I gave my youngest granddaughter a guilt for Christmas. Because I realize it is impossible to know what goes into making a quilt by those who have never seen one being made, I wrote her a letter to accompany the quilt. It went like this:
A Quilt for Sarah
A quilt isn't just fabric and thread, but is about the legacy and touching of generations.
It is about commitment, not just in time and skill, but an investment of what you value. It is love, stitch by stitch. It is hope, that the quilt will be lovingly cared for and passed on to future children and grand children. The story of the quilt is part of it. How did it come to be? Who was it made for? On what occasion was it given?
Although the cost of a hand made quilt can be figured in the fabrics, batting, thread, as well as the time and skill of the maker, the real value come from the love that inspired the quilt maker. From the perfect pattern, to shopping for just the right fabrics. From precisely cutting and combining the many pieces to carefully sewing the scant quarter inch seams. Gently layering the backing, batting and quilt top together then painstakingly quilting the layers together, stitch by tiny stitch.
It is my hope that you cherish your quilt, and appreciate all that went into it, for when I saw the inspiration pattern, I thought only of you.
Love,
Grandma Lynda