This week Aunt Jeanette writes:

When I was at Mom and Dad’s house a couple of weeks ago, we began talking about quilts and bedspreads. I wrote a story in January about the bedspread my maternal grandmother crocheted during the Depression. Although we lost many pictures and family mementos in our house fire the summer of 2001, miraculously some of my family quilts escaped being burned to a crisp. Now, back to my closet for another story!

My paternal grandparents made this quilt for me. Yes, that’s right, it is plural. I don’t remember seeing this, but I do remember hearing the story, and Dad and Mom confirmed its authenticity.

Grandma and Grandpa Sandfort had eighteen grandchildren and if I am not mistaken, they made a quilt for each of us. That would be quite a project! My quilt was made when double knit clothing was going out of style. Most of the quilt blocks are made from family members’ clothing. It is fun to look at the fabric and think how styles have changed and remember those funny-looking clothes we wore!

This was Grandpa’s part in the quilt. He would lie on the floor under the quilting frame. Grandma would poke the threaded needle through to Grandpa. Grandpa would then poke it back up through the fabric to Grandma. She would tie the knot and the pattern continued until the quilt was finished. It is a large quilt – big enough for our queen size bed – so I imagine this took quite some time.

The picture in my head of Grandpa lying under the quilting frame and helping Grandma will always bring a smile to my face. It amazes me to think what grandparents will do for their grandchildren! Another happy memory!

Until we walk again …