Submitted by Danica Gibbons
Growing up I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and my nan allowed me to pick at a number of different things including quilt making. I can remember going to her house when I was young and she would be sitting to her sewing machine, which was the old fashion kind that you had to peddle with your foot making all sorts of colorful quilts with many different patterns.
First when quilt making began it was a way of putting old scraps of material that was left over from different things to a good use. They would be sewn together, not always in a particular pattern, then there would be batting placed between the front layer and the back to give it better warmth. Today these quilts are made from material that is often bought specifically for this purpose and the patterns are becoming more and more elaborate. The quilts themselves today are often being seen as a type of folk art with each pattern telling a story.
How is this home?
Patchwork Quilts have a very sentimental value, ever since I can remember the quilts on my bed have been ones that were handmade by my nan. Going to bed at night brings back memories of the times that I spent watching her put the pieces together and being amazed at how pretty it was once she had it finished, which usually only took a few hours. The quilts give me a sense of nostalgia in that I often wish that I was able to spend time doing these things with her now. The quilts are things that I have brought with me to the different places that I have went and they remind me of many aspects of home when I am unable to be there. The quilts serve the purpose of keeping me warm at night, but they are also a big part of my memories as a child growing up.
Today the craft of quilt making is one that occurs much less than it use to in my hometown, but due to the association that I have with it and the memories that it brings back, it is one that I enjoy and continue to do.
Quilt Made By My Nan
My First Quilt Attempt Alone
