this week for grandma julie's treasure chest tuesday i've selected this vintage flower garden quilt made by my grandma farmer. this was one of a pair made by grandma and i remember one of them was always on the twin bed in her spare bedroom. the flower garden pattern is also known as grandmother's flower garden or french rose garden. i've always loved all the tiny hexagon shapes that are pieced together to form the larger hexagons.
i did a little research and this pattern was revived in the 1920's from the hexagon mosaic pattern from the 1830's. in the late 1920's there was an american quilt revival which incorporated a new color palette of pastel prints. quilts made from these fabrics are sometimes referred to as depression quilts. the flower garden quilt pattern is supposedly still the most popular quilt pattern today.
my grandma, fannie cain farmer, was born in 1904. her mother, zora ballenger cain, was a quilter and i assume grandma learned the art from her mother. i wish i knew at what point in her life grandma started quilting and about what year she made this quilt of mine. i remember there was always a quilt hoop or rack near grandma's chair in the living room where she and grandpa read and watched tv. she had 17 grandchildren and each of us received at least one hand-pieced and quilted blanket from her. she did all the cutting and sewing herself unlike many women who enjoyed the piecing part but then would pay someone to do the quilting.
i bought this quilt at the sale my parents had in the summer of 2007. you can read about it here.
the second quilt of grandma's that i own is the fannie's flag pattern. it is a delightful quilt, but oh, let's save that one for another tuesday, shall we?
18 comments:
WHAT a TREASURE!!! WOW!! I adore anything from my grandma... ANYTHING! And I'm sure you do as well... looking forward to visiting you each Tuesday to see what else you have in that treasure chest!
This is a great quilt. I had two from my mother from the early 20's and they disappeared. My daughter took one for the back seat of her car (she was 17) then my husband used one for a dog blanket outside. The dogs were cold and I didn't realize he had taken it out there. Needless to say, both of my treasures were destroyed. Why didn't I put them some place safe? I was upset, but had to get over it. You have a priceless treasure. So pretty.
That is one beautiful quilt! I love the pattern and the green trim!
There is nothing more precious than having a quilt from your grandma...I have one too and many that my mother made but I don't think any are of this pretty pattern. Nice choice of a treasure to share today!
Julie, thank you for your kind words. You know it's not my favorite genre, but I love how it gives me a change up. I have a tendency to get into things that are too deep and I have to slow down and try to understand on a different level. This book, so far, has just seemed to flow along and I don't have to think much. Sort of like television.
wow!! i look at this quilt and i see "love" all over the place! it's just beautiful, julie! i'm so glad that you have such a wonderful, warm reminder of your grandma farmer's exquisite craftsmanship! :)
What a wonderful treasure! It's hard to believe some quilters are still making this pattern today with the same hand stitched methods.
There is something about a quilt that was handmade by someone you love. It's a practical gift but also a piece of original folkart. Yours is a beautiful example of the art of quilting. Your grandmother was determinedly prolific to make one for each grandchild.
I have a quilt that was made by my grandmother's mother in law. I also have one that my cousin's grandmother gave me when I got married. I love both.
I love love quilts! What a treasure.
you have such a special treasure, julie. all the work and love that goes into a quilt makes it so special. i have one in the same pattern, but somebody else's grandma must have made it ;).
I am always fascinated by all the intricate hand stitching involved in these wonderful old quilts! What a treasure, Julie.
I just love quilts. Something about them always makes me think of my grany.. How I miss her, but when I see a quilt... especially and old worn one, there she is.
Staci
What a beautiful quilt, i'm so glad you managed to keep it in the family.
Micki x
That quilt is really nice. There is something so "homey" about a quilt.
This is a nice feature, Julie. Tuesdays and treasure chest items.
Hi Julie
Lucky you to have such a beautiful quilt as a family heirloom. Being a quilter I know how wonderful that is!
Hugs, Rhondi
I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing
A beautiful quilt! I found you through a search on bing.com...when I was looking for a photo of a beautifu flower garden quilt, so that I can post a photo of one on my next post about this pattern. I have an unfinished one that I fashioned to look like ladybugs.
I also commented on your older post that you posted a link of in this post. I dont know if the comment went through, but I would like to see if you dont mind me posting the photo of your grandmother's quilt and quote you on a few lines regarding grandmother flower garden quilts.
Please email me if you can. mgbotelho221@gmail.com
Blessings & Aloha!
I am following you now :o)
I like the flower design its simply beautiful. Keep posting!
vitton
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