Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Poorly Blanket

I'm in a reflective mood this morning. Last evening DS2 announced that he wasn't feeling well and wanted the poorly blanket. There hasn't been a request for the poorly blanket for years, so in a way it was nice to get it out. And here it is. And what is it you might well ask, and what is so special about it?

The poorly blanket is a quilt. I was made for me as a wedding present by my grandmother who was by then 87. My granny made beautiful quilts, hexagons usually, out of scraps of leftover material, each one hand stitched, unique and beautiful.

This one is different. Not hexagons, but squares. And I love it. It was made with failing eyesight, Alzheimers and love. It was the last quilt she made, and by the time it was finished she had forgotten who she was making it for. The stitching isn't brilliant, but they are HER stitches, and it's one of my treasures and I just adore it.

It was always used as a snuggle up when the children were poorly - hence the term pooorly blanket. Here it is. It's not huge, it's just the right size for a little one to snuggle in.

As you can see it's different on both sides.


I can only hope that if I am still around at 87 that I will still be capable of knitting or sewing something - whether it would then be as fondly remembered a quarter of a century later who knows. This little quilt is absolutely priceless.


I shall be remembering little bits and pieces about my grandparents all day I think.


And please - spare a thought for DS2 - we are going to see The Who together tonight at the NIA. We've been looking forward to this for yonks - I do so want him to feel better this evening.

8 comments:

Auntie Noo said...

Oh I'm all choked up now!! - Isn't it amazing to have such a special gift..... and made at 87 - OMG that is truly incredible! Have a lovely day with your memories Joy x (do you know the words to "Bookends" by Simon and Garfunkel - your post has got me singing it round and round in my head!.... "Time it was and what a time it was it was,
A time of innocence a time of confidences.Long ago it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you" ) _ Fab song!

Linda said...

How lovely, and the quilt is so huge and lovely too.

Seahorse said...

What a priceless treasure. Worth so much more than any jewellry or antiques you might have inherited.

Hope DS2 is back on form for tonight. He definitely has the best Mum for knowing what he should do to feel better!

gilraen said...

Made with Love says so much more. What a wonderful 'blanket' and a lovely idea. I hope DS feels better soon.

My grandmother also made us all quilts and they were always very special too :)

Piglottie said...

What a beautiful quilt, and what a wonderful post - thank you so much for sharing Joy! And I hope you all have a wonderful time tonight.

Joy said...

Thank you! It's funny isn't it how something can trigger off a whole chain of thoughts.

DS was fine to go - all those good luck vibes worked - but he was very tired at the end. It was a great night :-)

Anonymous said...

What a special blanket. I'm crying again now.

T said...

Beautiful blankie - that is such a wonderful thing to have in your family.

Glad DS recovered manfully and you all had a good time :D The quilt has medicinal powers!