A Patchwork of Memories

Community is built upon connections made by common interests, in our case fiber crafts, and also by witnessing each other’s stories. This month in Stitchwell Social Club we’re celebrating not only the patchwork trend in fashion and home decor and the lasting power of pieced fabric, but also the power of memories made by a “make-do” craft.

Although quilting wasn’t a big part of my childhood, patchwork certainly was. Textile leftovers were rarely wasted in our house (there’s a whole season of green velveteen family outfits to prove it!), so piecing together bright swatches of various fabrics made sense. When I was quite young my mom patiently taught me how to cut rectangles and squares (using construction paper “patterns”) out of remnants from dresses, nightgowns, and doll clothes, then hand-stitch the scraps of fabric together and finish with yarn tying layers into place to make a blanket for my doll. For me, it represents stories (each fabric square its own) within the story of the experience making it.

I, of course, am not the only one to carry pieces of my past within the patchwork of a project. Recently, I asked our Stitchwell Social Club to share their favorite stories, and here are some of their contributions.

 

 

My grandma made a patchwork blanket for me when I was born. She died soon after and though I did not have the opportunity to know her I still wrap it around me when I miss my family. — Kalani, Stitchwell Social Club Member

My grandma, mom, sister, and aunts were all quilters. I have dabbled, too. I remember my sister giving me an old quilt she still had that our grandma made with all different fabrics from her old “housecoats,” as she called them, in a myriad of different colored patchwork blocks. I slept under it for years. Even though it’s now falling apart, I still have it put away as a keepsake. — Kristin, Stitchwell Social Club Member 

My great-grandmother made quilts by hand. She used whatever scraps of old clothing fabric she would have. I was always amazed at how perfect they looked. Unfortunately, when she passed, I was not able to get one before the rest of the family took everything from her house. 

—  Kerrie , Stitchwell Social Club Member

 

 

 

My grandmother was a teacher, and back in those days a popular teacher gift was handkerchiefs. She was not a quilter herself, but she had many quilts made from the handkerchiefs and I’m super happy to have one of them! — Sarah, Stitchwell Social Club Member

 

 

 

 

My mom adored quilts and after she passed my brothers and I chose our favorites and had our children choose as well.  Mine is a double wedding ring pattern that I have always adored. — Laurie, Stitchwell Social Club Member

I can remember visiting my great-aunt and uncle’s farm in the summer. They raised my mother after her mother died. We would spend a week there. Every bed had patchwork quilts. My mother would tell us how they had the quilt frame hanging down from the ceiling, and neighbors would come for the quilting bee. She would point out which pieces were from old clothing, flour sacks, and other materials that were recycled. Most were the patch style, but I remember seeing the flying geese pattern, the Ohio star, and a wedding ring quilt. — Regina , Stitchwell Social Club Member

 

 

 

My Raggedy Anne doll [with patchwork dress] that was made for me when I was little and I still have her 🤗 — Nicole, Stitchwell Social Club Member