When I was a teenager I spent countless hours with my Aunt learning how to quilt. She taught me how to measure, cut, and sew pieces of material together to make a beautiful piece of art that doubled as a blanket.
My Aunt was diagnosed with cancer at some point in her life. I can’t remember how many years ago it was but I do remember that she resolved to beat it. She fought and battled for many years to overcome the disease. In the end, she lost the fight and passed away a little over 5 years ago. To this day my Aunt is the closest person I have lost in my life and I miss her greatly.
When it came time to clean out her house I was asked by my cousins if I wanted her quilting supplies. I immediately said yes and soon my garage was filled with tubs upon tubs of material, batting, books, and other accessories.
Today, half of the tubs reside in my garage while the other half takes up space in my office and my downstairs front room. Every time I look at them, I think of my Aunt and I smile, remembering the times I spent with her over the sewing machines.
I don’t quilt as often as I should. It will probably take me my entire lifetime to go through the massive amounts of fabric I now own. But that’s okay.
Because when I quilt, I do it in memory of my aunt. She believed every baby born into this world needed a blanket. Every person should have at least one quilt that they could use to cuddle up with on the couch. She was determined to make this happen.
I am determined to make this happen.
I quilt in memory of my Aunt.
The picture above was the first Christmas after my Aunt passed away. I finished up several quilts she had started and gave them to family. Shown from left to right holding their quilts are my grandma (my Aunt’s mom), grandpa, my oldest daughter, my niece, and my sister.
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Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
I know you warned me, but this still made me cry. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was younger. She would make every baby a blanket to have before they were born. She has since passed away but I continue to crochet in her memory. And every time I do it, I think of her.
Kimberly recently posted..A Switch Is Flipped
That is so sweet that you continue on the tradition. Baby blankets are a very special part of childhood in my opinion.
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
Oh my, friend. This is beautiful, touching, sweet. I adore this side of your writing.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
And wow, am I ever so glad that you’ve taken on the quilting.
Beautiful post!
Galit Breen recently posted..Exclusion and Kindness and Salted Caramel Mochas
Thank you Galit. I love quilting when I make the time for it. It always relaxes me and I love seeing that I actually created something of beauty.
Twitter: MamaTrack
says:
I can’t tell you how much this post means to me. For every reason under the sun. You are truly a magnificent niece. And friend.
MamaTrack recently posted..Things a Man Should Not Say to His Pregnant Wife
Thank you. I’m hoping to have your special present done before that baby pops out.
Twitter: ByWordsMusings
says:
LOVE this side of you … these little posts you slip in from time to time.
So sweet and soft, the gentle that is you.
Yes, we know about her
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Fall Favorites by Kelly of Mom Got Blog
I slip these posts in to see whose really paying attention.
Twitter: Amandaaustin
says:
I absolutely love this. Every child does deserve a blanket! Wonderful philosophy to have. My grandma was a quilter and quilted all three of her granddaugters a blanket. It’s on my guest bed and I always think of her.
amanda austin recently posted..My favorite stranger
I have a quilt my grandma made for me hanging in our toy room. I love looking at it when I go in there. Baby blankets are so special.
Twitter: katiefhurley
says:
I’m sobbing. This is beautiful. I love that you still do that for her.
Practical Parenting recently posted..Stressed Out Parenting
Thank you Katie. I’m so grateful I was able to learn this skill from my Aunt.
Twitter: OldTweener
says:
This is so sweet! Your aunt would be so pleased…
Sherri recently posted..Sharing Memories with Solei
Thank you Sherri. I know she would be.
I love this post so much. She would be so proud of you!
Abbey has a homemade quilt from a friend of the family, and it is so cherished. I wish my little dude had one, too.
The homemade quilts really are a great gift for kids. They last forever.
Twitter: MamaWantsThis
says:
You are a sweet, sweet soul, Jessica. Love these heartfelt posts from you.
Quilting is so special, I wish I knew how to. My mother-in-law made one for my son, I’m gonna make sure he treasures it!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..I’m Not Just A Stay-At-Home Mom
Thank you Alison. Maybe one day you can learn to quilt. It is a great hobby.
Twitter: elainea
says:
Oh wow, I’m so glad you’re carrying on her legacy.
Interesting that I have an Aunt that I was so very close to that also passed away from cancer about 6 years ago. I teared up reading this, thinking of our Aunts… xo
Elaine recently posted..Nicknames I promise your kids don’t have…
I’m sorry for you loss. It’s terrible to lose family members, especially when they are close.
