My mothers' name was Alice. Thinking of her reminds me of a wonderful movie from years ago; It's still on TV sometimes around Mother's Day - "I Remember Mama" - about a Swedish family who had migrated to the US and living in New York in the 1930s. The story is simple, everyday life involving 3 children, parents, aunts and uncles, but the message it sends is heartwarming. The mother and main character played by Irene Dunne has incredible emotional strength and "moxie" - the kind of mom many haved wished for or have been lucky enough to have. I fit into the latter.
My mom was a single parent and I was an only child so we leaned on each other a lot. It was 24 years ago today that my mom passed away from breast cancer. She was 71 and left us too soon. She gave me with a lifetime of wonderful memories and I miss her still. I think of all the things I would say if I could have her back for just one day.
She loved, loved to sew and started on her sewing journey at a very young age. It continued throughout her life. One of my fondest memories was sitting next to her, watching her use the machine and wishing I could be sitting there. The spark for my love of sewing had begun.
Although there was nothing she couldn't make, to my knowledge this yoyo quilt is the only quilt she ever made. She started it when she was 10, don't know when it was finished.
I pulled it out the other day thinking I need to mend this and then keep it out. How lucky I am to have this.
There is some deterioration of some of the yoyos and I know I can take the yellow yoyos from the border to replace the worn ones here and there. But that would mess up the border; I've never attempted anything like this and don't know if one adds a new vintage looking fabric or works with what is there. I guess it's a matter of personal choice but right now I don't have a clue.
My mom gave me a love for so many things but my love of sewing has brought me so much joy and opportunities over my lifetime, for that I'm forever grateful.
My mothers' name was Alice - a beautiful lady both inside and out. Thank you for everything.
What a lovely post and honor to your mother! AND I remember watching 'I remember mama'!!!! OMG...I forgot all about that show!! I just found a Youtube on it!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikrM5zjA2d8
ReplyDeleteThanks for the memory and thanks for sharing such lovely memory about your mother!
Robbie, it was always one of my favorite movies..I still shed some tears when I get to watch it.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story Judy…….such good memories….
ReplyDeleteDon't know what fabric and quilt experts would advise, but I'd want to keep it as original as possible. It's not going to be for use, just show, right? I'd probably take some chiffon or sturdy organza and sandwich those deteriorated pieces within that. Keeps the original fabric but still holds the pieces together.
ReplyDeleteKathy, that's a wonderful idea...I never would have thought of using a sheer...thanks
DeleteBeautiful story, and beautiful quilt. I have never restored a quilt and I think it really depends on your intentions for it. Adding fabrics would make it the most durable and may add to it's character and story for future generations. And you may be able to find some true vintage fabrics that are similar.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute. My Mother left a year ago tomorrow. You have reminded me I have some of her unfinished work as well. Don't you just love those old fabrics? Found you at Nina Marie Creations
ReplyDeleteMy mother's name was Alice too. She was an only child of Swedish immigrants. She died last year at 93..She fell out of her wheelchair and broke her neck on the way to lunch bunch...she was clear minded..but impatient. Her hairstyle looks just like your mother's. Your story is lovely as is the quilt. My mother never sewed..She was a poet. Not many people have a mother named Alice...hugs to you. I love the happy yellow in this quilt. Enjoy your memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you...I do love the quilt and feel lucky to have it. My middle name is Alice which I'm also happy about...wasn't as a child growing up, but now I love it!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful post, Judy. I can just feel your love for your mom. She is luck to have such a nice daughter, too!
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