This summer I received one of the funnest surprises in the mail - this gorgeous vintage quilt from my friend Cathy in Kansas. She makes quilts for people who really need them and I offered to send her some fabric for her good cause. In return she asked me if she could send me an old quilt that she had.
When the quilt arrived, I about died! It was so gorgeous and in amazing condition. I laid it on my floor so I could look at it while I worked that day. The pattern is Kansas Dugout and it is hand quilted, and probably hand-pieced. (Red Pepper Quilts has a free Kansas Dugout tutorial if you're feeling inspired.) My best guess is that it's 1940's-50's. (Feel free to weigh-in if you have an opinion.) I finally took it out to get some pictures a couple of weeks ago when I shot my Hadley quilt.
I love looking at the individual vintage fabrics. I think one of my favorite parts of old quilts is that the fabrics are so scrappy and random - not matchy-matchy at all - because they were legitimate scraps leftover from everyday sewing. And the effect is so great. Also, many of the vintage fabrics are really quite "modern" - check out that turquoise and chartreuse dahlia in the middle on the left. I'd love some of that one!
I think this picture is my favorite. I'm still a little blown away at Cathy's generosity. This quilt is such a treasure. So I thought it would be a perfect thing to share in honor Thanksgiving today. I have witnessed many generous acts over the past year that have touched and inspired me - most of them done privately and unselfishly. I guess I'm choosing this quilt as the symbol of that kind of love and generosity. It's amazing to see the ripple effects a kind and loving act has on so many people.
Before I sign off and wish you happy day of giving thanks and maybe gorging yourself on food (even if you're not American, feel free to take advantage of that opportunity), one of my favorite thoughts about gratitude:
"Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.
We can be grateful!
It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding."
Happy Thanksgiving!
Michelle C.
That quilt is breath-taking. Thank you for sharing the story behind it. : )
Maggie
Beautiful quilt. Happy thanksgiving! X
Patchwork and Play
What a treasure!
charlotte
Beautiful quilt and a wonderful post on gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving.
Frederique
Beautiful quilt<br />I'm running a fabric giveaway, would you like to enter?<br />Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sigi G
Thank you for these beautiful pictures of the vintage quilt. It reminds me of two that my mother made with her loving hands - to use up left over scraps from years of 'projects'. Also thank you for the message at the end. I love those reminders - to stop and reflect and be THANKFUL!! Thank you Amy!
Ginny
Beautiful quilt and such truth in your gratitude quote, Happy Thanksgiving!
the girlfriend gap
Happy Thanksgiving. I love old quilts. Much to be thankful for today. <br />Thanks for sharing. Janita
Karen - Quilts...etc.
love that quilt! beautiful - have a Happy Thanksgiving
Donna Herrmann
Thank you so much for sharing. I love the pic with the beautiful mountains in the background. Putting on the attitude of gratitude - Happy Thanksgiving to all!
happydancequilting
That quilt is heavenly. What a beautiful treasure. Wonderful photos. Happy Thanksgiving! -Letty
paulette
What a wonderful POST!! Thank you! And that quilt...magnificent! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!<br />P
Nedra
Beautiful post, Amy. Thank YOU for sharing such inspiration, especially the quote from Pres. Uchtdorf. With all of the unrest going on in our country right now, how I wish more would have the fortitude and backbone to turn to Gratitude rather than "the bottle of bitterness". I wonder if they would even consider this perspective as a solution? We are so lucky to have wise words to
Patricia
The quilt is beautiful. Thank you for the link re gratitude.<br />
quiltytherapy
The vintage quilt is gorgeous. Best gift too.
Marie
Just goes to show you - everything old is new again. I'm with you on loving the lack of 'matchy matchy' and it's so great that this beauty has gone to a home where it will be loved and treasured. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed.
Sheri
Great post!
Cheryl
Beautiful quilt, happy thanksgiving!
Sharon
Great post! That quilt is wonderful...I love old quilts, too, for all the different fabrics and imagining who made it. What an amazing gift!
Sandy D
Gorgeous quilt. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
okiedee
Such a beautiful quilt, I always think of the fingers working that material and the time it took to finish, what she was doing while quilting. I am a machine piecer and hand quilter. The love that goes into each stitch of the quilt is hopefully never forgotten. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful story on the day of blessings. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Katy Cameron
It's gorgeous, and loving all your recent makes too :o)
LittleLucyGoosey
We could all benefit from your wise quote! I hope you and your family had a Thanksgiving filled with love and blessings. <br /><br />The quilt is a generous and beautiful gift - and I'm sure it warms her heart to know how much you appreciate it. That is always the best gift to give in return!
Pierro
Rosemary B here:<br />The quote is astounding, Amy.<br />This quilt is too. Oh my, what a beautiful treasure. I love that old crusty car you photo'd as well. <br />Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes sailing into this Christmas celebration of our gift of Jesus<br />
Linda @ kokaquilts
Stunning! what a lovely thoughtful gift. I too enjoyed looking at all the random scrappy fabrics, just lovely! Linda
diane
that quilt is a stunner and the truck...Oh My, where did you find that truck? I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We counted our blessings as a family and it was a wonderful day
caltexgal
Thank you for sharing the quilt and the message!
Barbara Esposito
Such a beautiful gift from a treasured friend! The quilt is absolutely gorgeous. I always think about the hands that made it - what was the person thinking about? What was their life like? Was she dearly loved? Thank you so much for this post. As Junior Asparagus says, "A thankful heart is a happy heart!" Happy day of giving thanks!