world that she treasured & saved. Yes, Terah, I know she is smiling, and has happy tears knowing you “got her”. I’m thankful to have you as my friend. Happy Thanksgiving, CR. <3 you~
I could hear Dolly as I gazed at the blocks and watched the birth of the quilt. I think the woman who treasured those pieces would be thrilled to see it now! 🙂
An artist’s retreat sounds heavenly!! And you were lead to the backing, too.
Happy Thanksgiving, Terah!! 🙂
What a beautiful post. Love it!!
I am looking to hire Thauna (the woman who designed your site) and I wanted to get some feedback from some of her clients. Did you like her work? Would you recommend her? I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you could shoot me an email, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!
-Heidi
Again I am so glad you finished this quilt. These blocks came from a mrs deweese who had the li
Umber yard here in medicine lodge! I know they were in storage of at least 3different quilters before you finally finished the top”! Yea tarah good job ,Teresa
Thanks Teresa, I’m so happy with it. I really love working with the vintage blocks. Terah