My Grandmother's Quilt

One of the things on my bucket list was to finish a quilt I had started.  I had it all pieced together but I just could not do the finishing portion.  I loved the quilting---even though my friend kept telling me my stitches were too big.  I enjoyed the piecing too-- creating the perfect design based on my color palette but I couldn't finish it.  Maybe if I had the right set up I could have done it.  I kept that quilt for about ten years and finally, when we were moving I put it in the Goodwill bag.  I am sad I didn't finish it so that I could have a quilt that could become an heirloom for one of the grandchildren.  But what I have is even better!  I have my grandmother's quilt.
My Aunt gave me a quilt years ago that she says my grandmother made.  I never knew her as she died before my mother was even an adult.  It is absolutely beautiful and I see it every day as we have hung it on a wall in our home (we researched how to hang an heirloom quilt, mind you, and have taken care in hanging it).  The pattern is likely Grandma's Flower Garden and was most popular after 1925 but is traced back to the 1700's in England.  Many quilts that have survived from the 1930-1940's are this pattern.
In addition to this quilt, I have a puff quilt my mother made in around 1970.  That quilt is made of left over material from my younger sister's dresses.  The weird thing, is that quilt is falling apart.  My guess is the quality of thread used at the time did not withstand like the thread from the 30's!  I must see about getting it restored so that it too, can become an heirloom for my grandchildren.
I love hand made quilts and am always on the lookout for a great quilt, in good condition that I can actually use!  So many are ripped or worn thin and if I find one in good condition, I cannot afford it!  I would love to find an old Amish quilt in the beautiful colors and patterns they enjoy using.  I prefer hand sewn, hand pieced quilts.  There's just something beautiful about all the small, neat stitches and the time it took someone to cut, piece, quilt and finish the work of art that gives me joy.
I am so grateful I have Leda's quilt-- it is the only thing I have of hers and someday, one of the grandchildren will have it.  I hope they will cherish it as much as I do.