Mamaw’s Quilt
by tiffburgess
When I was a little girl I spent a lot of my “free time” with my mom’s mother. Mamaw (yes, I am from the South) and I had the best time. We made frequent trips to the Pig, we went on walks, ate Mexican casserole and yellow cake with chocolate icing, and rode around in her big yellow Ford LTD (lovingly referred to as “the banana”). Some of my favorite childhood memories are built around the time we spent together and the things she taught me — I mean this is a woman who could make homemade doughnuts.
Mamaw and I outside our house in Keo. I believe I was in high school when this was taken.
In recent years, Mamaw was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is no longer able to enjoy gardening, cooking or sewing. While I can’t walk into her kitchen today and taste homemade chocolate icing, I am fortunate to have a tangible reminder of her many talents and the essence of who she is in a beautiful handmade quilt.
I just recently got this from my mom, but I already had the perfect place in mind to use it — my guest bed. Mom thinks this is a quilt Mamaw made in the late 70s or early 80s.
The room was looking kind of sad and plain, but the colorful stitched squares remedied that and added charm like nothing I could have bought at Target or Pottery Barn.
For me, decorating with pieces that have a story or connect you with a person or experience is what makes a house a home. British designer William Morris said, “Have nothing in your house which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” The quilt is not only beautiful to the eye, it’s a reminder of Mamaw’s many talents. I hope it is as comfortable to my guests as it is comforting to me. Stay tuned to see the other updates I’m making in this room.
Find It...Fab It! 
I love it! Quilts warm the heart as well as the body. There is something to be said for blankets made by hand, with love. I have made many blankets for my grandbabies and it really gives me joy knowing they are wrapped up in them at night.
Can’t wait to see how this room progresses.
I loved the letter about the quilt. It made me cry. She’s right what a great memory of Oddis to have. I have quilts Mama and Grandma made too. I wouldn’t take anything for them. David feels that way about Mama’s quilts too. Thanks for sending it.
Take care. Evie
This just warms the heart and soul! Thanks for sharing, I love it.
Tiff I have quilts my mother & grandmother made….I didn’t know the younger generation felt the same way about such things….I can remmeber the quilting frame at Mom’s and watching those nimble little fingers make the tiny stiches…I tried to quilt with them, but could never get my stiches small as they did. Hang on to your great Memories….xoxoxo