Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Mabel Ruth Quilt


The quilt in the picture on my last post was one I made for my mother's 90th birthday. Well it didn't start out for her 90th but that's where she was when I finished it. I thought I would highlight each block in my future posts. This one is of the fushia flower. The flowers are all embroidered by hand. Mother was an excellent embroiderer, seamstress, milliner, and crafter. She started embroidering at a very early age and would tell of doing a tablecloth which took 1st prize at the state fair and was promptly given by the aunt who was raising her to a very wealthly lady. My mother was not very happy about that.


She taught me how to embroider when I was about 7 and I've been doing it every since. As a teenager I did embroidery work on my clothes (which I made myself!). I remember one time making a pair of black satin pants which I embroidered pansies down each pant leg. After doing the embroidery I discovered I had sewn the side seams incorrectly. Instead of sewing the backs to the fronts I sewed the backs to the backs and the fronts to the fronts. I never did finish those pants and I don't know what happened to all my handwork!

I still have a vest I designed, embroidered and made. It's a mustard yellow (not a color this summer gal can wear!) with embroidered red roses and white statice. I keep most of my firsts.

Anyway the Mabel Ruth quilt is in honor of my mother who was also a gardener and loved her flower beds. She gave me a love of crafting and designing and always encouraged me as best she could.

She went to met the Great Creator a few years ago at 92 1/2 and I miss her.
Encourage someone today, it will warm your heart for sure!

8 comments:

Beth said...

What a beautiful story and the quilt you've dedicated is georgous.

joon said...

Rose, this is such a wonderful story and I love your quilt and the beautiful photo of your mother. How nice for you that you and she shared these embroidering connections and I know you miss her. I have to tell you that I have some of that lime green fabric! I have used it on some of my lettuce keepers! I acquired it at a yard sale from a quilter! It is something to see it here! Mahalo!

Chauncey said...

Rose, how very sweet. Thats so nice that you and your mom had that connection.

Zuda Gay Pease said...

Rose, thank you for sharing about your mother!! My Mama was an amazing seamstress and could make anything out of whatever she had on hand. I miss her so much! Your Mable Ruth quilt is beautiful and I look forward to seeing all of the blocks close up.

Unknown said...

Rose, what a wonderful honor to dedicate this beautiful work of art to your mother - and what a wonderful story to share! I learned so many things from my mother, and I know that we are all incredibly lucky.

FabricFascination said...

What a really nice article about your mother Rose. Thanks so much for sharing it.

artsyclay said...

Oh, what a beautiful quilt and how blessed you were to have your mother so long. Mine passed away 4 years ago at age 87, and her oldest sister died recently at age 93. Yes, we do miss them especially with Mother's Day coming soon, but rejoice knowing we will meet them on the Rainbow Bridge.

QueenBe said...

What a great story... I have thought about doing something in honor of my Mom, who also passed away 2 years ago. What a great memory for you.