My mother uncovered this photo of my great-grandmother, the maker of this antique quilt. She actually found two photos, and allowed me to select one; I chose the one where she doesn’t have her teeth in, because there was something about the intimacy of seeing her in a moment when she thought no one was looking that really appealed to me. I love the light in this photo, and how focused she appears. She looks like the kind of lady who makes zillions of quarter-square triangles, doesn’t she? How awesome to have a face to put with the quilt, and a story to put beside the two. One of the things I love about sewing the most is how personal it is, how tactile and immediate and rewarding, but really how personal and direct a connection it makes between two people. Nothing like uncovering an old photo to bring that home.
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Barbara
July 27, 2011 at 9:20 amYour grandma looks like a wonderful woman. Like my 95-year-old grandma, she looks like she worked hard. I often think my grandma’s life puts mine to shame — she was so unselfish. She worked hard everyday and never complained. I should be so good. Thanks for sharing the photo and story.
Jennifer at Ellison Lane Quilts
July 27, 2011 at 12:27 pmI love this picture too. A moment in time and she’s lovely. Makes me want to hug my grandmother.
Maureen Cracknell
July 27, 2011 at 2:04 pmHow sweet!
Rachel at Stitched in Color
July 27, 2011 at 3:38 pmHow honored she would be!
Mitzi
July 28, 2011 at 1:41 pmI can see why you love that picture. My grandmother was an avid quilter and I treasure the photos of her at her quilting frame. I love the wallpaper behind her, wouldn’t that be some gorgeous fabric?