Monday, July 7, 2008

Patchwork

I've been thinking lately about the blog and the good support from my cyber-friends. As I was going through photos I'd taken a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but relate the blogosphere to my quilts.

I collect quilts. Mostly antique or at least "collectible," whatever that means these days. I actually use most of them, because isn't that the point? Wasn't that what someone made them for? Around the time I was taking off the heavier winter quilt and auditioning summer replacements, I shot these photos.


(The Marmelade Gypsy had to audition all quilts before we decided on one.)

What he picks, goes!

Most of my quilts came from auctions, antique markets, or were gifts from my friend Richard, who gets better deals than any human being I know!

This was one of the ones I bought early on. I liked the blue, which remains a favorite.


Some, I'm not sure where they came from, but I make up wonderful stories about the people who made them. And some, I have a bit of a provenance for.


The one under my tree (can you see it under Stimpy? It's mostly covered by presents!) was one my grandmother made. If you put it atop you, you wouldn't be able to turn over, it's so heavy! This is one of my favorite photos of all time because that was Stimpy's favorite spot.

The thing is, I look at these quilts, with finely crafted patchwork. And I look at the stitches. I have some that are machine stitched, but a number of them are by hand. How many million stitches are in this quilt.


I look at my blog friends and their blogs as quilts in themselves. Lots of patches of wonderful colors. Some are crazy quilts, all jumbled together with fascinating shapes and interesting stitches. Others are far more organized! Everything is neat and tidy, yet elegant and beautiful.

All have their own style, their own charm. They tell stories, and in reading your blogs, I learn more about you. I may not have to make up the stories, as I do with my quilts. But I know each one is as deeply textured, as colorful and as treasured as these quilts are to me.

I love this patchwork called "the blog." Everyday, something new. Someone special.

11 comments:

Karen Owen said...

You certainly have some lovely quilts. I love quilts too! No other blanket or throw is quite as comfortable a quilt. My grandmother quilted, and I have some of hers, as well as some I made myself. Since I started on this crazy art trip, I haven't quilted, but who knows? Maybe I'll get back to it someday.

HerzBlatt said...

Hi Jeanie,
please look in my blog, there is a surprise for you.
Iris

Becca said...

I love this post, Jeanie, because I love quilts too. My aunt had a quilting group all the time I was growing up, and my great grandmother made a quilt for each of us...mine's a star pattern, made from scraps of all my little dresses. I also have a cross stitch my aunt embroidered and quilted entirely by hand. You can imagine how much I treasure that!

I helped out a few times with quilting, but I'm not at all good with stitchery. My fingers work much better on keyboards (piano and computer!) So I enjoy thinking of my blog(s) as my creative patchwork of thoughts and ideas. Very nice metaphor :)

I'm glad your son is feeling better, and I hope his recovery continues to go smoothly. I know you all must be exhausted - take care!

Tina Leavy said...

Hi Jeanie, absolutely love the quilts..and your fur babies too.

Cami said...

Awwww, sweet Stimpy! And WTG Richard---my kind of guy. And you know how I feel about the Marmelade Gypsy! And you and your quilts. You make blogging extra special.

Unknown said...

Hi Jeanie...what a lovely thought you had on blogs being like quilts..I LOVE ThAT! I love your pictures of your orange kitties too! Isn't just amazing when you are in the midst of a project and they think they have to be in the middle of whatever you are doing! I have the same problem..but love the intrusion. Punkin says HELLO, in is teeny tiny kitty voice that doesn't fit his big stature.

Have a blessed day! Lorena

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful analogy. the quilts you have gathered over the years and share with the people and pets you love, and all of us that gather here in your blogging nest offering up our own color, comfort and coziness. such a rich and contemplative post, stitching all the aspects of your life together :)
xoxoxoxoxoxox to you dear jeanie

Sugar Bear said...

Hi Jeanie,
I love your quilts and the reference to blogging. Definitely true. Well, which quilt did the Marmelade Gypsy pick? Thanks so much for offering to send some of your Egyptian wrapping paper. I know I have your e-mail address but I can't find it!
Karla

jet1960 said...

Very lovely writing! I love hand done linens, too. Not so much quilts, but, mostly I collect doilies, hand towels, etc. It's hard to pass them by when you stop and consider how much time and care someone took to make them. Love the kitty pics, too!

beth said...

I spent my whole childhood watching my grandma make quilts by hand....every design and style...every color under the sun, always with the tiny little flowers printed on the fabric.... and I was always amazed by what her hands could do. Now I'm amazed that that's one of my childhood memories that I always go back to !!!

beth said...

I spent my whole childhood watching my grandma make quilts by hand....every design and style...every color under the sun, always with the tiny little flowers printed on the fabric.... and I was always amazed by what her hands could do. Now I'm amazed that that's one of my childhood memories that I always go back to !!!

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