Please don’t keep this just for best….
Yes, I’m still making bear paws….and will be for a while. 21 done and 11 to go, so I guess I’m two-thirds of the way there, which doesn’t seem too bad. The process is rather calming as there aren’t an awful lot of points that have to match and I have a nice little production line going.
The more I look at these blocks, the more I realize that they have my 85 year old mother’s name all over them. They are definitely in her colours. I’m thinking of trying to get the quilt finished for Christmas. This means no hand quilting of course, but I can live with that.
My only slight issue is that I’m not sure my mother really gets quilts and she’s probably far too set in her ways to actually use one, but I’d be thrilled if someone gave me a lovely quilt for Christmas, wouldn’t you? It’s the thought that counts, but I’d really like it if it didn’t just end up in a drawer waiting to be used for best, like most of my gifts do….
Helen
September 29th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Oh gosh, isn’t that a frustration with giving gifts to the elderly? When my mother in law passed away, I discovered nearly everything I had given her over the past 15 years wrapped in tissue and tucked away out of sight.
September 29th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
My mother was that way too. Unfortunately most of that generation were brought up that way – keep things for “best”. I was starting to do that too but weaned myself out of it – there is no day like to present to enjoy the things you love.
Have a great weekend.
By the way I am sure she will love the quilt because you made it.
September 29th, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Yes my mother is the same – I made a fabric coaster and she said “If I had made that, I wouldn’t use it, I would keep it for best” – which I know is meant to be a compliment but in fact just defeats the object of making stuff! Maybe give it to her and say “this is for the spare bed/sofa/specific location” ?
September 29th, 2012 at 6:45 pm
The quilt has a peaceful look to it and is turning out beautifully, Helen. I hope she loves it!
September 29th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
It’s gorgeous! How about making it lap size for her chair – afternoon nap size? I’ve never tried a bear’s paw but this is inspiring me to try.
September 29th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
It is lovely and if you think she will love it give it to her and encourage her to use it. Maybe you could suggest that if she needs one for “best” that you would make her a better one later for that, that this one is for every day.
September 29th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
You’re going great guns with it! I made one for my gran and it decorate the spare room bed. I think she has no idea what to do with it!
September 29th, 2012 at 10:27 pm
I am so with you on the ‘getting quilts’ thing! I am sure she will love it, especially when you explain she can’t take it back as it was not from M&S!!!!
September 30th, 2012 at 5:09 am
I like it best when my quilts are “used and abused”, as my friend, Lulu, once said!
September 30th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
You will be pleased to hear that the one you gave to your god daughter is used all the time. As well as being on her bed it was also used yesterday to fold up and make a very comfy and attractive sofa bed for bears!