Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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Family Christmas Quilt

Family Quilt

This may be my simplest Christmas quilt, but it is the one I would grab if the house was on fire.  The pattern is common as dirt and the fabrics are just all the Christmas fabrics that were available at the time I made the quilt top–about ten years ago. 

At the time I made the quilt I was sewing regularly with a group that met one Sunday a month.  "Banish the UFOs" was the name of the group.  It still meets regularly, but alas, I now live to far away to attend.  The leader of the group is Bev Stookey, a wonderful red head that has been teaching quilting for decades.  "You can get it done with Bev" is how her group is advertised by the shop that sponsors it.  I loved this sewing group.  I felt like I had really "arrived" when I walked in the door.  "Nicole!  How ARE you?" or "Kate!  What's new?" or "Irene!  Is that the bag you made?"  the women would chorus.  And they were really interested to catch up on everyone's latest news.  Gosh I miss them.

When anyone showed up who wasn't a "regular" it was usually because they had some quilting project that had gotten bogged down, and they needed the help of Bev (the expert) to get it finished.  No matter how wonderful or how terrible the quilting projects were, they were received with equal praise and encouragement.  The young mother who had started a baby quilt four years earlier, and now wanted to finish the quilt for her third child.  The Indian woman who made at least 10 Attic Windows quilts, one after the other.  The woman who did the incredible applique quilt seven years ago who just couldn't decide on a border.  The grandmother who was working on a very complicated piecing project, who had lost her pattern instructions.  Even the woman who was working on a ghastly purple and pink Hawaiian applique quilt.  She was using a crummy cheap sheet to back the quilt and always just wadded up the project into a tote bag at the end of the session.  No respect for her art or her materials.  But she was welcomed, asked how she could be helped, and encouraged in her project.

Yes, I loved sewing with those gals.  Bev, the instructor, always made sure that each newcomer was included in all conversations, participated in "Sew and Tell" and was roundly complimented on her fabric choice, workmanship, creativity, or persistence.  Her gracious spirit rubbed off on the rest of the class, and we all followed her example.

I made a lot of quilts while I was a regular in that group.  But this one stands out for a number of reasons.

One, several of the gals in the group were making the same quilt, only using different types of fabrics.  One did hers in all florals, and another did a version in a gazillion different fall leaf prints.  And I did mine in Christmas fabrics.  No matter what fabric was used, each quilt turned out gorgeous and was completely unique.

Two, Bev taught this quilt in a class, but was always happy to help us out even if we hadn't signed up for her class.  Shhhh, don't tell.  She was super generous with her time and her help.

Three, Bev had a small quilting business on the side, and she was the one who quilted this for me.

But most important, after I got this quilt home, I decided it was going to be the Reed Family Christmas Quilt.   I did not make this decision right away, but just started using the quilt on my bed during the holidays.  After I got my Brain Flash to make it a family treasure,  I sewed a huge label on the back where each person who slept under the quilt during their holiday visits to my house could sign their name and date it.  When this label fills up, I will add another one.  Hopefully the quilt will get passed down through the generations like a family bible and be a true treasure.

Hey, I think I just answered my question as to which quilt should go on the bed in the guest room this year.  That could be really good luck.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Label

 

86 responses to “Family Christmas Quilt”

  3. Another great quilt – but an even better story. I love the idea of having people sign it – what a treasure!

  4. Another great quilt – but an even better story. I love the idea of having people sign it – what a treasure!

  5. I have that pattern too, and yes, I have had it a long time, but just last week I pulled it out and considered it again. It was fun to make. Your’s is a pretty Christmas version.

  6. I have that pattern too, and yes, I have had it a long time, but just last week I pulled it out and considered it again. It was fun to make. Your’s is a pretty Christmas version.

  9. Lovely quilt! I think I’d like to make one, next year. I may make it in soft, romantic colors. How big are the sashings?
    That is a very nice story to go with it.

  10. Lovely quilt! I think I’d like to make one, next year. I may make it in soft, romantic colors. How big are the sashings?
    That is a very nice story to go with it.

  11. I think you’re going to need a bigger label with all the names that will be on there! I love your story, I love your quilt and what a wonderful idea!! Thanks for sharing Nicole! Nancy in WI

  12. I think you’re going to need a bigger label with all the names that will be on there! I love your story, I love your quilt and what a wonderful idea!! Thanks for sharing Nicole! Nancy in WI

  13. I absolutely adore the idea of the label and everyone signing it. The quilt it self is my favorite so far, probably because of the simplicity. But the label, wow that just makes it super cool.

  14. I absolutely adore the idea of the label and everyone signing it. The quilt it self is my favorite so far, probably because of the simplicity. But the label, wow that just makes it super cool.

  23. Beautiful quilt. My wish for you is to have the entire back of the quilt filled with signature labels.

  24. Beautiful quilt. My wish for you is to have the entire back of the quilt filled with signature labels.

  27. What a great story. Bev was my first quilting teacher, and she later went on to own The Laurel Leaf qs in San Carlos. I moved away and have always wondered what she was doing now that the store is owned by someone else. She is a great teacher. I have many fond memories of her from way back in the day that she was teaching templates! Thanks for stirring those memories.
    Barbara

  28. What a great story. Bev was my first quilting teacher, and she later went on to own The Laurel Leaf qs in San Carlos. I moved away and have always wondered what she was doing now that the store is owned by someone else. She is a great teacher. I have many fond memories of her from way back in the day that she was teaching templates! Thanks for stirring those memories.
    Barbara

  31. I’m really enjoying all of your Christmas quilt posts…thanks so much…there’s always things to think about and your memories trigger thoughts I’ve had about sewing groups…and I love the label idea!

