Wednesday, March 3, 2010

… a little bit of remembering



Last fall, We had the beginnings of a wonderful new chapter in our family. . . the first of the great-grandchildren. I started out making a new quilt. . . for a very special little guy - my new grand-nephew, Gavin. I also knew that I would be making another little quilt for my then soon-to-be-born little grand-niece, Aubrielle.

I knew that I wanted to use my first fabric line for them . . . so that was decided, & then as I thought about it - I knew that I wanted to be able to make the same design - so that there would be no favorites. . . & then I remembered my Mom.

As we were growing up - my Mom collected owls. She truly loved them. Mom even made adorable little owls from yarn & driftwood - (one of which is a very special treasure of mine!)

(these little owls that Mom made - keep watch over my studio. . .)

Another thing that Mom loved, were babies. . . (oh my. . . did she ever love babies!), & when she became a Grandma to her five grand-daughters. . . she loved every minute she had to hold & snuggle with them, & to sing to them. (My Mom had a beautiful singing voice!)


So, when in this past year - two of those grand-daughters became mommies. . . & since Mom is no longer with us. . . I just knew that these precious little ones (& all the ones to follow) somehow deserved to be held & loved by their Great-Grandma Georgia.  And, when it came time to make each one their first quilt - the idea of this little owl design fit perfectly. Even though Mom couldn’t snuggle them in person - they will always know that - even so - she loves them still.

  

Here are the two quilts made from my fabric line 'Celebration'. . . the blue/green for Gavin, & the pink/green for Aubrielle. I also embroidered, "Remember 'Whooo' Loves You" just below the little owl - so they would be reminded of how much love - even from a Great-Grandma they will never know here on earth - surrounds them.

Then, at Fall Quilt Market, when I went to say "hi" to Joanna (Fig Tree & Co.) on set up day, I saw her new line, 'Whimsy'  & knew it would be perfect for it. . . (as well as Joanna's & Moda's wonderful 'Snuggle' - for the backing!

(I wish you could feel the back of this quilt!. . . so soft!)

To be honest, at first I was just going to make this little quilt for the 'great-grands'. I wasn't going to make it a pattern. . . but  after giving a few peeks, it became clear that several others wanted to make it too. . . so. . . just to also let you know, we picked these up from the printer yesterday. . . & so the patterns are  now available on the website


Thanks for letting me tell the little story behind this little design, & I hope that you will always remember who loves you too!

Bren

20 comments:

Sparky said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jodi Nelson said...

Wonderful post and fantastic quilts! So glad you made it into a pattern. ;o) ooxx`jodi

Polly said...

I love owls and the two your Mom made to watch over your studio are priceless! Your quilts are adorable! Good job, YOU! polly ;-)

PamKittyMorning said...

The quilt is so cute in every colorway!

Vickie E said...

lovely quilts...wonderful story for inspiration...just love it

Camille said...

Beautiful post. It sounds like you were blessed with a wonderful family. This is such an adorable quilt- I can't decide which one I like most!

suz said...

Brenda, that was the mostly lovely idea. I'm sure the granddaughters will love the thought behind these quilts.

Samantha said...

I really love this project- I'm glad you decided to share the pattern with the rest of us, I'm sure a lot of grandbabies out there are going to snuggle under this one!

Thimbleanna said...

Those are adorable Brenda! And all the more special that you have a wonderful family story to tell with them!!! (And ha! my word verification is "wings" -- just for your little owls!)

Memaw's memories said...

That little owl is precious and what a wonderful way to treasure the memory of your mother. We sure miss them when are gone.

Nicole said...

What a splendid post. My mother has been gone for over six years now, and not a day goes by that I don't think of her and how much she adored her grandchildren.

Trisha said...

This is a beautiful post. I love the quilt..but the sentiment is more precious! The picture of your mom and her grandbaby is so touching!

Anne said...

absolutely darling with a wonderful backstory!

Lindah said...

Precious quilts! And such sweet symbolism. Blessed little ones!

Sewn With Grace said...

You are so very talented! I loved reading this post, how special these gifts are to your precious family. Can't wait to order a pattern!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Great memories resulted in an adorable quilt pattern! Thanks for sharing Bren - it's so sweet!

Anonymous said...

The Noble Wife says its your birthday, so I am here wishing you a VERY happy one. Nice blog. and lovely work.

luvtoquilt said...

Oh, Brenda, your story brought tears to my eyes. I think I've shared in the past that my mom is in the last stages of Alzheimer's and she no longer remembers her granddaughters or great-granddaughters. This will be a perfect quilt for me to make in her name -- thank you.

kshackabq said...

What a precious picture of your mom! And a very special quilt design . . .

Joanna from Fresh Figs said...

Oh Bren-
I am here a bit late to the story as usual. I really need to find more time to go to my favorite places in blogland!

Love the story. Love the quilt. Adore the owl. Want to make the quilt.
Beautiful as usual!

Joanna
Fig Tree