Linen Closet: Family Heirloom

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Last week I was inspired by the annual Road to California quilt show and what today's quilters are doing to elevate this art form and expand on what has come before them. So, this week I thought I'd go back in time to share a family heirloom.  

The crazy quilt style became popular in the Victorian era of the mid to late 1800's. An appraiser placed the date of this quilt top at the end of this era. Adhering to the crazy quilt tradition, it is sewn in velvets, brocades, silks, etc., not cotton. Though some of the colors have bled or faded, there are hints that it was a vibrant piece. It was created by my great grandmother, Vienna, but as you can see from the edges, she never finished it off. 

Quilt detail

Been there, done that, Vienna! I don't know any quilter who doesn't have a one or two, or more, WIPs (Work In Progress.) 

I do wonder why she lost interest in it. Perhaps the trends were already shifting to the next big thing. I get that. Sometimes we see examples of a style and just want to try our hand at it, test our skills, even if everyone else has moved on to something new. 

Maybe it didn't meet her standards, or didn't come together as she envisioned. Then again, perhaps life just got in the way and other things called for her attention.  

Back view shows the embroidery stitching

In any case, it's kind of cool to have this piece of history and a small tangible connection to my ancestor. I like to think we would have a lot to talk about and would enjoy each other's company if given the opportunity to sit together working on our quilting projects.

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