Monday, August 29, 2011

Celebrating Tasha Tudor



Yesterday was Tasha Tudor Day!  Although I remembered it all day long, I didn't have time to post because we were helping our adult children move.  Things are still very busy around here, but in honor of Tasha Tudor, I would like to repost something I wrote about Tasha Tudor several years ago.  Here it is:


For Tasha Tudor day I wanted to do something that would celebrate something about Tasha's life. I thought of gardens and flowers; children's books; and art. I thought of tea and old-fashioned things. But I decided to focus upon some of Tasha's handiwork and celebrate her special day by concentrating on old quilts. Tasha was an artist not only with brush, pen, and pencil --- but with her needle as well. Stitchery of some sort was a common part of her daily life. So --- I set out to visit my friend, Paula, and to see the antique quilts she'd recently brought back to her shop after her trip to the 'longest yard sale' in Tennessee and Kentucky. We had a lovely time, setting up her antique quilts on an old trunk; over a railing on the back porch; and on the front porch bench --- and taking pictures of them. We examined patterns, fabrics, and simply appreciated them. Although they are very old and some are worn, each has an individual beauty that is expressed even more deeply by the wearing of the fibers. Each has a story and was part of a life of someone and their loved ones during a time in the past. Sixty or seventy years of experiences are worn into the very heart of each one. Each is a precious keepsake; a treasure to even those who know not the stories each quilt represents, but to those who choose to become the keeper of the memory's unknown.




The quilt Tasha Tudor was working on when this book about her handiwork and craft projects was published was called Yankee Pride. I wonder if she ever finished it. It sounds like it was an ongoing project. She stated that "before I leave earth, I intend to finish my quilt --- you can count on it." For more than a decade, it was an ongoing project. For some reason that brings me much comfort (I have a quilt that I'm hand-quilting and hope to complete by the time a decade is up myself. I was feeling quite slow. . .but maybe it's the way quilting should be. . .soothing, relaxing, and something to do peacefully over time.)




"cold enough at night to make forced bulbs content"

Of course Bucky Bo-Jangles didn't want to be left out of the quilt experience. He's the most curious little thing! While I was taking pictures of Tasha's quilt --- he was climbing the chair and working hard at not being left out of things. So, here you go, a picture of the little guy as he's up to much mischief! Needle sharp claws! Maybe I should have him finish my quilting project!

9 comments:

  1. I also cherish Tasha Tudor's memory. She seemed to live a busy productive life with a peace to be envied. I have the book you mentioned but had overlooked the number of years need to truly produce a fine quilt. Thank you for our lovely site and the sweet memories.

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  2. Hello I found your post while I was roaming ;-)
    I enjoyed your tribute about Tasha Tudor.
    I liked your thoughts about the Quilt hmmm I am wondering now too if she indeed finished it?
    I certainly have projects I would like to think will be finished before I am off to Bula Land! Hee
    I enjoyed my visit!
    I think I shall come along and follow :-D
    Many Blessings Linnie

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  3. Oh what a cutie pie!

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  4. Nice blog. I am now reading up on Tasha. It seems I have been hearing a lot about her in the last 2 weeks. Love your kitty...Too sweet!

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  5. Well, any post about a quilt gets an A+++++ from me! Loved it. Happy belated TTD. It's a great way to remember Tasha.
    Love, Linda

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  6. We miss you Tasha.:)Lovely post LaDonna.

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  7. A very happy Tasha Tudor Day to you! You have a lovely blog :) I am a lover of Tasha as well :) I hope she did finish that quilt!~

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  8. I know I already read this, but must have not left a comment. Love your sharing on Tasha Tudor and seeing the sweet Bucky Bo-Jangles. I always loved all the pioneer crafts that Tasha did. She definitely has some interesting stories.

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  9. Bucky-Bo Jangles...could he be any cuter. Love his little matching bell!!

    I am trying my hand at hand quilting. Still struggling a bit (and my thumb is sore from repeated stabbings)...not sure I am made for quilting (yet).


    Kimmie
    mama to 8
    one homemade and 7 adopted

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