This Handmade Quilt

I'm in the process of auditioning sewing machines (mine died a few months ago). And in this arduous process, it's come to my attention that many ladies own machines they LOVE. And that I'd better be prepared to hand over an arm and a leg and my first born child, along with a wad of cash - for a great sewing machine which will last me more than a few years. And it's also come to my attention that one of my neighbors owns a sewing machine that cost more than my entire undergraduate education. How is that possible? I can't even wrap my brain around that one.

Anyhow, this evening while I contemplated sewing machines, I remembered a work of art which reminds me of the craft of sewing & quilting. This evening I was thinking about the exquisite quilt that covers the guest room bed in my Aunt Anita's home. Each time we visit her home, I go into the guest room to spend time with this gorgeous quilt.

I know it might sound trite, but there's something almost sacred about this quilt. It bridges the past with my present. Hand stitched by Great Grandma W. It seems to make machine-sewn quilts look cheap. To me, this quilt is the epitome of the art of quilting. It is so beautifully assembled. The vintage colour prints are arranged into a rainbow; and each seems to tell a story. It's not your run-of-the-mill super-size-craft-store cotton.

One of my favourite parts of the quilt is the back-side. I love love love love seeing the tiny, stitches holding the squares together. I can't imagine the hours, days, weeks it took to piece, assemble and finish this work of art. I wish I could have met the quilter in person.

When our family trekked out to the Midwest late last year, I took some photos of this quilt - so that I can continue to admire and cherish it even though I'm miles away.