Jane's Patch Quilt

by Jane
(Illinois)

I was 49 years old when I started my first quilt. My cousin "Aunt" Monie helped me get started. She and I both wondered if I would have the patience to stick with it.

I had always wanted to learn to quilt and asked my mom to take a class with me. She told me I didn't need to take a class. "Call Monie, she makes beautiful quilts and I am sure she will help you." That is how I got started. She has been so good to me and taught me a lot.

When I finally got the top made and was ready to put it on the racks, I was so excited. Then I had to learn how to do the quilting stitch. I practice up and down the sides and wasn't doing well at all.

That is when I thought it might be over. But I kept on going and then my husband, Wade, got in the game. He is a natural. He and I spent evenings this winter quilting. When we made our last turn and were at the end, we were so proud.

Then came the binding. I had no idea how to put it on. So I started sewing it and then sent a picture to Aunt Monie and she was appalled, as was I at the stitch, but didn't know how to do it. I took the quilt to her house and she got me on the right track. Finally!!! my quilt was done.

I took it to work and showed the girls and they were impressed and thought it very pretty. Then came the decision I had been pondering on. Keep the quilt or give it away.

My mother and I had a conversation during my long struggle with this quilt. She told me that her grandmother made quilts and had given her 3 sisters a quilt, but that she had never got one. The decision was made that day. My mom would get my very first quilt. And I hoped that a quilt made by her daughter and son-in-law would be as good as a quilt made by her grandmother.

I took my mom the quilt today on the pretense to show it to her. We put it over her bed and she thought it was so beautiful. That is when I told her it was hers. She of course argued that I should keep my first quilt. I told her that it was hers and wanted to her have it. With tears in her eyes she accepted my gift.

My mother is the strongest person I know. She has been there for me and my brothers and sisters our entire life. The quilt is definitely in the right home.