Twitter: carribrown
says:
I loved this post and I’m sure your aunt is proud that you are carrying on her legacy by doing something she loved so much.
Carri recently posted..UGGs Are What’s Wrong With America
I’m sure she is too. She loved quilting and I’m doing my best to follow in her footsteps although Twitter does take up a lot of my time.
so sweet and touching. every baby does deserve a blanket especially when it’s made with love. my son’s favorite blankets are the ones made for him.
Cam – Bibs & Baubles recently posted..Target Does it Again – Denizen Review
My favorite blankets for my kids are the handmade ones as well.
Twitter: kiddothings
says:
What a lovely memory of your aunt. It’s wonderful that you’ve chosen to carry on that quilting tradition in memory of her. Perhaps your daughters may one day learn how to quilt from you too.
I hope to teach them one day.
how lovely when something is done out of love..and in memory of someone special. I can’t quilt for nuts. haha.. perhaps you can do one on tips soon.
martha recently posted..More book reviews
There are many skills you possess that I can’t do. Maybe that makes us even.
Twitter: daddyrunsalot
says:
You’re one of the good ones . . . keep it up
John recently posted..Where I set the scene in a work in progress.
Thank you John. I’m doing my best.
Twitter: applesndroses
says:
I always enjoy reading your posts..but it’s extra special when you share these precious things. It’s nice getting to know all these different sides of you. I’m glad that you have something tangible to remember your aunt by. XO
Mirjam recently posted..A gift from the heart
I’m so grateful that she passed her love for quilting down to me. Now I just need to make time for it.
Twitter: sellabitmum
says:
Big hugs my friend. I loved this post and I love my aunts so much.
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..I Like Target – If a Two Year Old Wrote a Jingle
Thank you! I miss my Aunt everyday but I’m very happy for the time I had with her.
This is so sweet. I’m sure that she’s so proud of you for continuing to quilt.
Xoxo
Kimberly recently posted..How Can I Help You?
Thank you! I’m sure she is too.
Twitter: Twinisms
says:
That has to be the best gifts you could ever give someone. Thanks for sharing the sweet story.
Bridget recently posted..How To Be A Blogger
Hopefully I can pass this down to my kids.
Twitter: MissMarinaStar
says:
I think it’s great that you are continuing her tradition. What a wonderful way to carry on a person’s memory. I am also impressed with how walking by those tubs makes you smile. You seem so happy just to have a part of her, instead of stressed out about not having used all the fabric yet. Teach me to be like that…seriously. It’s beautiful.
Miss Marina Star recently posted..First Guest Post…EVER!
It will take me forever to use all the fabric and that’s okay. I want to use it on special quilts for loved ones instead of making them just to make.
Thank you for sharing this and for continuing her memory by quilting. I miss her too and it means so much to me and my kids that you have created these wonderful gifts. I am so happy that she passed her love of quilting on to you so now my kids have something special to share with their Auntie like we got to share with ours. I love you sister!
Hopefully I will have Fozzie’s done by Christmas so I can continue to hold my status of good Auntie.
Twitter: mommakiss
says:
oh girl.
i love quilting, haven’t done it in a while. I made quilts for 2 friend’s babies, but none for my own. Sigh. It’s so therapeutic, I wish I had more time.
MommaKiss recently posted..Awareness
I didn’t know you quilted too. I saw the scarf you made and I was impressed. I always have my mom make my scarves. Cheaper than having to buy them myself.
Thanks for sharing. What beautiful memories. I’m sure your aunt would be so happy.
Nicole at the Boy House recently posted..So THIS is why people love the fall.
Thank you Nicole!
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
What a beautiful post, Jessica. My mom used to quilt before her stroke. Thank you for sharing.
I’m sorry to hear about her stroke but at least she had some time to quilt before it happened.
Twitter: elenawollborg
says:
That is so very sweet. I knew that you quilted, but I never knew the story behind it. That’s really cool that you do it in her honor. Now that we know how good you are with the sewing machine, maybe you could make our matching bedazzled shirts for Blissdom. I used to sew but I can never get the machine started – the threading part. So, now we can skype & sew! I can feel your excitement.
Elena recently posted..MIITO’s in British Columbia
So you want to Skype with me while I eat dinner and while I sew? I can handle those but if you ask to go in the bathroom with me I’m going to have to change my number.
I can start working on the pimp cup designs for our Blissdom bedazzled shirts.
Twitter: NorthWestMommy
says:
I love how you associate quilting with the love for your Aunt.