  32. I’m really enjoying all of your Christmas quilt posts…thanks so much…there’s always things to think about and your memories trigger thoughts I’ve had about sewing groups…and I love the label idea!

  39. I had to cry a bit when I read your description of the ladies in the quilting group. It took me years to find a group as warm, caring, and encouraging as the one you described. I am so grateful to have found them at last! The first meeting I went to felt like I had come home.
    Forgot to say, that quilt is really beautiful.

  40. I had to cry a bit when I read your description of the ladies in the quilting group. It took me years to find a group as warm, caring, and encouraging as the one you described. I am so grateful to have found them at last! The first meeting I went to felt like I had come home.
    Forgot to say, that quilt is really beautiful.

  43. I like the quilt, I like the heirloom idea, I like the label-signing idea!
    What a contrast to your other quilt group experience. There is always something postitive that can be said to anyone who is making a quilt and it sounds like Bev knew what to say all the time. What an encourager she was/is. I bet there are a LOT of women out there still quilting because she encouraged them in a low moment or a dry spot.
    More quilts, please!!

  44. I like the quilt, I like the heirloom idea, I like the label-signing idea!
    What a contrast to your other quilt group experience. There is always something postitive that can be said to anyone who is making a quilt and it sounds like Bev knew what to say all the time. What an encourager she was/is. I bet there are a LOT of women out there still quilting because she encouraged them in a low moment or a dry spot.
    More quilts, please!!

  49. Oh WOW Nicole, how cool of an idea is that? I love it….signing the family quilt you sleep under!! Sounds like a wonderful experience with Bev’s (different Bev than myself)class. Have a great day!

  50. Oh WOW Nicole, how cool of an idea is that? I love it….signing the family quilt you sleep under!! Sounds like a wonderful experience with Bev’s (different Bev than myself)class. Have a great day!

  51. What a great story of your former group. I have a group that has been meeting off and on for nine years and we just don’t have that closeness. I don’t know why and it frustrates me. Maybe every group needs a “Bev” to be a cheer leader who binds the group together.
    I LOVE the quilt lable idea. What a family treasure that will be!

  52. What a great story of your former group. I have a group that has been meeting off and on for nine years and we just don’t have that closeness. I don’t know why and it frustrates me. Maybe every group needs a “Bev” to be a cheer leader who binds the group together.
    I LOVE the quilt lable idea. What a family treasure that will be!

  55. That was a good pattern and showed off the fabrics even though it was simple. Sometimes simple is best. I love the label on the quilt… what a great idea!!! Thanks for the story too; it’s so nice to have a group of fellow quilters to share with.

  56. That was a good pattern and showed off the fabrics even though it was simple. Sometimes simple is best. I love the label on the quilt… what a great idea!!! Thanks for the story too; it’s so nice to have a group of fellow quilters to share with.

  63. I would like to import your quilting group to my hometown. I had a negative experience with a quilting group and have never joined another. (Harsh criticism to a new quilter)
    I have absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed your Christmas quilts and all your posts. When your camera was acting up, I wanted to send you one I was selling so your posts and lovely pictures could continue.
    What wonderful memories you will have from the guests signing your quilt! It is a great idea!
    The label I use on my quilts, that is my personal favorite is:
    The best kind of sleep beneath Heaven above
    Is under a quilt, handmade with Love.

  64. I would like to import your quilting group to my hometown. I had a negative experience with a quilting group and have never joined another. (Harsh criticism to a new quilter)
    I have absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed your Christmas quilts and all your posts. When your camera was acting up, I wanted to send you one I was selling so your posts and lovely pictures could continue.
    What wonderful memories you will have from the guests signing your quilt! It is a great idea!
    The label I use on my quilts, that is my personal favorite is:
    The best kind of sleep beneath Heaven above
    Is under a quilt, handmade with Love.

  65. Your quilt is beautiful and I love the story behind it! You should print out what you wrote to keep with the quilt…
    And YES put the quilt in the guest room!! Let us know how it all goes! 🙂
    SheilaC

  66. Your quilt is beautiful and I love the story behind it! You should print out what you wrote to keep with the quilt…
    And YES put the quilt in the guest room!! Let us know how it all goes! 🙂
    SheilaC

  67. What a neat idea to have guests sign the back of the quilt, it’s going to be a family treasure and very loved for many years. I love the quilt and the store is the best.

  68. What a neat idea to have guests sign the back of the quilt, it’s going to be a family treasure and very loved for many years. I love the quilt and the store is the best.

  69. Special Quilt Nicole I love to read your storys What A good idea I must put that Idea of my things to do Mind you that could take forever With the speed I go at LOL.
    Hugs Mary.

  70. Special Quilt Nicole I love to read your storys What A good idea I must put that Idea of my things to do Mind you that could take forever With the speed I go at LOL.
    Hugs Mary.

  71. I love this. I love the story and I love the quilt and I love that you love it. Sometimes we forget to treasure the things we have made ourselves.
    Your teacher sounds like an absolute gem – there should be many more like her.

  72. I love this. I love the story and I love the quilt and I love that you love it. Sometimes we forget to treasure the things we have made ourselves.
    Your teacher sounds like an absolute gem – there should be many more like her.

  73. OH, another wonderful story….I’m going to be so sad when you get through all your Christmas quilts. I’ve enjoyed every post.
    I love that label idea!

  74. OH, another wonderful story….I’m going to be so sad when you get through all your Christmas quilts. I’ve enjoyed every post.
    I love that label idea!

  75. I loved this post! Terrific eye candy with your gorgeous quilt!
    An inspiring story of a great teacher and a supportive class…
    and a really cool label idea! Thanks for this lift today!

  76. I loved this post! Terrific eye candy with your gorgeous quilt!
    An inspiring story of a great teacher and a supportive class…
    and a really cool label idea! Thanks for this lift today!