Emily’s Grandma Quilt

Emily’s Grandma Quilt now used as a headboard in her Dublin home, Emily’s Grandma on her Wedding Day- she is the beautiful lady pictured in the centre.

How to make an American Quilt? It’s a good question, right?  Well, I found out from the very lovely Emily Westbrooks of the blog From China Village. I discovered Emily’s blog just over a year ago and happened upon a surprising and interesting view of Dublin- from the eyes of an American girl getting to know Ireland and her new hometown. She originally hails from a place in Maine, USA called China village (great name eh?) and has lived in Dublin for over five years with her husband Michael.

In her blog she writes about her experiences, adventures and love of Dublin- the city, its spaces, secret places and its people.  She also writes about fun DIY projects and the Delightful Dublin tours she gives throughout the city. Its a very special blog and interesting read for any Dublinophiles out there!

It will be no surprise then to hear that Emily has in her home the quintessential American textile- the patchwork quilt! This is the ultimate heirloom handed down through generations and made with love. As part of my History Dress series I am always fascinated to hear stories of garments and textiles being handed down through the generations and the stories they tell. When I asked Emily if she had a textile that told a story her Grandma’s quilts immediately sprung to mind. I’ll let Emily tell you the full story in her own words…

Ruaruth: Tell me about your patchwork quilt?

Emily: My grandmother has always had patchwork quilts like this one (pictured above) on each of the beds in her house. When I was in college, I realized what a treat it would be to have one – and to have a collection of those memories for a long time to come. I mentioned I’d like one only a few times before she gifted me one, I think for a birthday or Christmas. Since then, my sister and a few cousins have asked for and received quilts as well. We affectionately refer to them in our family as ‘Grandma quilts’.

Ruaruth: What was it about the quilts which first attracted you?

Emily: From the time I was a baby, my mother and grandmother have always made my siblings and I clothes, doll’s outfits, and later tablecloths and napkins and place-mats. Each birthday usually meant I would receive a gift that was handmade by one of them. For my most recent birthday, my Grandmother made me the coolest vest and a little matching backpack! (See pictured below) It even has buttons from a coat she made my mother when she was small, and my grandmother actually even made my wedding dress. Because of all of these handmade pieces over the years, a patchwork quilt that incorporated all of the fabrics of my life was a really special idea. My favorite part about the quilt is getting to see bits that remind me of all those lovely handmade items from my childhood. Of course, now that I live so far from home, it’s nice to have a reminder of my family that I can see every day.

Ruaruth: What era is the quilt from or what eras do you think the fabrics are from?

Emily: The pieces of fabric are from the last thirty years although some pieces could be older.

Ruaruth: When did you last use it on your bed?

Emily: The quilt has actually never been used on a bed! To me, it’s too special for everyday use. I used it as a throw blanket before I got married, but once I was married I was worried my husband would spill something on it! So I brought it to Ireland, but it has actually sat unused for a few years before I got the idea to turn it into a headboard. (See patchwork quilt as headboard pictured above)

Ruaruth: How do people usually react to it?

Emily: It’s in our bedroom, so it doesn’t get too much traffic, but when people do see it they love the whole story of who made it and what it means to me.

Ruaruth: Can you tell me more details about the fabric, stitching and colourways in the quilt?

Emily: The fabric is just scraps that my grandmother had collected over the years. My favorite piece is a yellow patterned satin that she used to make one of our Barbie’s a hilarious 70’s jumpsuit when we were little. There are bits of velvet and a few ribbons and pieces of lace sewn in as well.

Ruaruth: How do you display it now?

Emily: The quilt is hung on a dowel and hooks above our bed. I made a small padded headboard to protect it from our heads when we’re sleeping, but it hangs from the ceiling to just below the mattress.

Ruaruth: Who will you hand it on to?

Emily: I’d never thought of that, but I’m sure one of my future children will inherit it when I’m gone! And they’ll be taught from a young age not to spill anything on it!

Check out Emily’s blog and see more of her adventures From China Village here 

All images are courtesy of Emily Westbrooks

Emily and her Grandmother in 2013.