Stasha recently posted..Walkabout
Thank you Stasha. She really was a special person in my life.
I am so sorry for your loss. This is a craft I didn’t know you could do. I am here to help you in anyway
Leighann recently posted..When You Turn 31…
I’ve only told a few people about my special crafty skills. I’m like an onion, I have many layers.
This is such a wonderful way to remember her and someting she loved.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Passing Down Costumes Cousin to Cousin
Thank you! It’s the best gift I can give my loved ones while still cherishing her memory.
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
I’m so glad you get to remember your aunt in this way. I know she’s so proud of you for carrying on the tradition!
Natalie recently posted..Almost Wordless Wednesday: Apple Pickin’
Thank you! I’m so happy she taught me this skill.
I think quilting is awesome. My grandmother made all of her grandkids quilts and I cherish mine so much. I think of how much love went into those quilts and I am grateful she cultivated that talent.
Marie@feedingfive recently posted..My hood
Quilts are very special. A lot of time and love go into them and they really do last a lifetime.
Twitter: livingthescream
says:
What a sweet story. There is nothing like a home made blanket. I do not know how to quilt but greatly admire anyone who can. It looks so hard.
Quilting to me is really more about time and patience, everything has to be done just right so it lines up correctly. That’s my hardest part with it. I always tend to rush.
Twitter: chicktuition
says:
This is a really great way to remember someone you love so much! I love quilts and I think it’s really cool that you know how to make them…I’m slightly jealous. Your aunt was right. Every baby should have a new blanket and everyone else should have one to cuddle up on the sofa with…I’m glad you share her determination.
jacqui recently posted..Be Careful What You Wish For…
When you get jealous do your feathers turn green or do they just ruffle up a bit? Just kidding.
Quilts are the perfect companion on cold nights when cuddled up on the couch spending time with Twitter.
—Jessica,
I hope you do this. I’d love to see the finished project! What an excellent way to keep one’s memory Alive. X
My Inner Chick recently posted..8 Things I loath and Love About Blogs
I’ve got a couple quilts that I’m working on right now. I’ll share pictures when I’m done.
Twitter: grumpygrateful
says:
Thank you for sharing this story. What a wonderful tradition you carry on. The blanket and quilts I’ve gotten from people have been some of my very favorite gifts.
The homemade blankets were always my favorite gifts for my kids.
Twitter: MotherhoodnMe
says:
So sweet and such a great way to have your aunt’s memory live on. SO sorry for you loss Jessica.
Thank you Sue.
Twitter: nicholebeaudry
says:
What an amazing tribute to your aunt.
Such a heartbreaking story…so sorry your aunt lost her battle.
That you quilt because of her is so lovely.
Nichole recently posted..Autumn and Joy
Thank you Nichole. She really did fight as long as she could. I’m so grateful to her for passing this skill on to me.
What a beautiful thing to do to honor her memory.
Quilting is a skill I wish I had.
Shell recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: A Frightening Parenting Moment
It takes a lot of time and patience but in the end it’s worth it to give a beautiful quilt to a new baby.
I’ve made a couple of quilts but nothing like the beautiful ones where you cut lots of small squares.
It’s great that you’ve kept up the family tradition of quilting…. are you going to teach the girls?
Jackie recently posted..Mom Fail?
I wish I had pictures of all the quilts I’ve made to share. Some have been really fun. I’ll teach my girls as long as they want to learn.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
What a beautiful thing to carry on. Those are really lovely quilts, Jessica!
Robin @ Farewell, Stranger recently posted..Impromptu Gratitude List, v1
Thank you Robin!
If I can get my act together I’ll be sending one to Mama Track for her new baby and I’ll post pictures so everyone can see.
This made me tear up :*) What a lovely, beautiful tribute to your Aunt.
I feel that way about knitting….my MIL started teaching me to knit a year before she died. I didn’t get to learn everything I wanted–she became too ill–and for awhile, I could NOT knit without crying. Now it’s something that makes me feel closer to her.
And as for quilting, I’m the quilter in the family and making quilts for everyone has been something very important to me. I have more patterns and fabric than I can probably ever make in this lifetime but it’s something I want to pass down to my kids and theirs.
Thank you for such a lovely post! (Saw your comment on Scary Mommy)
thecraftyangel recently posted..Welcome to The Crafty Angel!
I’m sorry you didn’t get to learn all you wanted from your MIL but at least you know have a bond with her when you do knit.
I have more quilting supplies than I think I’ll ever be able to use but I’m going to do my best to make sure all the babies in my family are covered with quilts.
