Monday, March 16, 2009

Doll Quilt

Please come with me as I take a short walk down memory lane. Recently, when sorting through a box of things given to me by my sister, I found a little doll quilt that my mother made for us. Seeing it flooded me with a multitude of emotions and memories. Imperfect and random, this quilt reminds me of my childhood and my mother. Mom always had a project in hand and when sister and I were children, those projects usually represented something she was making for us --- a doll dress, a blanket or quilt, or things for us to wear. Just as antique quilts are dated by fabric choices, I can date this little quilt from my own memory bank. I recognize most of these fabrics as scraps from dresses made by my "second mother", Auntie Joyce. From this analysis, I can date this quilt at about forty-some years old. Who'd have thought in those days that this many years later it would carry me back to those childhood memories, of mom and Auntie Joyce --- the important women in my life. They were the ones who helped form me into the person I am today, presenting values, ideals, and teaching lessons that remain to this day. Each vastly different, yet friends who represented similar core values and then imparted them on to me.

And all this from my little doll quilt. . .

14 comments:

  1. What a delightful little doll quilt. How wonderful to relive such sweet childhood memories.

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  2. What a delightful find! Your doll quilt is so sweet and such a treasure! What a blessing to be flooded with happy memories.
    Our sweet girl plays with her Barbies - dressing them in fine soft handknits that my Nanny lovingly made for my sister and I! They bring back so many memories - all good! They are by far the most modest clothes our modern day Barbie owns, and quite fashionable - even all these years later!

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  3. Treasured gifts are so priceless.

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  4. It's a lovely quilt and I'm glad that you found it again and along with it all these memories. Thank you for sharing them with us.

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  5. What a blessing! esp. to have the memories of women who took the time to teach you values and ideals that would carry you through your life. Have a great day!

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  6. What a special treasure. But more treasured are your memories. Your post is beautiful and I think it's time for me to get out my little doll trunk and enjoy again some of the handmade treasures my dear mother carefully stitched for my dolls. Thanks for sharing and thank you for the reminder of days long past. ~Adrienne~

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  7. What a sweet story - thank you!

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  8. What a treasure! I think the older we get the more sentimental we are. I love your story and it always amazed me at the memories that come back when we are reminded! Such a sweet little quilt and darling bear!

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  9. What a lovely doll quilt! I'm so happy it recalled such wonderful memories for you. Thank you for sharing it.

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  10. Beautiful LaDonna, what a precious quilt. I loved to read the story.

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  11. such a precious prompter of sweet memories.

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  12. Anonymous2:16 PM

    Thank you my dear for sharing this and the memories. Those were long ago days, And yet, the memories seem more precious. I too learned from your Mom--it's a good thing to have a project, to share time and the thrill of the little things made meaningful.

    I owe much in way of memories to you, your Mom and Dad, and your sister. Glory to God for friends who last a lifetime.

    I love you,

    Auntie Joyce

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  13. Thank you, Auntie Joyce --- I'm so glad you were able to read what I had to say about the influence you've been on my life.

    Love always,
    LaTeaDah

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