Saturday, October 18, 2008

Quilting Family History

On my way home from the elevator last night I was thinking about my quilting projects and what I still had to do before Christmas and also how I hadn't posted in a while and what I would talk about next. Sunddenly it hit me, I have a quilty background that goes back to the 1800's. Let me start from the beginning.

My Aunt Dorothy is all about family history and has been all over the world finding documents where our ancestors came from and something about them. During one of her searches she found a box of quilt blocks. She wanted all her neices and nephews to have a piece of this history so she had them framed and a little write up that went with them. Here is my block.

And here is the insert that tells a little of the history.
The story of Nettie dying so young was that she had gotten sick with a fever in September and it was one of the hottest on record. Back then if you had a fever they kept you covered with many quilts and blankets to sweat it out but with it being so hot she died. Such a sad story, but am glad that I know that there was someone in my past that loved to quilt and that I have a piece of her work to bond the two of us together.

10 comments:

Candace said...

That was so interesting and wonderful to read. Sad, too. Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

That reminds me how precious life is and how quickly it can be over. I'm sure she left a grieving husband and small children behind as well.
Lucky you are to have this little quilt block of hers. Especially since those stitches came form her hands.

Kathy said...

Oh my, what a wonderful story and a treasure you have.

I found it interesting that her name was Nettie. My grandmother's name was Hettie and she had a twin sister named Nettie. Nettie died at a young age herself.

Julia said...

What a sad butlovely story and how wonderful to have a block of hers to cherish..
I'm sure she would be proud to know that the love of quilting lives on in you..
Hugs

Amy said...

neat-o! neat-o! neat-o! I am growing very fond of hearing Quilting History, so thank you for sharing!

Jan said...

A beautiful story. Isn't family history wonderful to find out about. What a treasure.

Heleen said...

That sure is a long quilting tradition in your family. Your story is warm, and a little sad, they did what they tought was best!

Christina said...

That is so wonderful to have. My grandmother was the same about family history, I have a ton of pictures from way back when that I love to look at.

Patricia said...

I also love family history, and think it would be so cool to have a quilt or even a block from someone in my history. I thrilled for you.

Lurline said...

So sad ... but what a wonderful heirloom!
Hugs ... Lurline!