Twitter: mommysparadise
says:
I love your aunt’s philosophy that every person needs a quilt to cuddle up with on the couch and every baby needs a blanket. And knowing a craft like quilting is a beautiful way to always remember your aunt.
Mommy’s Paradise recently posted..Did I really put an end to the screeching habit?
Everyone should have their own special blanket and I’m so glad that my aunt passed this belief on to me.
What a wonderful way to keep alive her memory. And, what a beauty tribute. My grandmother is a quilter, too and in her earlier years, she would craft beautiful quilts for me and my siblings. I always said as a teenager that one day I’d spend the time with her to learn how to quilt, but never did. She’s now 90+ and unable to use her hands to quilt, however, I would like to eventually learn the art just to keep that memory of her alive.
Jessica recently posted..She’s here! (We’re making it work)
I’m sorry to hear you weren’t able to learn from your grandmother. Maybe you could watch some videos online or take some classes and learn how to quilt on your own so you can continue to make quilts.
Twitter: mommyneedsvaca
says:
What a sweet post Jessica!!! I can’t believe you know how to quilt. I don’t even know how to sew a flippin’ button back on anything.
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation recently posted..What You Should Never Ask Your Spouse
I’ve been sewing buttons on for years. They stay in place but my skills aren’t that pretty when it comes to clothes.
Awwww, that is a wonderfully sweet post. What a great mission of hers!
Runnermom-jen recently posted..Moments
Thank you Jen! I loved her mission and am doing my best to continue it.
Twitter: Postpartumom5
says:
Aww, that’s so sweet! It’s good that you had somebody to teach you how to sew, I’m jealous of your relationship
If you do start quilting more, I would like to see them.
MangoChutney recently posted..A Big Contradiction
I typically do more quilting in the winter so there should be some upcoming posts with pictures of my creations. Fingers crossed.
I’m sorry about your aunt, but it’s so nice that you can carry her quilting legacy along. Handmade gifts really are wonderful and priceless.
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..Life’s Lessons: The Quiet Edition
Handmade gifts are always my favorites.
Twitter: tatterscoops
says:
Oooh Jessica, this gave me goosebumps and brought me to tears. Your words just oozes so much love. I’m so sorry for your loss. This is a truly heartfelt beautiful post to remember her. Thank you for sharing your memory.
Maureen | Tatter Scoops recently posted..Blog Envy
Thank you Maureen. I miss my aunt everyday but I’m so happy I have quilting to remember her by.
Twitter: PampersandPinot
says:
What an adorable picture! I am now on my second ever quilt. I am a beginner and so I have puckerings and such that I try to avoid, but they always seem to be there!
Kristy @PampersandPinot recently posted..My Kind of Kids
I’ve been quilting for years and I’m still trying to get the corners to match up on my pieces. The best advice I can give you is take your time, don’t rush it.
This is a very loving written post. Thank you for sharing it with us, Jessica. I love that you inherited your aunt’s supplies and find so much joy in quilting in her memory.
Please post some photos of your quilts!
I don’t even know how to sew.
Tonya recently posted..The Hole In My Heart
I can’t find any pictures of quilts I’ve made in the past but when I finish the quilts I’m working on now I’ll post the pictures.
Twitter: dosweatthesmall
says:
Is there anything you CANNOT do, woman? lol
Those quilts are gorgeous! I think your aunt was right! Everyone needs a quilt; it’s such a special, personal thing to have… Your aunt sounded like a special woman, indeed. xo
Sweaty recently posted..On Worrying: a Guest-Post by Katie of Chicken Noodle Gravy
I can’t control my 2 year old. Although right about now I would give anything to be to possess this skill.
I love her idea that every baby should have a blanket. So, so sweet.
I also love how you might have a tough exterior, but you’re a big ol’ baby, just like me.
Julie @ mamamash recently posted..Let’s go visiting!
Just don’t tell anyone that I’m really a softie. It would ruin my reputation.
Oh my goodness! What a great blog. I’m glad you linked to it most recently, I’m trying to clean out a months worth of missed reading in my reader right now.
I LOVE quilts! It’s so cool that you can do it, I would love to see some pictures of your work.
I will be posting some pictures soon of some quilts I’m working on.
Twitter: juliefromotown
says:
this is a great post Jessica! so touching, i hope you still find the time to go back and work on some more of these projects – would love to see some of them. Your Aunt was right! and she would be so proud of you
julie recently posted..wordless wednesday