Vintage Treasure #4

Did I mention that Cindy’s still on vacation? She wrote most of this before she left….

Sandy and I previously posted about working on three vintage quilts for a family friend.  We are happy to report the happy ending of two of these threee projects.

Bea was so touched by this finished quilt because it was made from her father’s flannel shirts.
Plaid flannel 1Sandy and I found a soft, bright red flannel for the backing and then we chose a solid blue flannel for the binding.
Plaid flannel 4Soft swirls were perfect for the quilting.  Sandy and I agree that this is one of the best quilts we’ve ever made.  Not only is it soft and beautiful, but it holds so many memories of Bea’s father.
Plaid flannel 2

When we were little, dad and mom used to load us up in the family car and take us for Sunday drives after the milking chores were done. A stop at Bea’s father’s and mother’s house was frequently on the itinerary. They had a house full of antiques, including old coin banks that her father liked to show us. I think he instilled his love for antiques in me. Sandy.

We also gave Bea the Vintage Triangle quilt that she had pieced with her mother and grandmother, both of whom have passed away.  I cut the edges so they were straight and sent it off to my quilter, Ms. SJ, for an all over meander  quilting pattern.  We backed this quilt with Fog by Robert Kaufman Fabrics  and then we made the binding from a solid navy fabric.

Triangle 1

Bea cried when she received these completed quilts. She said her grandmother said, “Why are you even bothering with these quilt pieces? We all know that you will never get the quilt finished.”

Bea’s grandmother was a sweet lady, but she let her inner pessimist dribble out with that remark. All these years later, Bea was still feeling the sting of those words. We were happy to help prove Grandma Mac wrong. 

We’re still working on one more family treasure for Bea, stay tuned for the final episode of Vintage Treasures!

11 thoughts on “Vintage Treasure #4

  1. piecefulwendy says:

    Oh, this post brings tears to my eyes. Look at Bea’s beautiful smile as she looks at the quilt. My heart hurts for that remark, but I’ll bet Grandma Mac would be so proud of her. Give her a hug for me!

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      Thanks, Wendy! It was a tearful moment as she looked over all those fabrics that were part of her life. We were so happy to do these quilts for her.

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      It was such a good moment to share with all our quilting community. We were so happy to bring such warm memories to a warm and wonderful person.

  2. laura bruno lilly says:

    Not sure you received my first comment – the site looked wonky.
    As much as I love the creative aspects of quilting…this is what it’s all about. Bea is blessed to have you two in her life.

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      Hi Laura! You are so right…giving away quilts is what it’s all about! I think we love that quilt as much as Bea…it was hard to give it up because we knew her dad so well. He always wore a plaid shirt…and always flannel in the winter.

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      Thanks, Roseanne! I found some fabric for the third and final chapter…now I need to get to work! Yikes! My machine is in the shop.

    • Gray Barn Designs says:

      I know! It is one of those quilts that is hard to give up! It would look great on my couch all winter long!

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