7.20.2010

a treasure...

I have a sister in law - that's just a silly statement.  Andrew Henry is one of 7 children, I have LOTS of sisters in law.  The SIL I am referring to here is the wife of AH's oldest brother and her name is Laura.  Laura is quirky and fun, easygoing and talented.  She likes her some vintage, can garden like nobody's business and she can sew.  Boy can this woman sew. 

Last year, when the daughter graduated from college, Laura and I collaberated on a gift.  I sent her a box of Andrew Henry's old ties (she lives in Illinois) that I had been saving for a quilt.  Make no mistake, I can't really sew, let alone quilt, I just have lofty ideas - and a talented sister in law.

After a brief discussion about style, Laura designed the quilt and went to town.  Can you imagine anything more thoughtful?  The time and energy that went into such a gift is humbling.  The daughter cried when she opened it, which in turn made me tear up - we're ridiculous.  We've got that sentimental gene in us.

The quilt is in the daughter's apartment up in Seattle and when I saw it on our recent visit I thought it might be a good idea to take a photo of it.  It gets a lot of use because it's loved.  I figured a photo of it while it still looks new might be a good idea.

This quilt is a piece of art and will be a family heirloom for generations I'm sure.  If you've got some little rugrats at home, consider saving some of their baby clothes, or grandpa's ties (or daddy's).  Perhaps different items through the years, or chose a specific color scheme - endless possibilities.  I think this type of quilt would be a wonderful baby or wedding gift.  So, gather up those old clothes and do some quilting, or you know, call Laura. 

15 comments:

Maria said...

First, awesome gift - turned out beautifully. Second, AH has really good taste in ties. And third, what's Laura's number??? :-)

Another idea is to take photos of favorite pieces of artwork your littles have done, print them on fabric and work them into the quilt.

Henley said...

I so want one of these. My father has amazing ties from the 1970's. I love this!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Yes Maria - those are great! Laura made one like that with photographs of the grandchildren for my mother in law and I had people sign quilt squares instead of a registration book for my wedding with the idea of a wedding quilt. I have not had that made yet - hmmmmm.

Henley - I'd LOVE to see those ties. They will make a cool quilt I bet.

MJM said...

It's beautiful, and trust me, whoever receives this as a gift will truly cherish it.

Jillian said...

What an amazingly thoughtful gift. I would have cried to.

I can sew... but only when my sewing machine isn't broken lol.

I might just have to steal this idea.

Love it!!!

Anonymous said...

I so totally did this once. No not my cowboy or biker girl quilts if you happened to see that post :). When my grandma passed away I took all of her old shirts, really the rattier the better. The ones with paint stains and wood stains from helping both my mom and aunt with their houses. Then I got some material that runs through an ink jet printer and took a baby picture, her senior picture and her and my grandpa's wedding picture. Then I made my mom and Aunt both a quilt so if they missed her they could wrap up in her. They both have them hidden though :(

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

Great Idea- My mother is a master quilter and I think I am SO lucky!

Silver Strands said...

Wow - that is really neat. I've been saving old t-shirts from places we've been ... someday I'd like to try something like this. Thanks for sharing the idea :)
oxox
Denalee

Beatnheart said...

Beautiful quilt. Saw your post from yesterday. Man oh Man that heat would put me in the loony bin.

Sierra said...

I have so many things I've been saving for something like this but I didn't know what to do with them. Great idea, now I have to find someone who can quilt. I'm with Maria, what's Laura's number?

Unknown said...

What an amazing idea! She is so talented! Love this, and yes, you will treasure it forever! XO!

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

I LOVE quilts that have sentimental value - your sister-in-law is so talented and thoughtful!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I use to buy up mens ties at garage sales to use in crazy quilting projects. This quilt is beautiful and priceless! I love to see a quilt being used and loved.
Brenda

pamela said...

great idea. my cousins had some boxes made of old ties. not sure how they did it. i will start thinking of things to save of jorja's.

Molly Page said...

That quilt is lovely. I have a small quilt of my Grandpa's ties hanging in my dining room. It's one of my most treasured pieces.