When I participated in the Parade of Quilts a couple of weeks ago, it made me think back to some of my early quilts. I'd only been quilting for a short time when my grandfather was turning 80 and a big family party was planned. I saw a beaver quilt in a book by Margaret Rolfe (I believe it was A Quilter's Ark), and I knew I had to make the quilt for my grandpa, who had a long-standing love/hate relationship with a family of beavers on his ranch property.
I had no idea what I was doing quilt-wise back then, but when I finished piecing this top, I thought it needed "something more" and bought a book on Seminole piecing so I could make a pieced border to liven it up. Pretty creative for a novice! I also took a machine quilting class so I could finish the quilt myself.
My fabric choices back then make me cringe a little now, but Grandpa loved the quilt. Sadly, my Grandpa Claude passed away in December 2006, but now his little beaver quilt has a new happy home with my mom.
Lisa, this is a fantastic quilt! I love this and I can only imagine how grandpa must have felt. Gosh, this is a treasure. Is it labeled?
ReplyDeleteI've seen this quilt in person! I love the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a perfect quilt for the story!
ReplyDeleteI love how the little beaver chopped down a tree. That's too funny. And of course, I really enjoy quilts with such heart-warming stories. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful quilt, Lisa! I can imagine the shine in your grandfather's eyes when you presented it to him!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
I loved your "Grandpa" story Lisa. Thanks for sharing. I made a wallhanging once with the same tree but I don't know where it went. Nancy in WI
ReplyDeleteI bet your Grandfather just loved this quilt! Isn't it wonderful the memories our quilts bring back?!
ReplyDeleteLoved the story, and I love that quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhat great memories this wonderful quilt brings to you. You were an awesome piecer even when you started quilting. I am impressed! Wonderful story, Lisa.
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