Most children have a favorite blanket or toy that follows them through their early years. Some only feel the need for a few years. Others will have it on their bed, at least, into teen years.
This is something familiar to comfort them when the challenges of being a child seem overwhelming. This helps them fall asleep, overcome fears, and simply make them feel good.
I made small patchwork quilts for each of my grandchildren at their births. These were of the Rail Fence Design…blue, white, and yellow for Kara and green, white, and yellow for Alex. (Kara was four years old when Alex was born; we have photos of her helping me finish it.)
Kara used hers for many years and now has it packed away. Alex’s has become very worn, so that their mom has patched and re-patched it, front and back. Finally the back couldn’t be patched any more, so she put on a completely new one, using fabric that matched his pajamas.
(Read about this blankie and see pictures at her blog: http://meanderingthreads.blogspot.com )
I never imagined when I made these crib quilts for my grandchildren that they’d become so treasured. It seems I was carrying on a tradition. My grandmother made my brothers, my sister, and I bed-sized patchwork quilts (with me, at 8-years old) helping her. I was so pleased when I discovered my mother had saved mine.
©2006 Mary Emma Allen
(Mary Emma Allen lives with her family in a multigenerational household in New Hampshire. Visit her other quilting web site: www.quiltingandpatchwork.com )
Friday, March 31, 2006
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