TH's parents were just here for a visit, and they brought with them the wedding quilt TH's mom Helen has been working on pretty much every day since our wedding, almost 3 years ago. It is a completely hand sewn and quilted king size appliqued Hawaiian quilt. Every tiny stitch, which creates all that gorgeous texture was put in meticulously by hand. Is it the most gorgeous quilt you have ever seen, or what?
The inside top corner has a hand embroidered inscription which reads: "For Rebecca and Tom with love from Mom, August 31, 2008 completed March 4, 2011, Helen Hutten, Awa'wa Maluhia, the last of which is the name of the quilt in Hawaiian, which means "peaceful valley."
This is truly an amazing, and a little bit overwhelming gift. When TH and I chose this design we had no idea how labor intensive it was going to be, and neither did Helen. I'm sure there were many moments over the last two years where she was having serious second thoughts about taking on this endeavor, but she persevered, and we are extremely appreciative of her efforts, and not a little amazed. We were also in a very different place in our life back in 2008, just a carefree childless couple living in the city, but now seeing that expanse of snowy white fabric a little bit gives me palpitations.
So now we are facing the challenge of how to use and enjoy it without damaging it. This is an heirloom which demands to be preserved and passed down, but it seems a shame to keep it safely hidden away as well. But with the lifestyle we have now, what with a sticky fingered toddler and a large hairy farm dog with the occasional propensity to chew on fabric, what should we do? Right now I am thinking this way: hopefully this quilt will last for a hundred years, so perhaps putting it carefully away for the few years that we have a young family is the smart thing to do? What do you think? What do you all do with your heirlooms? I'd love to hear.
That is so stunning! Wow. WOW! I was going to say to hang it but I think you'd need to hang it from the ceiling to keep sticky fingers away:)
ReplyDeleteThat is AMAZING! We have a 100 pound Bernese Mountain dog in bed with us, so I envy anyone with nice bedding! Absolutely a gorgeous work of art!
ReplyDeleteOh my GOODNESS! That is incredible! It's absolutely beautiful. I was thinking hang it on the wall? It would be such a shame to put it away. Amazing work. I am in awe.
ReplyDeleteI'm back to tell you that I'm still gazing at it! It IS seriously the most gorgeous quilt I think I've ever seen!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for Helen to see all these wonderful comments! She is busy today driving the last leg from Vermont home to Chicago, but hopefully she will see them tonight!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of hanging it on the wall, I wonder how one does that without damaging the quilt. Anyone know?
Hang it. For sure. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is totally amazing. I am going to go against everyone else here and say that I think you should use it as a summer quilt and safely store it for the rest of each year. Hanging it on the wall will still make it susceptible to fading and other light-induced damage and dust and insect frass (i.e. bug poop) will also be more of an issue than if you use it part of the year and store it the rest. I was also given a handmade quilt by a friend when I left Boston and I use it year round. It is not white, but it does get covered in cat furs and gets the occasion snag as well. But I love getting into bed with it and thinking about the person that made it for me. However, If you decide to go with hanging it let me know - I can give you lots of info on how to do this in a way that will minimize damage.
ReplyDeletethis quilt is beyond stunning. i mean, seriously, i had no idea quilts could be this elegant and just breathtaking. i too understand the sticky toddler/dirty dog dilemna but really, life is too short to hide something like this away. think about how happy you will be coming to bed every night and seeing that quilt. somebody above suggested using this as your summer quilt....that's a great idea. that way it's not the full wear and tear of everyday life and will help you celebrate summer that much more when you pull it out of the closet each year.
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