A Gift of Love
More than blanket you sleep under, a quilt is a gift of love. There is an ongoing debate in the quilt world about whether a quilt is a blanket. Ask most quilters and they will tell you, in no uncertain terms, it is more than a blanket. I frequently hear, “Don’t call my quilt a blanket!” I've said those words myself.
I understand the sentiment. The amount of time and work that can go into a quilt suggests there is something more than meets the eye. Whether it is a simple block design and tied with yarn or a complex applique with intricate quilting, every quilt holds a bit of its maker within the threads.
There are many reasons for sewing and creating quilts. I shared five of mine in this post. Here are some more reasons I think a quilt is more than a blanket.
Your Quilt Saved My Life
It isn’t very often a quilter learns the continuing story of a quilt they gifted. A few years ago, okay, more than a few years ago, I gifted a baseball quilt to a little boy named Casey. Isn't he adorable in this picture? His 21st birthday is right around the corner. Where did the time go?
At a recent family gathering he asked, “Remember that quilt you gave me?” Of course, I think. But cautiously said, “Yes.”
“Well,” he continued, “it saved my life.” He seemed clearly excited to tell me the story. I was hesitant but let him continue.
His excitedly explained about a deer hunting trip with his uncle (yes, I was horrified to learn he took “MY” quilt on a hunting trip) and the temperatures dropped well below what they were prepared for that night. “If I hadn’t brought your quilt with me, I would have froze to death,” he exclaimed.
He was clearly pleased and happy. And, I could tell it meant a lot to him that my quilt saved him. I know he loves that quilt and it appears he takes it everywhere with him, even now as an adult. What more can I ask for? I know the quilt is loved. However, I wish to note here that I would prefer he take an ordinary blanket hunting and not my quilt! ;-)
Old Quilts
Several months ago, my cousin and I were at an antique store. Wondering through the aisles I came upon some antique quilts on display. Some were in terrible condition. Others were poorly constructed. There wasn’t much there to the casual observer. As I pondered the quilts before me, I found myself thinking of quilts like that baseball quilt, all thread-bare, worn-out and discarded.
I must have looked a bit sad, because my cousin asked, “What’s wrong?”
With a shrug, I said, “Oh, I was just thinking about the day my quilts will end up on a display like this.” Aghast in horror, she immediately blurted, “NEVER!” Her other son, Max, nodded his head in agreement. It warmed my soul. I smiled and replied, “Thank you.”
A Gift of Love
When a quilter gifts a quilt, they are giving a piece of themselves to you. It is an honor to be gifted a quilt. I have personally referred to people as being “quilt worthy”. If I deem you quilt worthy, trust me, I hold you in extremely high esteem.
My mom used to say that the best thing about sleeping under one of my quilts was that she felt like she was covered with my love. I think that is the greatest compliment you can give a quilter.
What are your quilt stories?