Just look at this little cutie with enormous tears rolling down her cheeks. Doesn't she tug at the heartstrings? I came across her many years ago when reading stories in an old Mabel Lucie Attwell book.
The little poppet had gone to stay with her grandma but felt so lonely and homesick in grandma's big bed that she sat and wept.
But of course kindly grandma came to the rescue and sat on the bed to reassure her little granddaughter that she wasn't alone because she had the patchwork for company. Every single patch told a story. And with that grandma proceeded to identify the various fabrics and recall the memories attached to each. The little girl was soon so wrapped up in the colourful stories that her sadness quickly melted away.
This little tale inspired me to make my own patchwork of memories about 15 years ago. I remember sitting with my mum in wintertime sorting through loads of tiny fabric pieces that we had both squirreled away over the years. Every pattern had a tale to tell. I spend many hours hand stitching squares and hexagons into a cover for a single bed.
There are my mum's earliest dresses and those she made for my sisters and me; plus the dresses, blouses and shirts I made for my myself and my own children. There were so many colours and patterns to juggle with that in the end I simply set them out in squares of nine blending shades.
Although my mum is sadly no longer with us I know I will always feel close to her when I look at the patchwork we put together all those years ago. To everyone else it will never be more than a colourful bedspread but for me it will always remain a patchwork of happy lifetime memories.
Update - ABOUT MY DOLLY
As my blogging chums Debbie and Helen have commented on the sweet dolly I used for this post I decided to add a little something about her. I happened to spot her on Ebay about 8 years ago and it was love at first sight. She is a 1930s American doll from the Madame Alexander doll company and wears her original clothing (the name Madame Alexander can be found on the back of her head). She has composition head, arms and legs but a cloth body so is easy to pose and loves to be cuddled. My American friends will of course be familiar with Madame Alexander dolls, but for those who aren't, here is a link to a short history of the company.
Until next time,
Eli
What a lovely bedspread Eli. All those hours stitching were definately worthwhile, and a lovely memory of your Mum.
I love the doll in the last picture, she is a real sweetie!
Debbie
xx
Posted by: Debbie | 03 February 2010 at 11:56 AM
Your story and photos made my heart smile! Such a lovely post...such a lovely quilt! I will be thinking about this all day. Thanks for sharing. (Did I mention I love your doll?)
Posted by: Helen | 03 February 2010 at 01:31 PM
Those are the BEST kind of quilts.
Lora
Posted by: Lora | 03 February 2010 at 02:36 PM
How lovely to have that beautiful patchwork quilt with all the wonderful memories of you and your mother attached to it.A wonderful heirloom too!I love the Mabel Lucie Atwell illustrations.
Bellaboo
Posted by: Bellaboo | 03 February 2010 at 02:43 PM
Your dolly is VERY cute. These dolls feel wonderful when they are picked up. You must knit her a little dolly of her own and maybe a pretty sweater, too! Is she a mama doll? Did she have a "crier" in her? Many of this era did.
It is amazing how these dolls do not lose their appeal. I love her! A classic beauty for sure! Pedigree made some cute ones, too. You are lucky to have her with her original clothes.
Posted by: Helen | 03 February 2010 at 03:08 PM
Dear Eli,
What a sweet story! Your quilt must have taken a LOT of hours, my friend! But like you say, the memories will last a lifetime.
Madame Alexander did make some lovely dolls in the 30s~They seem to have more personality, somehow.
A blessed day to you,
Marqueta
Posted by: Marqueta | 03 February 2010 at 04:02 PM
"Every single patch told a story." There is nothing better than a patchwork quilt for that very reason!!! Oh how very much I love this post, your quilt, and of course that sweet doll too!
I shall have to give my techno geniuses thank you kisses for helping me get back online and able to pop in for a visit...it truly was a treat today!
All my best,
natalie jo
Posted by: natalie jo | 04 February 2010 at 07:09 PM
Dear sweet Eli,
What a charming and delightful post! So beautifully written with lovely memories of your dear mum!
Yes, the little girl crying does tug at my heartstrings, but then to read of the kind grandmother, telling her stories and wrapping her in the lovely patchwork quilt made it all better!
Your patchwork quilt is gorgeous and is filled with wonderful memories!!! I love that you used your mum's, your's and your sister's clothing, and things you made for yourself and your own children. Not only did a lot of work go into that quilt, but a lot of love! I wish your mom was still with you, but I am so glad the beautiful quilt you made makes you feel close to her.
Your Madame Alexander doll is so beautiful! What a treasure you have. My mom has several Madame Alexander dolls that she bought me when I was a little girl. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and your dear heart!
Love you,
Paula
Posted by: Paula | 09 February 2010 at 09:33 PM
Oh, I meant to say your 'mum' instead of mom, but the meaning is still the same isn't it? :) I love mum, by the way! Justin calls me, momma! :)
Posted by: Paula | 09 February 2010 at 09:35 PM
Oh Eli this is so precious. How wise you and your Mum were to keep all those little pieces. I can imagine you just sitting and looking at this magnificent quilt and being transported to happy days from the past. This is a real heirloom and so beautifully put together. Much love, Carol x
Posted by: wee cute treasures | 10 February 2010 at 11:27 AM