....is what I have become. My Dad is one of two beneficiaries of cousin Susan's estate in southern Virginia. We will miss her so much for many reasons, one being that she was our family historian. She was the Keeper of Memories; which relative lived where, who married who, what kind of work they did; so many stories filled with humor and warmth. Dad asked me if there was anything we would like amongst the furniture pieces and I chose a large blanket chest. Working out shipping arrangements with the attorney handling the estate, a long ago conversation with Susan about family quilts came to mind. On checking, no one was interested in any quilts and they would be packed in the chest and sent along...
This is the blanket chest...ball feet, dovetail joints
And this is what was inside....
A much used and tattered 4 patch, widely sashed with a tiny faded blue print (Cadet or Soldier blue?) this is the best part of it...any fabrics printed with black have long since broken down...
Irish Chain - overdyed green print and chrome yellow
Close up...
Identified from one of my favorite books..
Who was this quilter? My great grandmother?
And did she serve holiday dinners on this circa 1840's platter? Red transferware by Adams (English). My Dad says he remembers seeing this used when he was growing up. It has been in the family forever and it was wrapped in the quilts from the blanket chest. What a treasure....
Hope you enjoyed my little Show and Tell...check back in a few days for Part 2... I have a total of 8 to share with you and there are some lovely ones yet to come....
Pat
Posted with Blogsy
How precious to have these family quilts. Do you know who made them?
ReplyDeleteOh Pat.....what a treasure trove! I love red toile, too. I had to laugh about the star points being turned around. I fear that! The chest is absolutely lovely but the inside treasures are certainly even better. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovely! You should contact Mary Koval or Barbara Brackman for help.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure you have received. The star quilt is my favorite one of the quilts. The colors draw me to it.
ReplyDeleteSo very lovely! How wonderful to have such beautiful and interesting family quilts come to you!
ReplyDeleteI loves your show and tell, Pat. You have indeed been given treasures to hold for your family. What a surprise the beautiful quiltist have been!
ReplyDeleteLove all your treasures.......What beautiful quilts! Transferware platter also is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo fortunate to be the new custodian of these family treasures. I look forward to seeing part 2 of the story.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing !! I love you story and can't wait to see the rest of your treasures !!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, I love everything you shared--the chest, the quilts, the platter! What wonderful treasures. Looking forward to part 2!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're now the family keeper of the quilts. What special treasures to care for. The photo of your great grandmother is precious. Can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful treasure! Looking forward to seeing your next post. It reminds me of going thru the closets and attic at my grandmother's house when I was young.
ReplyDeleteSimply wonderful Pat. They have definitely come to the right home. I can't imagine how it must feel to be delving into such a treasure chest.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous post. I love the blanket chest. What beautiful craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteThe quilts are all heirlooms and fun to study.
That red and white transfer ware is absolutely stunning! what a gorgeous piece.
What a lovely surprise that plate must have been. We have virtually no family history but my dad wants me to go to Ancestry an start some tracking. I must make time for that. LOVE that there is o much hand quilting. What treasures you have been trusted with!
ReplyDeleteChocolate chips in cookies how about a caramel macchiato?? :)
ReplyDeleteHow lucky those quilts are to be given a home where they will be treasured for the work and the memories that are imparting. These will certainly make one's heart sing with joy.
What wonderful heirlooms. You are so lucky to have the quilts, chest, and plate. Many families split up and move so often those things are not able to be kept together. You are blessed to have a photo of your great grandmother too. It is also wonderful that you understand the quilting that went into each quilt and can pass that information down too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see that the trunk filled with quilts and other treasures ended up in the right hands.
ReplyDeleteNow you shall become the family Keeper of Memories!
I look forward to seeing and hearing more. Thanks for sharing these special gifts with us!
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